Is it time to see a podiatrist about your ingrown toenail?
Noticing redness or pain in the skin around your large toenail? If so, this could very well be an ingrown toenail. From trimming your nails too short to wearing poorly fitted shoes, there are many reasons why people develop ingrown toenails. From the office of our Abingdon, MD, podiatrist Dr. Michael Block, here’s what you should know about treating an ingrown toenail and when you should see a qualified medical professional for treatment,
Could it be an ingrown toenail? Take a look at the affected toe and look for,
- Redness and swelling of the skin around the corner of the toenail (usually the big toe)
- The skin may also be painful or tender to the touch
- If you look at the nail, you may notice that the edge of the nail has grown into the side of the skin
In most instances the ingrown toenail will go away on its own; however, here are some things you can do at home to ease your symptoms,
- Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to alleviate pain and swelling
- Soak feet in warm water several times a day
- Wear open-toed sandals or shoes with a wide toe box that won’t put pressure on the nail
If you notice any signs of infection such as pus or oozing coming from the nail or you develop a fever it’s important that you see your Abingdon, MD, foot doctor right away to treat your ingrown toenail. You should also visit a podiatrist for treatment if,
- You have diabetes or nerve damage in your feet (since even minor problems such as an ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications, it’s important to see a qualified medical professional right away for treatment)
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- The nail isn’t improving despite home care
In this case, our podiatrist may need to trim away part of the nail or may place a small piece of cotton under the nail to lift it away from the skin to ensure that it grows out healthy. If there is an infection your doctor will also provide you with antibiotics.
Dr. Block and his team provide everything from bunion care to ingrown toenail treatment to those living in and around Abingdon and Bel Air, MD. If you are dealing with an infected or painful ingrown toenail then call us today at (410) 569-0445 to see a podiatrist.