Ingrown Toenail Removal Phoenix? Top Answer Update

diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose an ingrown toenail based on your symptoms and a physical examination of the nail and surrounding skin.

treatment

Ingrown Toenail Treatment Open pop-up dialog Close Ingrown Toenail Treatment Ingrown Toenail Treatment When treating ingrown toenails, cotton wool can be placed under the edge of the nail to separate the nail from the overlying skin. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin.

If home remedies haven’t helped your ingrown toenail, your doctor may recommend the following:

lifting the nail. For a mildly ingrown nail, your doctor may gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint underneath. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin, usually in 2 to 12 weeks. At home, you have to soak the toe and replace the material on a daily basis. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking. Another approach that minimizes the need for daily replacement uses cotton coated with a solution that fixes it in place and makes it waterproof (collodion).

Gluing the nail. In this method, your doctor uses tape to peel the skin away from the ingrown nail.

In this method, your doctor uses tape to peel the skin away from the ingrown nail. Place a gutter rail under the nail. With this method, your doctor numbs the toe and slides a tiny slotted tube under the embedded nail. This splint stays in place until the nail has grown past the edge of the skin. This method also helps relieve the pain of an ingrown nail.

With this method, your doctor numbs the toe and slides a tiny slotted tube under the embedded nail. This splint stays in place until the nail has grown past the edge of the skin. This method also helps relieve the pain of an ingrown nail. Partially remove nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail (inflamed skin, pain, and pus), your doctor may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. It may take 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back.

For a more severe ingrown toenail (inflamed skin, pain, and pus), your doctor may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. It may take 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back. Remove nail and tissue. If you have the problem repeatedly on the same toe, your doctor may suggest removing part of the nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed). This procedure can prevent that part of the nail from growing back. Your doctor will numb the toe and use a chemical, laser, or other method.

After a nail removal, you can take a pain reliever if necessary. Applying a wet compress for a few days until the swelling goes down may help. And rest and lift the toe for 12-24 hours. When you start moving again, avoid activities that hurt your toe and don’t swim or use a hot tub until your doctor tells you it’s okay. It’s okay to shower the day after surgery. Call your doctor if the toe doesn’t heal.

Sometimes the problem reappears even after a successful operation. Surgical approaches are better at preventing recurrence than non-surgical methods.

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lifestyle and home remedies

You can treat most ingrown toenails at home. Here’s how:

Soak your feet in warm, soapy water. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes until toe gets better.

Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes until toe gets better. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail. Place fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown line after each soak. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin.

Place fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown line after each soak. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin. Apply petroleum jelly. Apply petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly) to the sensitive area and bandage the toe.

Apply petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly) to the sensitive area and bandage the toe. Choose sensible footwear. Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better.

Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better. take painkillers An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve toe pain.

Prepare for your appointment

Your family doctor or a podiatrist (podiatrist) can diagnose an ingrown toenail. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your appointment. Some basic questions are:

Is my condition temporary or long term (chronic)?

What are my treatment options and the pros and cons of each?

What results can I expect?

Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own?

What nail care routine do you recommend while my toe heals?

Your doctor will likely ask you questions such as:

Pain and swelling around your toe and an inability to wear certain shoes can be signs of an ingrown toenail. It is a common condition that you can sometimes take care of at home. But if the pain becomes unbearable or you can see infection in the tissues around your toenail, you may need to see a doctor.

Here at the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced podiatrists treat ingrown toenails to get rid of the infection and relieve painful symptoms. To help you identify if your symptoms are going beyond home remedies, we’ve put together this guide to help you identify when your ingrown toenail needs medical attention.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition

If you’ve ever had the corner or side of your toenail red and inflamed, you probably have an ingrown toenail. This common condition is most common when you clip your toenails too short, wear tight shoes, or stub your toe. Additionally, some people have toenails that naturally curve into the skin, making them more susceptible to ingrown toenails and infections.

While you can resolve most ingrown toenails yourself, an ingrown toenail can become more serious than just an irritated toe if they become infected and the infection spreads, or if you have certain pre-existing conditions.

Assess your symptoms

Ingrown toenails often occur in your big toe. Signs that you have an ingrown toenail include:

Swollen, red skin on one side of the affected toenail

Pain and tenderness in the toe

Pain from the pressure of wearing shoes

Overgrown skin on the tip of the toe or next to the nail

Blood or pus oozing from the toenail or an open wound

If your symptoms are uncomfortable at first but not too severe, home remedies can ease your discomfort and prevent infection.

