Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, and can cause significant pain and even infection. Although they can be caused by poor trimming techniques or improperly fitting shoes, most ingrown nails are the result of genetics. We inherit a certain nail type, and some types of nails tend to grow inward at the sides resulting in an ingrown toenail. Most of my patients with ingrown nails report a close family member who also has this problem.

While they are common, ingrown toenails can be painful. Infection can develop when the side of the nail breaks through the skin. Redness, swelling and a foul-smelling drainage can then occur. The skin may begin to grow over the ingrown nail, and they may bleed easily.

Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times each day is usually a good way to treat an ingrown nail on your own, and can reduce pain and swelling, but the ingrown nail border usually will need to be removed to resolve the problem. Please contact our office to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail plate avulsion) may need to be surgically removed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

You can prevent ingrown toenails by:

• Trimming your toenails properly. Normal nails should be trimmed straight across. Nails with curved sides may need to be rounded out to prevent the sides from growing into the skin.
• Ensuring that your shoes and socks are not too tight.
• Keeping your feet clean at all times.