No direct mortality for this disorder exists. Rare in preteens, it is more common in teenagers, and its occurrence increases throughout life. Patients have a painful, swollen and tender toe. When infection is present, the patient may have local discharge. Important components of the history include a previous history of risk factors for diabetes and arterial insufficiency.
Lymphangitis is rare.
The affected side is readily apparent. Inspection for other contributing causes, particularly mycoses, is important. Once nails have started to grow in, which opens the basement membranes of the cuticle to bacterial invasion, action is needed to forestall progression. The edge of the nail must be elevated from the bed. If the nail is too ingrown to do this without pain, try soaking the foot in warm water with an antibacterial agent.