Try these home remedies

At the first sign of an ingrown toenail, try these home remedies to reduce pain and swelling and to see if your ingrown nail will go away on its own:

Soak your toe in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day

Apply an antibiotic ointment to the toe and cover it with a bandage

Wear sandals to avoid putting pressure on your toe

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Avoid cutting the toenail

If your toe feels better after a few days with these solutions, there’s probably no risk of the infection spreading or weakening. However, if your symptoms get worse or get better at first, but then the pain and swelling return, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

When to make an appointment with one of our podiatrists

If home remedies don’t help or you keep having ingrown toenails, it’s time to make an appointment with us. Your podiatrist at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers can determine what is causing the recurring ingrown toenail and treat it appropriately.

If you have diabetes or a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you have a greater risk of an ingrown toenail becoming a serious medical problem. It is especially important not to wait until you see a doctor. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to an infection or abscess on your toe, which may require surgery. Or the infection can spread to the bones in your toe.

How a podiatrist treats your ingrown toenail

After a careful examination and discussion with you about your overall health and well-being, your podiatrist may be able to gently lift your toenail to separate the nail from the skin. This helps your nail grow over the skin instead of into it.

In more severe cases, your doctor may need to remove part or all of your toenail. If necessary, your podiatrist can use a local anesthetic to numb your toe and remove the nail and a small area of ​​skin that is contributing to the problem.

To treat the infection, you may need to use a topical antibiotic or take one by mouth. If you’re prone to ingrown toenails or foot infections, your doctor will discuss preventive methods to minimize the problems for you in the long term.

If you’re concerned that an ingrown toenail is becoming a more serious health complication, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas. Click the Book Online button or give us a call to get the medical care you need in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

While ingrown toenails are very common, especially in teenagers, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. In fact, it’s often advisable to see a podiatrist as an ingrown toenail can easily become infected.

An ingrown toenail occurs when an edge of your toenail grows beyond the borders of the nail bed and into the skin next to your nail. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toes.

In this blog, the compassionate providers at Premier Foot & Ankle explain how to treat ingrown toenails at home, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent it in the future.

Choosing between home treatments and visiting a doctor

Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain and tenderness near the toenail, swelling and redness, and warmth. The choice of whether to treat an ingrown toenail at home or in a doctor’s office usually depends on its severity.

treatments at home

If you treat an ingrown toenail early, you may be able to solve the problem at home. At-home treatments may include:

Soak your affected foot in an Epsom salt bath several times a day

Apply topical antibiotic cream to prevent infection

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

If you attempt to treat your condition at home, you should monitor your condition closely.

When to the doctor

The dividing line between home care and seeking medical help for an ingrown toenail is when you see signs of infection. If the pain gets significantly worse, or if you notice pus or blood, increased redness, nail discoloration, or a bad smell, you must contact a doctor immediately.

Unfortunately, an ingrown toenail can get worse very quickly, so it’s important to monitor it carefully. If you have circulatory problems or are living with diabetes, you should see a doctor right away and not rely on home treatments.

Doctors have many options for treating ingrown toenails

At Premier Foot & Ankle we recommend a treatment based on your condition. We can prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to clear your infection. We may also recommend using a toenail splint, which is a small device that allows your nail to grow over your sensitive skin.

Depending on your situation, we may recommend a surgical solution. Your doctor can remove part of your toenail. Or your doctor can remove the entire nail if necessary to allow it to grow back properly. For people who frequently get ingrown toenails, sometimes removing the entire nail is the best option.

After treating your ingrown toenail, your doctor will recommend ways you can avoid getting another one. Suggestions may include wearing shoes that are roomy and fit well, trimming your toenails straight rather than rounded, and not trimming your nails too short. They should not be shorter than the tips of the toes.

If you have an ingrown toenail and would like treatment, make an online or phone appointment with Premier Foot & Ankle today.

While most ingrown toenails are nothing serious, spotting the signs early can make a world of difference in your comfort level. When an ingrown toenail becomes infected, it can cause pain and affect your ability to walk.

Let’s look at how ingrown nails occur, common symptoms, and how to know when it’s time to see a doctor.

How do you get an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail starts to grow into the skin around it. While some people have genetic predispositions or conditions that can cause ingrown toenails, such as B. diabetes, ingrown toenails are often the result of trauma to the toe.

