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I Have An Infected Ingrown Toenail Which Is Very Painful.

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Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2020
Question: i have an infected ingrown toenail which is very painful. I have been using neosporin and soaking in epson salts but it has gotten worse.
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Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Likely needs the nail to be cut

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. For mild cases of ingrown toenails, conservatives measures can be tried, such as the topical antibiotics and soaking in epson salts that you have tried, and also placing a cotton wedge or dental floss underneath the nail. However, once the ingrown toenail becomes more severe and infection starts, usually that side of the nail needs to be cut, and antibiotic pills need to be taken. The nail is cut by a doctor after numbing the toe, and then applying medicine to stop bleeding.

It does sound like your toe has become severe, so I would recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you can to get this procedure done, which should help significantly with the pain and put you on the path to healing this infection.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1206 Questions

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I Have An Infected Ingrown Toenail Which Is Very Painful.

Brief Answer: Likely needs the nail to be cut Detailed Answer: Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. For mild cases of ingrown toenails, conservatives measures can be tried, such as the topical antibiotics and soaking in epson salts that you have tried, and also placing a cotton wedge or dental floss underneath the nail. However, once the ingrown toenail becomes more severe and infection starts, usually that side of the nail needs to be cut, and antibiotic pills need to be taken. The nail is cut by a doctor after numbing the toe, and then applying medicine to stop bleeding. It does sound like your toe has become severe, so I would recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you can to get this procedure done, which should help significantly with the pain and put you on the path to healing this infection. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.