Do I Have Ingrown Toenails?

Do you have pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail?

Do you have redness around your toenail?

Do you have swelling of your toe around the nail?

Do you feel pain when pressure is placed on the toe?

Have you noticed an accumulation of fluid around your toe?

Do you have bleeding in the affected area on your toe?

Do you have pus drainage from the infected area on the toe?

Do you feel a foul odor in the affected area?

Do you have an overgrowth of skin around the toe?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the sides or corners of the nail grow into the skin next to the nail. When the edge of the nail penetrates the skin, an inflammatory process develops, which may initially represent a slight discomfort, later can potentially turn into an infection of the surrounding area. An ingrown toenail most commonly affects the big toe. It usually occurs in people who cut their toenails too short, wear shoes that crowd their toes, or have a toenail injury. Also, some people have unusually curved toenails.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail is a common problem that occurs when the edges or corners of the toenail grow into the toe. It is a painful condition. An ingrown toenail can be hard, swollen and tender at first. Soon after, redness and swelling may develop at the corner of the toenail. These symptoms are often related to an infection. Sometimes there is a small amount of pus that drains from the infected area. Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on an examination of your toenail and the surrounding area.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail describes a condition in which the sides of the nail grow into the skin of your big toe. An ingrown toenail is usually curved. The bacteria can enter the area around the ingrown nail and cause an infection, which is often marked by the drainage of pus and an unpleasant odor. People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should seek immediate medical attention to treat an ingrown toenail to avoid potential complications. Treatment involves self-care measures, soaking, appropriate nail trimming methods and various surgical treatments.