Improper trimming of a toenail is one of the most common causes of an ingrown toenail. If a toenail is cut too short, too long, or at an angle instead of straight, it can start to grow into the surrounding skin.

You can also get an ingrown toenail from a toenail injury if you wear shoes that put pressure on your toes, don’t keep your feet clean and dry, and participate in certain sports like dancing or soccer.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

You probably won’t realize you have an ingrown toenail until it becomes infected. One of the first signs is pain when pressure is applied to the toe. The skin next to the nail will likely be swollen, tender, or hard. The area may also be red and inflamed. The most obvious sign of infection in your toenail is pus draining from your toe.

When should you go to the emergency room?

There are options for treating infected ingrown toenails at home, including soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts and using an antibiotic ointment. However, if you notice that your toe is red, swollen, and oozing with pus, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You should also go to an emergency room if your infection symptoms don’t go away, get worse, or keep coming back.

If you are concerned about an ingrown toenail or suspect an infection, visit our trusted staff at your local Indigo Health today.

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What happens if I don’t get my ingrown toenail treated?

If you have an ingrown toenail, you’re probably used to walking around in a lot of pain. Ingrown toenails are very common and many people get them. Even if you feel like you can treat it yourself, it’s not a good idea to leave it untreated for too long.

Ingrown toenails can become a big problem if left untreated. Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine providers explain more about what happens if you don’t get your ingrown toenails treated.

The cause of ingrown toenails

Toenail ingrowth occurs when the edges of your toenail grow into the soft tissue. This leads to the toenail causing an infection in the soft tissue. When the toenail bumps into the skin, it becomes irritated. Most often, your big toe is affected.

You can try to relieve the ingrown toenail at this stage, which can prevent it from developing an infection, but this is a very limited window of opportunity for intervention. The crack in the skin allows bacteria to enter, which can cause infection.

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail

If your ingrown toenail becomes inflamed, you will definitely be able to feel it right away. Your toe becomes red, swollen, and may feel hot. Some of the other symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include:

Pain or tenderness in your toe on one or both sides of the nail

Redness around your nail

swelling around your nail

Infection around your toenail

In more advanced cases, you may also experience:

Extreme pain in foot

pus or redness that seems to be spreading

If you suffer from diabetes or circulatory problems, you need immediate medical attention

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Although anyone can get an ingrown toenail, certain conditions make it more likely to occur. Some of the risk factors for developing an ingrown toenail include the following:

inheritance

History of ingrown toenails

Cut toenails too short

Cut your toenails in a curve or grow them at a curved angle

Injury to your toenail

Wear tight shoes that put pressure on your toes

Any diseases that cause poor circulation, including diabetes, also put you at higher risk.

The risk of leaving ingrown toenails untreated

While you can try to treat an ingrown toenail yourself, using things like Epsom salts and warm water, you shouldn’t do this for too long. Treating an ingrown toenail as soon as possible can prevent more serious complications.

Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can become very serious. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can spread to the underlying bone and infect your bone. They can also develop gangrene, which is the death and breakdown of tissue.

Diabetes is a particularly serious risk of foot disease. Many people with diabetes develop some degree of neuropathy in their feet, which means they may not feel as much pain due to infection or injury.

Ingrown toenails may not seem like a big deal, but they can become more serious very quickly. Contact the Run Doctor providers at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine today or request an appointment online.

An ingrown toenail is annoying and often painful. Constant walking rubs the toes on socks and shoes, leading to further irritation of the ingrown toenail. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and cause even more discomfort.

Known medically as onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail can occur at any age, although it is slightly more common in men than women. It’s one of the most common problems a person can experience with their toes.

If an ingrown toenail is causing you discomfort, it’s time to learn the best way to remove it and get comfortable again.

Natural remedies for ingrown toenails

There are various natural remedies to treat an ingrown toenail.

Many people prefer to try these options before purchasing OTC medications or making an appointment with the doctor.

If you want to try a natural solution for ingrown toenails at home, the following are among the best used solutions:

wash foot

Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water to keep bacteria at bay. Add Epsom salt to the water to soften the skin. Soak the foot three or four times a day.

Essential Oils

Rubbing essential oils on the ingrown toenail is an effective way to soften and soothe the skin, minimize the pain and hopefully pull the toenail out of the skin.

dental floss

Floss under an ingrown toenail to move the nail in the correct direction of growth. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows down into the skin. Simply lift the edge of the nail with the ingrown toenail and place the floss in between.

