Infected Ingrown Toenails are a fairly normal problem that can be troublesome with pain and can limit any daily activity. Ingrown toenails normally happen with the big toe but also can affect any of the other toes. They are most normally seen in young adults and adolescents but can be a problem common for individuals of any age.

Ingrown toenail infection may have 3 stages. Stage 1, there is redness, some swelling and at the nail’s lateral fold there is pain. Stage 2, there is more pain, discharge coming from the nail edge and signs of an infection. In Stage 3, scar tissue begins to form on the lateral wall.

The causes of ingrown nails include a trauma that is direct on the toe forcing the corner of the nail into the surrounding fold of the nail, genetic predilection, nail trimming that is improper, shoes that fit poorly, as well as constant as well as repetitive micro-trauma from day-to-day activities that are normal.

Treatment options can range from very conservative methods to surgical procedures. Conservative tactics include soaking foot in water that is warm, using oral or topical antibiotics; learn proper nail trimming methods and the raising of the nail corner are frequently used for individuals with mild stage 1 disease. Individuals may be prescribed antibiotics to cover most Gram-positive bacteria; immune-compromised or diabetic individual might need antibiotics that have a broader-spectrum. Primary care physician may pack the border of the nail with gauze that is antibiotic impregnated to release the pressure and to help the toenail to grow out from the adjacent skin.

Options surgically comprise removal of the nail border affected back to the trauma or the total nail matrix or nail plate. Any surgical may be done with a matrixectomy – removal of the nail matrix – which stops future growing of the nail. Matrixectomy may be done thru chemical application, electrocautery, or surgical dissection.