Nail Removal Consideration
If an ingrown toenail persists despite home care, partial or complete nail removal might be necessary. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia, involves removing part of the nail and possibly the nail bed or growth plate. For chronic, severe cases, total nail removal may be recommended, though it carries risks such as infection and potential nail deformity during regrowth.
Consultation for Oral Antibiotics
In cases where an ingrown toenail infection is severe and unresponsive to other treatments, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. These medications reduce both pain and inflammation while combating infection. Signs of a severe infection include intensified redness and pain, swelling, pus formation, warmth, and a foul odor emanating from the toe. [6]