Wash castile soap

If you can’t soak your foot three or four times a day, use castile soap once a day instead. Use the soap with water to clean the nail bed with a soft washcloth.

Cutting an ingrown toenail

If you’d rather trim the ingrown toenail, it’s best to have someone help you or make an appointment with your doctor.

Incorrectly trimming the ingrown toenail can aggravate the problem and increase the pain.

If you choose to remove toenail yourself, follow these steps for accuracy:

Soak your foot in Epsom salts or castile soap for 30 minutes to soften the toenail. This reduces pain and swelling after removal.

wash your hands It is imperative that your hands are clean before beginning any ingrown toenail removal.

Push back the skin from the edge of the nail. That can be painful! Don’t try to force the skin back further than you can.

Cut the toenail straight, starting at the edges of the toenail. Do not cut the toenail in half.

Place a cotton pad between the nail and skin to prevent it from growing back into the skin. Slightly lift the edge of the problematic toenail to insert.

Apply a medicated ointment for ingrown toenails to the affected area. Numerous ointments for ingrown toenails are sold in pharmacies and online.

Apply a bandage to the infected toenail. Do not touch the area. The toenail area will likely be painful and swollen.

Change the cotton in the toenail twice a day to keep it clean and free from bacteria and germs.

Treating your ingrown toenail

Follow the above instructions carefully if an ingrown toenail is bothering you. The problem should be fixed within a few weeks! If your ingrown toenail is advanced, it may not be impossible to remove it yourself. Instead, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor, who may recommend surgical treatment to remove the ingrown toenail.

There are a few surgical options including matrixectomy, wedge resection, and the Vandenbos procedure. The doctor will decide which option is best for your ingrown toenail after evaluating the specific circumstances of your case.

When does an ingrown toenail require a visit to the podiatrist?

Does your foot feel uncomfortable because your big toe hurts? The problem could be an ingrown toenail. About 5% of Americans experience an ingrown toenail problem each year.

How can you tell if you have an ingrown toenail? If the corner or side of the nail is deeply embedded in the skin next to it, it’s ingrown. The condition usually affects your big toe. You may experience pain, swelling, or redness in and around the toe. As soon as you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action. At the Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute, our board-certified podiatrist and surgeon, David B. Glover, DPM, FACFAS, can help.

While it can be a minor problem at first, if not properly cared for, an ingrown toenail can lead to surgery to remove part or all of the toenail. Surgery requires restricting your activities for at least two weeks and possibly longer.

Try the treatment at home for a few days

To avoid complications from an ingrown toenail, you can try treating it at home first. Soak your foot in warm salt water for about 20 minutes two or more times a day. Dry thoroughly and apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area. Keep your feet clean and wear clean socks and shoes. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

When to see a podiatrist with an ingrown toenail

If the symptoms don’t go away soon, you need to see the podiatrist immediately. Symptoms can escalate to any of the following:

Pain even without pressure on the foot

Pain from just touching the toe

Significant swelling

drainage, which is a sign of infection

Skin on and around the toe that feels warm

Why ingrown toenails occur and how to prevent them

Sometimes personal habits can lead to an ingrown toenail. It’s never too late to change a habit that can be harmful to your health.

Trim wrong

You may be tempted to make a U-shaped curve when clipping your toenails. But to avoid an ingrown nail, you should trim the nail straight. If you must have a curve, use toenail clippers and a nail file to make just a slight curve at the very top of the nail.

Wearing unsuitable shoes

Many fashionable women’s shoes and even some men’s shoes have pointed toes. These shoes can force your toes into a cramped, unnatural position, and the pressure and friction can lead to an ingrown toenail.

High heels on women can also cause ingrown toenails. A 2.5-inch heel increases pressure on the ball of your foot, including your toes, by 75 percent. The extreme pressure can cause the nail to sink into the flesh next to it.

Change your shoes if you start getting an ingrown toenail that isn’t because you didn’t trim your toes properly. Your foot sends you a signal to relieve it. Wearing shoes with a wide enough bed and low heels can mean the difference between recurring ingrown toenail problems — let alone other foot problems — and healthy feet.

Call or book an appointment online at Mountain View Foot & Ankle for expert support to keep you on your feet.

