Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. But that’s not all they cause, unfortunately.

While this condition can be uncomfortable for anyone, it can pose even greater risks for individuals with certain underlying health issues. And from there, solutions are tougher to come by. For this blog post, Advanced Foot Care of NJ will cover the most common complications of ingrown toenails and then break down what you can do to avoid them.

Diabetic Foot Complications:
- For people with diabetes, even a minor foot injury, like an ingrown toenail, can lead to serious complications. Reduced blood flow and nerve damage can impair healing and increase the risk of infection. A non-healing ingrown toenail can escalate into a foot ulcer, which, in severe cases, may even lead to amputation.
Fungal Infections:
- Ingrown toenails create an ideal environment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus to thrive. The warm, moist area around the ingrown nail provides a perfect breeding ground, leading to further discomfort, itching, and potential complications.
Cellulitis:
- In some cases, an ingrown toenail can lead to cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. Cellulitis can cause redness, swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected area. If left untreated, it can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

Preventing and Treatment

You can handle ingrown toenails via…

Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges.
Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and allow adequate space for your toes. Avoid tight or narrow shoes that can compress your toes.
Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them daily with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Don’t let minor matters become serious problems! If you have a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, consult a podiatrist. They can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide guidance on preventing future issues.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor, and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!