Ingrown Nails/Nail Injuries | Express Urgent Care

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Our fingers, toes, and their nails are involved in almost every aspect of daily life. They are, therefore, very susceptible to injury and infection.

Healthy nails will have a pinkish color with the occasional flecks of white and “half moon” of white appearing at the nail bed (most commonly in fingernails). Bumps and ridges are normal; however, severe alterations of the nail’s surface can indicate an underlying infection or fungus.

Cuticles are a common source of infection, especially resulting from picking, biting or the use of unsanitary manicure tools. If you spot a reddened or swollen area with red streaks radiating from the cuticle, this can indicate an infection that requires medical attention right away.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are the result of the edge or corner of a toenail growing into the soft tissue on the side of the nail bed. They are most common in the largest toe, but they can happen with any nail. They are often caused by improper footwear or injury.

Symptoms of Injury or Infection

Redness or swelling around the cuticle might signal infection
Joint pain, stiffness or tingling in the fingers or joints can point to nerve compression, arthritis or an overuse syndrome
Limited range of motion accompanied by swelling, bruising and stiffness in the presence of an injury could indicate a broken bone
Deep ridges or loss of the fingernail may be due to fungus or infection

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Pain and swelling at the edge of a nail bed
Nail visibly growing into the soft tissue
Symptoms of fungal infection (athlete’s foot)
Thickened and discolored (yellow or brown) nails
Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails
Misshapen nails
Nails separating from the nail bed
Unusual and unpleasant odor

Who is at risk?

Cuticle damage is especially notable in children who bite and pick at their fingers; this could result in a limb-threatening infection if redness and swelling does not receive proper medical attention. Anyone can sustain an injury to the fingers or nails causing infection. Fungal infections are common in athletes or other people who wear non-breathable shoes for extended periods, as moisture from sweat can cause the growth of fungus.

Treatment

A nail infection might require incision and debridement of an abscess followed by antibiotics. Let a doctor help you make that decision before the infection spreads or escalates into something worse. Tingling sensations may be evaluated through evaluating your vital signs and possibly ordering bloodwork to check you for anemia and Vitamin B deficiency. Tingling or pain without injury is sometimes related to pressure on a nerve which can also be evaluated and treated by a medical professional.

Ingrown toenails can be treated in many ways depending on the severity. Mild cases are treated by lifting or splinting the nail so that it grows away from the soft tissue. More severely ingrown nails are treated by either cutting part of the affected nail off, or, in severe cases, removing the entire nail.

Most fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your infection doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, a doctor may prescribe a stronger topical cream.

Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?

Nail infections (including those caused by ingrown nails) can become serious if not treated. If you have signs of infection (redness, swelling, puss) that don’t respond to over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, you should contact a doctor for evaluation and treatment.