Chances are that you have experienced an ingrown toenail at some point in your life. This common toe injury can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

Sometimes an ingrown toenail will go away on its own, maybe with a little help from you. However, there are times when you should see a doctor. In this blog, providers at the Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute explain how to treat an ingrown toenail and when to see a doctor.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails don’t usually happen on their own. They are usually caused by improper trimming of your toenails. While it’s okay to trim your fingernails into a rounded shape, doing the same with your toenails is a recipe for an ingrown nail.

Other causes of ingrown toenails include:

Cut your nails too short or at an angle

Wear shoes that pinch your toes

trauma, such as B. dropping something on your foot

Repeated sports injuries.

Wearing high heels is particularly harmful as the shoes push your weight onto your toes.

Self-help measures that can help

Self-care measures can help you treat an ingrown toenail, but you should monitor it carefully to make sure it shows no signs of infection. In this case, medical treatment would be required. Some of the things you can try are the following:

bathe your feet

Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes. Castile soap works well for this because it is very mild. You can add Epsom salt to the water if you like. You can do this up to three times a day.

Wear comfortable socks and shoes

The best socks to wear when you have an ingrown toenail are moisture-wicking socks. These socks pull moisture away from your toes, which is important. Combining moisture with an ingrown nail can lead to infection.

The choice of shoe also plays a role. Wear sandals or go barefoot as much as possible so your feet can breathe. If you prefer to wear sneakers, make sure they have plenty of room in the toe area.

Wear toe protection

With a toe guard, place it over your ingrown toenail to provide cushioning and protection.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you deal with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can work well, although ibuprofen can cause stomach upset. Be careful not to exceed the daily dose indicated on the bottle.

When to see a specialist

Ingrown toenails can quickly become infections, often resulting in reddened and swollen areas of the skin. You may also notice pus under the skin, but it’s important not to squeeze the area. You should call the Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute immediately if you notice any signs of infection.

You should also call the Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute if you have an ingrown toenail and also have diabetes. Because infections can develop much faster and become more serious in diabetics.

Some people also tend to develop ingrown toenails more frequently. In certain cases, the entire toenail must be removed as a precaution.

If you have an ingrown toenail, we can treat it at the office. We can recommend wearing a simple splint. We may also suggest a minor surgical procedure where we remove part of the toenail to allow the toe to heal properly.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, we can give your toe the care it needs. To learn more, call the Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute today to schedule an appointment.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown nails, the most common nail damage, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of the nail ridges, often causing irritation, redness, and swelling. Normally, toenails grow straight out. However, sometimes one or both corners or sides will curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also be affected.

causes

Ingrown toenails can be caused by:

Improperly trimmed nails

inheritance

shoe print; crowding of the toes

Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

symptoms

The following symptoms can occur with ingrown toenails:

Pains

redness and swelling

drainage

Odor

Protruding Skin Tissue (Proud Flesh)

treatment at home

If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in a warm salt water bath or basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.

People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Other “do-it-yourself” treatments, including trying to remove part of an infected nail, or using over-the-counter medications should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the condition and then prescribe medication or other appropriate treatment.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist immediately if there is any drainage or excessive redness around the toenail. Even if a brief attempt at home treatment hasn’t resulted in improvement, see your podiatrist. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek treatment at the first sign of an ingrown toenail as it can lead to more serious complications.

diagnosis and treatment

A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown toenails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to prevent ingrown toenails permanently. The ingrown corner of the nail is removed along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail using a chemical, laser or other methods.

prevention

Trim toenails properly: Cut them straight, no longer than the tips of the toes. Do not dig into corners and only gently round off corners with a nail file. Use toenail scissors.

Avoid shoes with pointed or narrow toe boxes.

Never tear or tear the edges of the nails.

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The Common, Curly Ingrown Toenail An ingrown toenail is a common condition. It usually affects your big toe. Ingrown nails typically occur in teenagers and adults between the ages of 20 and 40. The medical names for this nail condition are Onychocryptosis and Unguis Incarnatus. Let’s understand what’s happening to your toe so you can treat it successfully.

Trimming an Ingrown Toenail The first thing you should do is take a closer look to see how badly your nail is ingrown. You can often treat a slightly ingrown nail yourself. Here are the steps to follow for a mildly ingrown nail: Disinfect all nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle sticks, and other pedicure tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and allow to dry.

Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salts, tea tree oil, or other sanitizing essential oils to the foot bath. You can also try a vinegar foot bath.

Dry your feet and toes thoroughly with a soft towel.

Gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail. This can feel uncomfortable.

Using a nail file or cuticle stick, gently scrape the skin on the sides of the nail to remove dead skin cells. If the nail hasn’t rolled completely over or into the skin: You may be able to use your fingernail or a cuticle stick to encourage your toenail to roll up.

Wash your hands and clean under your fingernails before and after touching your feet.

Gently lift the edge of the toenail and place a small ball of cotton under the nail to encourage it to grow in a different direction, not into the skin or nail bed.

Wear open-toe shoes or shoes with a wide toe box.

Monitor the growth of your nail and replace the cotton swab as needed. For a more severe ingrown nail when the area around the nail is not infected: Using toenail scissors, trim your toenail straight and hold the nail long enough to get your fingernail underneath; at least 1 to 2 millimeters at the white end of the nail.

Use tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it’s ingrown. This will help create a gap between the nail and the skin.

Cut away the exposed nail corner or ingrown nail to relieve pressure and pain. This can be easiest with precision toenail clippers, sometimes referred to as podiatrist clippers and toenail clippers.

Clean the area with tea tree oil or another disinfectant.

Wear open or wide shoes. Buy precision toenail clippers online.

What Can a Doctor Do About an Ingrown Toenail? Your doctor, orthopedist, or podiatrist (a podiatrist) can treat an ingrown nail with a minor procedure, or in certain cases, surgery. This typically involves numbing the toe or foot with an injection. The skin over the ingrown nail can be removed with a scalpel. The ingrown nail section is then partially or completely removed. You will not feel any pain during the procedure except for the injection. If you have frequent ingrown nails, your surgery may involve using a laser or chemical procedure to permanently remove part of the nail bed to stop it growing as wide. Aftercare Taking care of your toe and overall health after nail surgery is important. You want to make sure your toe is healing properly and preventing infection. After your surgery, you may need to: Take antibiotics.

Take pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as needed.

Apply an antibiotic cream to the area at least twice a day.

Apply a numbing or anti-inflammatory cream if needed.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Wear loose or open-toed shoes or sandals.

Change the bandage on your toe as needed.

If necessary, contact your doctor or nurse for a dressing change.

See your doctor for follow-up appointments.

Avoid excessive walking, jogging, or running for two to four weeks after surgery.

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to aid in your recovery and avoid smoking. If you have a fungal nail infection, you may need to take antifungal medication or apply a medicated cream to clear it before your surgery.

Preventing Ingrown Nails Proper trimming of your toenails can help prevent ingrown nails. Here are some tips: Avoid peeling or plucking your toenails.

Cut your toenails straight or in a flat (lateral) oval shape.

Don’t cut your nails too short – the top white part should still be visible.

Don’t curve or angle the edges of your toenails into a V-shape.

File your toenails down instead of trimming them to avoid trimming them too short.

Keep the corners of your nails straight or very slightly tilted

Properly disinfect nail clippers, cuticle sticks and other pedicure tools before and after use.

Use the right tools; Podiatrists recommend large nail clippers for toes. This will help make a clean, straight cut. One way to prevent your toenail from being trimmed too short is to keep it level with the top (tip) of your toe. It’s also important to avoid wearing shoes that pinch or put too much pressure or stress on your toes. This includes high heels and narrow or pointy shoes, as well as any shoes that you use for walking, hiking, or running. Check your toenails for discoloration or bumpy ridges. This can be a sign of toe fungus infection. Contact your doctor for treatment.

See a doctor if you can sometimes take care of an ingrown toenail yourself. However, if you have a chronic disease or infection, treating it yourself may make the situation worse. An infection from an ingrown nail can spread to your foot, leg, or body. It can also infect the toe bone. See a doctor if you: have severe pain

Seeing signs of infection such as pain, redness, or pus on the toe

have a sore or infection anywhere on your feet

Have diabetes or another chronic disease

What happens when a nail “grows in”? Ingrown toenails occur when the side or top corner of your toenail grows into the flesh around the nail. One or both sides of the big toenail may be ingrown. This can happen when the nail is damaged, bent, or has grown against external pressure. An example is when you wear the same shoes every day and those shoes pinch your toes together or put pressure on the side of your toe and nail. Instead of growing straight, the toenail edge curls down and digs into the skin and flesh. Several things can put pressure on or damage the nail, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail. These include: a fungal or bacterial infection in the nail

constantly sweaty or clammy feet

damaged or torn nails

dry, brittle or cracked nails

malformed or deformed toenails

not trimming the nail properly

wear high-heeled shoes

Wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes Injuring your nail by bumping your big toe can lead to an ingrown nail. Other causes include chronic illness or not getting the right nutrients in your diet for healthy nail growth. Family history or use of certain medications also increase your risk. It can also be simply anatomical. The shape and size of parts of your toe can make you more prone to ingrown nails.

