Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems, and they are an unsightly, painful one.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of ingrown toenails are:

• Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail

• Redness around your toenail

• Swelling of your toe around the nail

• Infection of the tissue around your toenail

Some ingrown toenails can be attended to at home, but if there is discomfort or pus and redness that appears to be spreading, see a doctor. It’s also a good idea to see a doctor for an ingrown toenail if there are other medical issues present, like circulation problems. A doctor will also be able to advise en effective course of treatment.

To lessen the chance of an ingrown toenail, avoid cutting the toenails too short or unevenly. Wear the right size shoes and avoid shoes that squish the toenails. Injuries and curved toenails can also cause ingrown toenails. It’s best not to ignore the problem, because it can lead to an infection of the underlying bone.

The winter is a great time to take care of an ingrown toenail that has been bothering you, as your feet are not always on display in the cold weather. But don’t ignore one, no matter what the weather.