Ingrown Toenail Treatment: Tips and Suggestions for an Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are painful!
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail begins to grow into the soft tissues surrounding it. This is usually caused by shoes that are too tight, injury to the toenail, or improper nail trimming techniques.
While ingrown toenails can sometimes be treated at home, in many cases, an ingrown toenail may respond better to professional treatment.
People with diabetes who have an ingrown toenail should visit their doctor as soon as possible, since ingrown toenails can become infected and cause more severe problems for diabetic patients.
Home Treatments Include:
- Soaking - Soaking your foot can relieve the soreness caused by an ingrown toenail. Soaking your foot in Epsom salts once or twice a day can also help your nail grow out naturally on its own once the swelling is brought down.
- Ointment -If your nail is close to becoming infected, or has broken the skin, be sure to apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Professional Treatments Include:
- Lifting the Nail: If your ingrown toenail is not infected, and has not gone that far beneath the skin, your doctor will most likely perform a simple procedure that involves gently lifting the toenail up, and positioning it until it can grow out over the skin edge.
- Partial Nail Removal: A toenail that has become infected, or has become severely ingrown will require a little bit more of a procedure. Generally, this will include removal of part of your nail to give it a fresh start to grow out right.
- Nail and Tissue Removal: A toenail that continues to repeatedly become ingrown, may lead your doctor to suggest the removal of a portion of the nail, and a portion of the tissue beneath it, to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back.
Ingrown toenail podiatry treatment depends greatly on the extent of severity of the ingrown toenail. While surgery isn’t generally needed, it is possible you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the toe while work is being done.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it’s a good idea to have your toenail checked by a professional podiatrist, to prevent the toenail from becoming infected.
Treating ingrown toenails is relatively simple and practically painless. With a little time and patience — your toenail will be back on the right track in no time.
For more information on ingrown toenail treatment in Houston, Texas contact Houston-based podiatrist, Dr. Anthony LaMarra, for prompt, and professional treatment.