Think your ingrown toenail might be infected? Learn how to identify the signs & walk into our Fountain City clinic for fast, convenient relief. 

After spending a fun day with your kids at Knoxville’s STEM-based learning museum – Muse Knoxville, you attribute your aching toe to just another long day. But before too long that dull ache becomes painful and you notice your toenail has started growing into your skin. Now, it’s swollen and red. Is it infected? 

Ingrown toenails are the opposite of fun. If you can catch it early, you might be able to treat it at home, but what if it’s infected? Do you seek medical care? Should you wait for your primary doctor, or will the local urgent care clinic do the trick? 

Here’s everything you need to know about ingrown toenails, how to identify infected ones and where you can go for treatment. 

Visit AFC Fountain City today.  

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail is when your nail – typically your big toenail – grows into your skin rather than above it. 

Common causes of ingrown toenails include: 

• Cutting your toenails too short 
• Rounding the edges of your nails 
• Wearing the wrong shoes, usually tight-fitting shoes that press your nails into the skin 
• Injuring your toe (like stubbing or jamming it) 
• Repeated stress on your toes from physical activity such as ballet, running or soccer 
• Genetics 

How to tell you have an ingrown toenail: 

• Tenderness 
• Hardness 
• Swelling 

In the beginning, an ingrown toenail can be more annoying than harmless. But in order to avoid infection, treating an ingrown nail as soon as you notice the signs is vital. 

Infected Ingrown Toenails 

Left untreated, ingrown toenails can go from a dull ache to extreme pain. If you notice the following signs, there’s a good chance your ingrown toenail is infected.  

• Increasing redness and swelling 
• Severe pain 
• Pus coming out of your toe 
• Bleeding 
• Feeling hot or shivery 

For relief and proper treatment, consider seeking prompt medical care at AFC Fountain City.  

How Did My Ingrown Toenail Get Infected? 

Paronychia is the cause of your infected ingrown toenail. This is a specific type of infection that is found around the skin of a toenail or fingernail. Any small cuts around the nail fold allow bacteria and fungi to enter, creating a painful infection. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common causes of paronychia.  

Certain groups of people are more prone to paronychia including diabetics, HIV patients and those with circulation issues. Anyone with a weakened immune system will also be more prone to paronychia because their bodies already have difficulty fighting off infection.  

At-Home and Professional Treatments 

If your ingrown toenail is still in its early stages, try this easy step-by-step home remedy before visiting AFC Fountain City. 

1. Soften your nail by soaking your foot in warm water mixed with salt for at least 15 minutes. 
2. Use a wedge and gently lift your nail. 
3. Under the nail, place a small string of dental floss or a small piece of cotton to help elevate the nail as it grows (change it daily). 
4. Apply antibiotic cream to help prevent infection. 
5. Gently bandage your toe and wear loose or open-toed shoes to help with healing.  

However, if your ingrown toenail has progressed to an infection, it’s best to stop by our urgent care. Here’s how we can help you. 

• Antibiotics: A prescribed antibiotic cream or pill can help reduce inflammation and clear up infection. 
• Wedge resection: Some cases may require that we perform a minor procedure to remove part of the nail. It’s non-surgical so we can do it right here in Fountain City!  
• Referrals: In extreme cases, we might have to refer you to a podiatrist.  

Prevention 

Although ingrown nails are common there are a few things you can easily do to help avoid them. 

• When cutting and trimming your toenails, always cut the nail straight across, leaving enough nail to cover the toe and protect it.  
• Wear socks and shoes that fit. Be mindful of tight, pointed and high heeled shoes which put your toes under a lot of pressure.  
• Keep your feet dry and clean, always thoroughly drying them after bathing, showering and swimming. 

Wrapping it Up 

Here at AFC Fountain City, we’re here to meet your needs. Whether you need antibiotics for your ingrown toenail or a simple exam to make sure your feet are in the clear, our top-tier medical team can help. You don’t even have to schedule an appointment at our clinic, just walk in! We accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay rates.  

Don’t let pain stop you from enjoying life in Fountain City. With AFC you can find relief right here in your neighborhood.