Treatment will generally control the infection and relieve pain. However, the condition is likely to return if measures to prevent it are not taken. Good foot care is important to prevent recurrence.

This condition may become serious in people with diabetes, poor circulation, and nerve problems (peripheral neuropathies).

In severe cases, the infection may spread through the toe and into the bone.

Call your health care provider if you:

• Are unable to trim an ingrown toenail
• Have severe pain, redness, swelling, or fever

If you have diabetes, nerve damage in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation to your foot, or an infection around the nail, your risk for complications is higher. If you have diabetes, see your health care provider.

Images

Ingrown toenail

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Review Date: 04/27/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)