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Infected Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Symptoms, and Aftercare Instructions

An infected ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, allowing bacteria to enter the area and cause an infection. This condition can be painful and may lead to symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, redness, and pus or drainage along the side of the nail.

Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail:
• wearing poorly fitting shoes
• minor injuries
• improper nail trimming.

To help prevent ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges. Avoid cutting your toenails too short, and choose shoes with enough room for your toes instead of tight or pointed footwear.

In some cases, the portion of the nail that has grown into the skin may need to be removed. Seeking medical care early can help reduce discomfort, prevent worsening infection, and promote proper healing.

After Your Procedure: Care Instructions

  1. Manage discomfort after anesthesia wears off.
    Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may take Ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve as directed for pain and discomfort. Elevating your foot and applying ice can also help reduce swelling.
  2. Keep the dressing in place.
    Leave the dressing on until the following morning, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
  3. Soak and care for the affected area.
    Soak your foot twice daily in lukewarm water with Epsom salt for no more than 15 minutes. After soaking, gently pat the foot dry, apply a triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, and cover the area with gauze. Continue this routine until your next scheduled appointment.
  4. Monitor for normal bleeding.
    You may notice small spots of blood through your dressing, which is common and should not be a cause for concern. If the dressing becomes saturated with blood, remove the dressing, apply gentle compression, and elevate your foot for 15 minutes. You may then apply a new dressing.
  5. Watch for signs of complications.
    Some continued drainage is expected and can be part of the normal healing process. However, contact the office immediately if you notice yellow or creamy drainage, increasing redness around the area, fever, chills, or any other concerning symptoms.