How do I get rid of an infected ingrown toe nail?

Ingrown toe nail slight swelling?

• I have always been susceptible to ingrown toe nails since i was a kid after a srious injury when i was small. they alway occur on the same foot and same side, my left foot inner side near the other toes. I had a ingrown toe nail i thought nothign of it, and i figured it would just go away as they usally did, however this one came fighting it evently became infected and puss was there. my skin on the side was swollen a light purple color. as an idiot i left it unattended just putting neosporin. it got to the point where i did the dumb thing, and cut it way back into the skin. the swelling went down a bit but not completely. anyways the swelling was still there, i could touch it and it didnt hurt, i decided that i would get it taken care of, and went to see a doc. i found out that a small piece of nail had grown deep into my skin so thats why the swelling hadnt gone down. after a small minor surgery the doc got into the skin and little by little took out the nail. its been 2 almost 3 weeks since that but the skin is still a put slight purple, not as bad as before but there is some color, i can touch it and it doesnt hurt it doesnt bother be to wear shoes or when i walk. However im just concerned that perhaps the doc didnt get everything and is maybe the reason why its still a bit swollen. Any advice?

• Answer:

  Yes, call your doctor and tell him what's going on. Also, while you're there, ask him to show you how to properly cut your toe nails so that they grow away from the skin (there is a technique of cutting them in a "v" ). He can also permanently remove the nail bed and you'll never have to worry about the toenail again. It isn't pretty, but it's a solution. Hope you feel better.