Toenail Infections: What Causes Them?

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Toenail infections may result from a variety of causes, including fungal infections or calluses caused by shoes. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common types of toenail infections. Toenails that are ingrown become red and inflamed, uncomfortable, and sometimes pus-filled. They occur when the margins of the toenail begin to grow into the skin near the toenail.

Ingrown toenails are most commonly caused by:

• Shortening or lengthening your toenails
• Injuries to the toenails
• Toenails with a curvy shape (genetic predisposition)
• Putting pressure on your big toes with improper footwear (too tight or narrow)
• An improperly cut toenail (you should cut it straight across without angling the sides)
• Dance, soccer, and skiing are some sports and activities
• Unclean and wet feet (poor foot hygiene)
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Infections on your toes can be common if you have diabetes or another illness that causes poor circulation or a weakened immune system. Since diabetics may not feel discomfort until a severe toe infection, they should inspect their feet often and see a podiatrist on a regular basis.

What is the best time to see a doctor?

Infections of the toe can be treated at home with various methods, but it's important to know when to seek medical attention. A podiatrist can help you if you have any of these symptoms:

• Your toe is red, swollen, and/or draining
• If over-the-counter creams haven't worked, you may have a fungal infection
• Diabetes and an infected or ingrown toenail
• The symptoms of your toenail infection don't go away, they worsen, or they keep returning
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Symptoms such as fever and red streaks of the skin leading away from the infected spot on your toe should be reported to your doctor immediately.

If you know how to handle an infected toe and when to see a doctor, you don't have to suffer from an infected toenail.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833 , or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ Our offices are located in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.