There is no direct mortality for this disorder. It is rare in pre-teens, becoming more common in teenagers and increases throughout life. Patients will present complaining of a painful, swollen and tender toe. When infection is present, the patient may complain of local discharge. Important components of the history include previous history of risk factors for diabetes and arterial insufficiency.
Lymphangitis is rare.
Inspection for other contributing causes, particularly mycoses, is important. Shoes should have a toe box large enough to fit toes without pressure and allow for normal spreading of the toes with walking. Nails should not be cut shorter at the edges. Once nails have started to grown in, opening the basement membranes of the cuticle to bacterial invasion, action is needed to forestall progression. It is important to realize that the edge of the nail must be elevated from the bed.