Ingrown Toenail: Do Not Ignore Toe Pain or Pus

Persistent toe pain, swelling, redness, or pus around the nail should not be ignored. These symptoms may indicate an ingrown toenail.

In this Short, Dr. M. Ram Prabhu highlights why repeated infection around the toenail needs proper treatment.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, discharge, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes.

Warning signs

You should seek medical care if you have:

• Persistent toe pain.
• Pus or discharge.
• Redness around the nail fold.
• Swelling.
• Repeated infection.
• Difficulty wearing footwear.

Why early treatment helps

Early care can reduce infection, pain, and recurrence. Patients with diabetes or poor wound healing should be especially careful and avoid delaying treatment.

Key takeaway

Do not repeatedly cut, dig, or squeeze an infected nail fold at home. Persistent toe pain or pus needs proper evaluation and treatment.