If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know what a pain it can be and how difficult it is to prevent it from developing. The more the nail grows, the more vulnerable the toes are to injury. Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer are a team of podiatrists at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, who take this common foot problem very seriously and can help treat an ingrown toenail before it becomes a more serious condition.
Causes and Signs of an Ingrown Toenail
The nails, made of a protein called keratin, are very strong and sharp when healthy. If they come in contact with soft surrounding skin tissue, they can cut through the surface and cause deep wounds. An ingrown toenail happens when a nail cut too short begins to grow into the skin. The area becomes red, irritated, sore and in some cases can become infected if it isn’t treated promptly.
How an Ingrown Toenail Can Become Infected
As the nail breaks the skin, the wound is exposed to bacteria and dirt, which is what can cause an infection. Since a dirty toenail or skin could promote the development of an infection, it’s important to keep your feet and nails clean daily. An ingrown toenail can also become infected when walking barefoot, especially outside in the dirt, at swimming pools, and in gyms.
Seeking Treatment for an Ingrown Toenail Infection
You can stop an ingrown toenail before it starts by properly clipping your nail, but there comes a time when you need help from your Evansville, IN, podiatrist. Your doctor can clip your nails for you regularly in the office and in a severe can when an infection is present, surgery may be recommended. During this type of procedure, part of the toenail is removed along with some of the skin tissue. The wound is cleaned and treated to eliminate the infection and you will also take antibiotics orally. With time, the nail will grow back and it’s important to follow the maintenance advice provided by your foot doctor to avoid a recurrence.
Have a Podiatrist Look at Your Toes
Without prompt treatment, an infection due to an ingrown toenail can spread and cause major foot pain. If you have a problem with a stubborn ingrown toenail, schedule an exam with Dr. Charlotte Reisinger or Dr. Dusky Farmer at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN in Evansville, IN, by calling (812) 421-8555 today.