How to Tell if Your Ingrown Toenail is Infected

An ingrown toenail can be uncomfortable and annoying, but an infection can turn this relatively benign condition into a serious problem quickly. Not sure what to look for? 

At Cascade Foot & Ankle Center in Provo and Nephi, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, and our team treat ingrown toenails regularly. Many patients come in unsure whether their toe needs medical attention or if they’re overreacting to typical symptoms.

Watch for these infection red flags

An infected ingrown toenail behaves differently from one that’s just irritated. While both can hurt, infection causes distinct changes to your toe.

Your toe feels unusually hot

The first sign many patients notice is increased warmth. Place the back of your hand or inner wrist against the affected toe, then against the same toe on your other foot. An infected toe radiates heat that feels noticeably different from your body’s normal temperature. 

Pus is never a typical sign of healing

While some clear fluid might appear with any ingrown toenail, pus indicates bacteria have moved in. This discharge often appears yellow, white, or greenish and may have an unpleasant odor. You might notice it when removing your sock or see crusty residue on your nail bed.

The discharge typically starts as a small bead of fluid at the nail’s edge. As the infection progresses, the amount increases, and you might see drainage when you press gently near the nail.

Spreading redness means trouble

All ingrown toenails cause some redness, but infected ones show a specific pattern. Initially, you'll see pink or red skin right where the nail digs in. With infection, this redness expands beyond the immediate area, sometimes creeping up the toe or spreading to adjacent skin.

Watch for red streaks extending from the toe toward your foot. These lines indicate the infection is moving through your system and requires immediate medical attention. 

Pain becomes constant and severe

The pain from an infected ingrown toenail differs from regular ingrown toenail discomfort. Instead of sharp pain only when pressure is applied, infected toenails often cause:

• Constant throbbing that doesn't subside when you rest
• Shooting pains that travel up your foot
• Sensitivity so severe that even light touch causes discomfort
• Pain that wakes you at night

Pain from an infected ingrown toenail can evolve from annoying and uncomfortable to impossible to ignore within days.

When an infection requires professional help

An infected ingrown toenail always requires professional care. You should never try to treat an infection at home. Seek immediate help if you experience fever, chills, or feel generally unwell along with toe symptoms. These indicate the infection may be spreading beyond your toe.

Recovery depends on quick action

Once we identify an infected ingrown toenail, treatment varies based on severity. Minor infections might respond to oral antibiotics and proper nail care. More advanced cases sometimes require partial nail removal to drain the infection and prevent its return.

The sooner you address an infected ingrown toenail, the simpler the treatment. What starts as a condition we can treat in the office might require more extensive intervention if left untreated.

Book an ingrown toenail evaluation in Provo or Nephi, Utah

An infected ingrown toenail won’t improve without proper care. If you notice warmth, pus, spreading redness, or worsening pain, call Cascade Foot & Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Clegg and our team can assess your toe and start treatment to prevent complications.