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Don’t brush off an ingrown toenail as it can lead to serious complications

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Tight shoes or ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on the toes and force the nails to grow into the skin. Ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections and even amputation in the case of people with diabetes.

Tight or ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on the toes and force nails to grow into the skin.

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SINGAPORE – Ingrown toenails should not be taken lightly, say podiatrists here, who add that these are among the most common foot conditions they treat. An ingrown toenail starts with the nail growing out and wounding nearby skin, but could end with a loss of the toe due to infection.

Even babies are at risk of infection from ingrown toenails. Dr Michael Lai, principal podiatrist and clinical director at East Coast Podiatry, says the youngest patient treated for ingrown toenails at his clinic was just six days old.

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