Ingrown toenails are common and usually treatable without surgery. However, in severe cases, people may need a minor medical procedure to treat an ingrown toenail. If they catch them early, people can treat ingrown nails at home. However, in severe cases — especially if the nail is infected — people may need to see a doctor for advice, antibiotics, or surgery. In this article, we explain when a person needs surgery for an ingrown toenail and discuss the procedure, recovery time, and risks.

Procedure Share on Pinterest After surgery, it is advisable to keep a bandage around the wound until it heals. Ingrown toenail surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that uses local anesthesia. Local anesthesia means the person stays awake, but the doctor numbs the area so the person can’t feel their toe. Some doctors offer sedation or twilight anesthesia during the operation. With twilight anesthesia, the person remains awake but groggy and may not remember the procedure. If a person prefers general anesthesia, the surgery may take longer and require more preparation. General anesthesia leaves the person unconscious, making it a good option for people who are very afraid of surgery. Several surgical procedures can treat an ingrown toenail. An orthopedist or podiatrist can offer advice on the best option, but it is important for a person to make them aware of relevant health issues, including any history of ingrown toenails. The most common surgeries for ingrown toenails are: Wedge resection. Here, a doctor removes part of the toenail to prevent it from digging into the skin. This procedure is also referred to as a partial nail pull.

. Here, a doctor removes part of the toenail to prevent it from digging into the skin. This procedure is also referred to as a partial nail pull. Removal of the toenails. A doctor may decide to remove the entire toenail. Removing the entire nail increases the likelihood that the nail will grow back misshapen or misshapen, which can increase the risk of future ingrown toenails. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to fully grow back. This procedure is also known as complete nail plate avulsion.

. A doctor may decide to remove the entire toenail. Removing the entire nail increases the likelihood that the nail will grow back misshapen or misshapen, which can increase the risk of future ingrown toenails. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to fully grow back. This procedure is also known as complete nail plate avulsion. Surgery on the tip of the toe. If other surgeries are unsuitable for a person or previous procedures have failed, a doctor can remove and reshape the soft tissue on the tip of the toe.

. If other surgeries are unsuitable for a person or previous procedures have failed, a doctor can remove and reshape the soft tissue on the tip of the toe. matrixectomy. This procedure may be necessary if nail removal or wedge resection fails. In addition to the nail, the nail bed is also removed. A doctor may also cut deep into the nail bed to reduce swelling or drain infected tissue.

When is an operation necessary? An ingrown toenail, which doctors might call onychocryptosis, is a common complaint. About 20% of people who see a doctor for a foot problem need help with an ingrown toenail. This painful condition occurs when the toenail grows into the skin. The big toe is most commonly affected, with the corner of the nail growing into the nail bed. In most cases, it occurs due to tight-fitting footwear or improper nail trimming. People can often treat ingrown toenails at home by wearing sandals to avoid pressure on the toe, soaking the toe in warm water, and keeping the area clean to allow it to heal on its own. However, if there are signs of infection, a person should see a doctor instead of trying to treat the nail at home. People should also seek medical attention for an ingrown nail if they have a medical condition — such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation — that makes home treatment risky. Ingrown toenails irritate the skin. This allows them to make it easier for bacteria and other microbes to enter, increasing the risk of infection. Timely treatment of an ingrown toenail reduces this risk. Some signs of infection are: Swelling

pus

redness

extreme pain

Fever If the toenail is severely swollen or inflamed, or doesn’t get better after a few days, a doctor can diagnose an infection and prescribe antibiotics. They can also prescribe a special splint to prevent the toenail from growing deeper into the skin. If the toe still doesn’t heal, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Recovery Schedule & Tips Share on Pinterest Ingrown toenail surgery is an outpatient procedure. A person can speed up their recovery from ingrown toenail surgery by: Soaking the foot in warm water or Epsom salts each day

Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to relieve pain and swelling

Applying an antibiotic ointment twice a day or as often as a doctor recommends if an infection is present

Holding the wound until it heals, which usually takes several weeks

Keep the wound clean and dry except when showering or cleaning the area

Avoid strenuous activity that puts pressure on the nail until a doctor allows you to return to exercise

Wear well-fitting shoes that are not too tight

Avoid picking at the wound For most people, the wound heals within a few weeks. The pain gradually decreases in the days after the operation and should be gone by the time the wound has healed. It can take several months for the nail to grow back, but how long it takes varies from person to person.

