The redness, discomfort and severe pain you feel from an ingrown toenail can affect your daily activities. Dr. Robbins is a specialist in ingrown toenail care, and he’d like to help you treat this condition.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is formed when the side or corner or your toenail starts growing into the flesh at the edges of the nail. Typical ingrown toenail symptoms include redness, swelling, pain and, in some cases, infection.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Normal causes of this condition include:
- Having toenails with unusual curves
- Injuring any of your toenails
- Trimming toenails so that they become too curved or too short
- Wearing shoes that crowd your toes
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
To prevent the occurrence of ingrowing toenails:
- Cut your toenails so that they’re at the same level with the tip of each toe.
- Avoid cutting your nails to match the curve at the front of your toes. Keep them straight across.
- Wear shoes that have enough toe box room and avoid those that put pressure on your toes.
- Wear protective shoes with steel toes when you’re working in a dangerous environment.
- Examine your feet regularly for swelling or signs of ingrowth, especially if you have diabetes
Who is Prone to Having Ingrown Toenails?
The following individuals are more likely to develop ingrown toenails:
- People with sweaty feet
- Older people whose nails have become thick due to age
- People who practice poor foot hygiene
- Anyone who wear tight socks and shoes that put a lot of pressure on the toenails
What Are Some Short-Term Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options?
When there’s no infection, you can treat an ingrown toenail in the following manner:
- Soak the affected foot in warm water for 15 minutes about three times daily to soften the area around the nail
- Push skin from the toenail edge using a cotton ball saturated with olive oil
- Apply a topical antibiotic like neomycin
- If pain worsens, please consult your doctor
How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail for Long-Term Results?
When there is an infection, you may need minor surgery to treat the ingrown toenail. Partial removal of the nail will take care of the part of it that’s piercing your skin. Total nail removal may be needed if the ingrown toenail is a result of thickening.
When Should You See Your Doctor for Treatment?
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you:
- Have severe pain or discomfort in toes or you notice pus coming out of your toe
- Notice the flesh around your toenail becomes red
- Have diabetes or any other medical condition that results in poor blood circulation to your toes
Why Choose Dr. Robbins?
From his office in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Robbins has treated thousands of patients with various conditions in their legs and feet throughout his 33 years of practice.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment or discuss your foot condition, give Dr. Robbins a call at (817) 336-6600 or contact us through his website today.