Hello I've Had An Ingrown Toenail For About A Week

Posted on Mon, 24 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
I've had an ingrown toenail for about a week now. It got infected, but I've been treating it at home and it's gotten much better. It's no longer warm, or painful, and the corner of the nail is no longer embedded, but there is a small pocket of pus on the side of the toe (not the nail, the toe). It's not warm or painful or anything, but the area around it is red. I'm wondering if I should visit my GP or if I should keep treating it at home and see if it continues to improve.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go to doctor, the infection is spreading.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I see the photo of the toe you attached and it's corner is infected and filled with pus. I don't think this is better but the infection is spreading around the toe.
I think you should visit your GP.
Oral antibiotics may be needed and also surgical drenage may be needed.
You can't continue treating it at home. Seek medical attention soon.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T