Possible Complications Share on Pinterest A person should talk to their doctor about the benefits and risks of surgery. Mild complications are common after nail surgery, but serious complications are rare. However, an untreated ingrown toenail carries a much higher risk of complications than nail removal. People should discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with their doctor, who will consider their particular risk factors. People with a history of anesthetic complications and those with compromised immune systems may be more prone to complications. Potential complications of ingrown toenail removal include: Toenail deformity. Toenails can grow back misshapen or deformed. In some cases, they may not grow back or reach their previous length.

Toenails can grow back misshapen or deformed. In some cases, they may not grow back or reach their previous length. Late ingrown toenails. Removing an ingrown toenail does not necessarily prevent a person from developing future ingrown toenails. In some cases, a person may need one more surgery or even multiple surgeries.

. Removing an ingrown toenail does not necessarily prevent a person from developing future ingrown toenails. In some cases, a person may need one more surgery or even multiple surgeries. infection . A person can develop an infection after surgery. The surgery creates an open wound that makes it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to enter the body. It’s important to see a doctor after surgery if there are signs of infection, as untreated infections can seriously damage the toe or lead to amputation.

. A person can develop an infection after surgery. The surgery creates an open wound that makes it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to enter the body. It’s important to see a doctor after surgery if there are signs of infection, as untreated infections can seriously damage the toe or lead to amputation. Complications of anesthesia. A person may have difficulty waking up from general anesthesia or an adverse reaction – such as an allergic reaction – to the local anaesthetic.

. A person may have difficulty waking up from general anesthesia or an adverse reaction – such as an allergic reaction – to the local anaesthetic. Allergic reaction. A person can have an allergic reaction to some of the surgical equipment. Individuals with a latex allergy should share this information with the medical team.

A toenail is considered ingrown when the nail grows into the skin of the toe. In most cases, ingrown toenails affect the big toe. Ingrown toenails can be painful, especially when they become infected. An infected toenail sometimes fills with pus and is often slightly swollen and red. However, ingrown toenails can easily be treated by a podiatrist.

Surgery to remove ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenail removal often requires a minor surgical procedure. Oral antibiotics are usually not required.

To begin the procedure, the podiatrist or other specialist will numb the patient’s toe. Before the numbness sets in, however, the patient may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation from the numbing medication injected into the toe. This discomfort lasts about 10 seconds and subsides as the toe becomes numb.

Then the podiatrist cuts out the piece of nail that grows into the skin. In most cases, only a small portion of the nail needs to be removed. In rare cases, when the infection is severe, the entire nail is removed. If the infection isn’t severe, the doctor can destroy the edge of the ingrown nail root. This will prevent the nail from growing in in the future without significantly changing the appearance of the nail. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes once the toe is numb.

Follow-up Guide

Typical cures are limited to no discomfort and usually relieve discomfort from ingrown nails within 24 hours. After the operation, we ask the patients to apply. The following is a list of tips to help your toe heal and prevent further discomfort from an ingrown toenail:

Soak your feet in warm, soapy or Epsom salt water once a day. Keep them submerged for about 5-7 minutes during each soak. Soaking can be avoided by using absorbent dressings such as PolyMem.

Wear sandals or other comfortable shoes that don’t press on your toes.

Wear a bandage with antibiotic ointment on your toe along the way. At home, remove the bandage and ventilate the wound for 15-30 minutes when it suits you.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if your toe feels sore. Severe pain is rare. If OTC medications are not effective, consult a doctor.

Ingrown toenails are a fairly common problem, usually caused by trimming the toenails too short or wearing improperly fitting or constricting shoes that rub against the nail. However, the minor surgery to remove an ingrown toenail is usually painless, and if you follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions, your toe should heal with little discomfort. Most patients return to normal activity without restriction within a few days.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, contact our podiatry. Our Concord podiatrist can answer all your questions about ingrown toenails and ingrown toenail removal. Most ingrown nails can be seen and treated within 24-48 hours.