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First thing to keep in mind. Do not let infections in your toenail get out of hand. If it gets to this stage, you’ve let it go on too long. As you can see from the photo, there is a large degree of infection present.

However, if you’re already guilty of a little procrastination (and who among us isn’t); it might be wise to read on.

The problem with such a toe is that making the toe numb enough for an avulsion procedure is difficult. The infection present starts to alter the pH of your system such that it becomes more acidic. The resulting acidity makes it difficult to numb the toe.

Having a toenail procedure done with sketchy anesthesia is uncomfortable at best. Having dental work done on teeth that are abscessed is a good comparision. Not a place you want to be.

If you have any antibiotics on hand, try taking a few before you come in. This will not cure the ingrown toenail, but it will clear out part of the infection. This makes it easier for your podiatrist to treat you.

An ingrown toenail that's gotten infected