Yes, you should be worried about an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, they can lead to infection. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the flesh, instead of growing straight along the surface of the toe. This can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight, cutting the toenail too short, or trauma to the toenail.
If you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience pain, redness, and swelling around the nail. You may also notice pus or fluid coming from the area. It's important to treat an ingrown toenail right away, as it can lead to infection.
To treat an ingrown toenail, you may need to soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salt to soften the toenail and reduce inflammation. You can also gently push the edges of the toenail away from the flesh. If this doesn't work, you may need to see a doctor, who may trim the toenail or remove it altogether.
To prevent ingrown toenails, make sure to wear shoes that fit properly and don’t cut your toenails too short. Also, be sure to keep your feet clean and dry and practice basic foot hygiene.
In summary, yes, you should be worried about an ingrown toenail. If left untreated, it can cause infection and a lot of pain and discomfort. To prevent it, make sure to wear proper fitting shoes, keep your feet clean and dry, and not cut your toenails too short. If you have an ingrown toenail, you should treat it right away.