What happens if you keep ignoring an ingrown toenail without trimming it?

Ingrown nails refer to the condition where the nail plate penetrates the surrounding skin tissue. Generally, neglecting to trim the nails when experiencing an ingrown nail may lead to various problems including nail thickening and deformation, granulation tissue proliferation, paronychia, purulent fingertip inflammation, lymphangitis, and lymphedema. A detailed explanation follows:

1. Nail thickening and deformation: If individuals with ingrown nails consistently avoid trimming their nails, continuous irritation may lead to nail thickening and deformation. Nail thickening might be accompanied by nail layering, while deformation could increase the risk of further ingrowth.

2. Granulation tissue proliferation: Failure to trim ingrown nails over a prolonged period may irritate the surrounding skin tissue, causing granulation tissue proliferation and the formation of polyp-like tissue. Without timely treatment, local infection may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, and pus formation.

3. Paronychia: Untreated ingrown nails are a common cause of paronychia. When the nail grows excessively and pierces the surrounding soft tissue, it damages the local tissue and triggers inflammation. Symptoms of paronychia include redness, swelling, and pain along the nail edge, sometimes accompanied by exudation and purulent discharge. If left untreated, chronic inflammation or sinus tract formation may result.

4. Purulent fingertip inflammation: Paronychia caused by failure to promptly trim an ingrown nail can progress to purulent fingertip inflammation, which typically occurs due to secondary bacterial infection following minor trauma to the nail fold and surrounding tissues. Main symptoms include severe pain, throbbing, tenderness in the affected finger, increased pain during passive flexion or extension of the finger, and localized redness, increased skin temperature, and fluctuance in the fingertip area.

5. Lymphangitis and lymphedema: Secondary infections caused by persistent neglect of ingrown nails may lead to inflammatory factors obstructing lymphatic return, potentially resulting in lymphangitis and lymphedema. Symptoms of lymphangitis include linear red streaks along the affected lymphatic vessels, accompanied by local pain, tenderness, and elevated skin temperature. Lymphedema manifests as limb swelling, thickened skin, and may also involve itching and pain.

Therefore, it is recommended to monitor nail growth regularly in daily life. Ingrown nails should be trimmed promptly, and professional medical treatment should be sought if the condition becomes severe. Additionally, avoiding excessive nail trimming, and choosing appropriate footwear and socks are also preventive measures against ingrown nails.