An ingrown toenail can cause a lot of pain and discomfort due to a portion of the nail pressing against the skin. In addition to discomfort, other symptoms of an ingrown toenail include inflammation and redness. It is important to treat ingrown toenails promptly to prevent an infection from developing, which could lead to more serious issues. Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer, the experienced podiatrists at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, treat ingrown toenails.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
A toenail is likely to become ingrown when the corner or side of the nail grows too closely to the skin.Many different factors can lead to ingrown toenails, including:
- An injury or trauma to the toe or nail
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks
- Cutting or trimming toenails too short
- A fungal infection of the toenail
- Certain medical conditions
- Poor foot structure
- Heredity
Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
When a toenail grows too closely to the skin, it can dig into the skin and put pressure on it. The pressing of the nail into the skin often results in redness, discomfort, and other symptoms. Some common signs that a toenail is ingrown include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Redness of the skin around the nail
- Tenderness on the side of the toenail
- Inflammation of the skin around the nail
- Infected skin around the toenail
- Pus around the toenail
Treatments for Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails should be treated right away to prevent an infection from developing. Additionally, left untreated, the skin around the ingrown nail could ultimately grow over the toenail. Some steps that can be taken immediately to ease the discomfort of an ingrown toenail include soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water several times a day and wearing loose-fitting socks and shoes that do not put pressure on the ingrown nail.
The skilled podiatrists at our office in Evansville, IN, treat ingrown toenails and can determine the right course of treatment for you. A common method for treating ingrown nails is a procedure known as partial nail plate avulsion, which involves carefully cutting out the ingrown portion of the nail and applying a special solution to prevent that area from growing back. Prescription antibiotics might be needed, as well, if an infection is present.
Tips for Preventing Ingrown Toenails
There are several steps you can take to avoid getting ingrown toenails. Preventive measures include:
- Ensuring toenails are not cut too short or too close to the skin
- Trimming toenails straight across without rounding the corners
- Wearing shoes and socks that are not too tight to minimize pressure on the toes
- Keeping the feet and toes clean and dry to prevent a fungal infection
- Treating a fungal infection promptly if one develops
If you have an ingrown toenail, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Reisinger or Dr. Farmer to learn more about treating and preventing an ingrown toenail by calling Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, at (812) 421-8555.