An ingrown toenail can occur when the sides or corner of the nail digs into the skin, which can cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort. Treating an ingrown toenail promptly is important to prevent an infection from developing. Dr. Michael Block, the board-certified podiatrist at our office serving Abingdon & Bel Air, MD, treats ingrown toenails.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails can be associated with a wide range of symptoms due to the nail pressing into the surrounding skin. Common signs and symptoms of a toenail that has become ingrown include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Infected skin around the nail
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Tenderness on the side of the nail
- Pus around the affected nail
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can result from several different factors. Some causes of an ingrown toenail include:
- A fungal infection of the toenail
- An injury to the toe that affects the nail
- Wearing shoes that are too short or too tight around the toes
- Trimming toenails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes
- Curved toenails are more likely to become ingrown
- Certain medical conditions
Treatments for Ingrown Toenails
Many methods are available for effectively treating and getting rid of ingrown nails. At our podiatry office serving the Abingdon & Bel Air, MD, areas, ingrown toenail treatments include:
- Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy warm water several times daily
- Wear loose-fitting shoes and socks that do not crowd or squish the toes
- Prescription antibiotic medication to clear up any existing infection
- Cutting out the ingrown portion of the nail (partial nail plate avulsion)
When performing a partial nail plate avulsion, an anesthetic is administered to numb the area prior to beginning. Then the ingrown portion of the nail is gently and carefully cut out. Finally, a special solution is applied to the area to prevent the thin strip of nail that was cut from regrowing. This helps prevent problems with the nail from becoming ingrown again.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Certain steps can be taken to help prevent toenails from becoming ingrown. Tips for preventing ingrown toenails include:
- Avoid trimming toenails too short
- Trim toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners
- Wear shoes that fit properly without being too tight or too short
- Keep feet and toes clean and dry to prevent fungal infections
- Treat fungal infections promptly
If you have an ingrown toenail, we can help. Dr. Block can recommend the right treatment approach for you. Schedule an appointment with our podiatrist to find out how to best treat your ingrown toenail by calling our office in Abingdon, MD, and serving Bel Air, MD at (410) 569-0445.