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Warning-sign checks

Ingrown toenail: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care if you become confused, faint, very unwell, or have other signs of a severe, rapidly spreading infection.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical advice if the toe is increasingly painful, produces pus, or develops redness and swelling that are spreading beyond the nail.

    You should also seek care if home measures have not helped or the nail keeps becoming ingrown.

    Do not wait for the pain to become severe, because reduced sensation can hide worsening injury.

    Get urgent same-day help if redness is spreading quickly, the toe or foot becomes markedly swollen, or you develop fever or chills.

The article also says

Do not try to cut out the nail yourself if it is deeply embedded or surrounded by swollen, bleeding tissue.

Seek early professional care for any foot wound or suspected infection if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation in your feet, or a weakened immune system.

An ingrown toenail is rarely an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ingrown toenail. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.