Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in some cases can be preventable. When the toenail begins to grow down into the skin, the ingrown toenail could become very painful. Although it is true that the way you trim your toenails can contribute to the occurrence of an ingrown toenail, there are many other factors such as fungal infection, injury, pressure applied by shoes and heredity. If left untreated for a time, ingrown toenails can be prone to cause infection, in which case treatment is needed.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail:

• Initially, painful when pressure is applied
• Inability to see nail borders as they are growing into the skin
• Skin may bubble over the nail
• When infected, Ingrown nail will be red, swollen, feverish and could be draining pus

Treatments for an Ingrown Toenail:

• Soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times a day
• Avoid wearing tight shoes and socks
• If infected, could require antibiotics only if prescribed by a physician
• May require surgical removal of the ingrown toenail in a simple in office procedure

Prevention of Ingrown Toenails:

• Cut your toenails straight across and not down into the skin
• If fungal infection is present, treat underlying factors to prevent it from becoming ingrown
• Wear proper fitting shoes and socks