An ingrown toenail is a common condition that occurs when the corner of your nail grows into your skin or soft flesh. This condition often affects your big toe. It can result in moderate to severe pain and discomfort, redness, swelling, and serious infection—if not treated correctly.
This means that early treatment for ingrown toenails from Dr. Zahid Ladha here at Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, NY, is crucial. This is particularly true for diabetics who are prone to severe complications.
Ingrown Toenail Causes
Multiple factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:
- Improper fitting footwear
- Genetics
- Trauma or injury to your toenails
- Improper clipping of toenails
- Poor foot hygiene
Fortunately, you can try preventing the development of an ingrown toenail with these practical tips:
- Wearing proper fitting footwear
- Trimming your toenails straight across
- Proper foot hygiene
- Visiting your podiatrist for professional toenail cutting
Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails
To help ease the pain or soreness you may be feeling from an ingrown toenail, you can try these treatment options at home:
- Soak your affected foot into a mixture of warm water and one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt for around 15 minutes. This must be done three to four times per day. It could help alleviate the pain caused by infection and expel pus from your toe.
- Lift the toenail from your skin. After a footbath, place clean, small pieces of cotton or dental floss underneath the ingrown corner. This can help the affected nail grow away or above your toe’s skin.
- Wear comfortable footwear. Make sure that the footwear you are wearing gives enough room for your affected toe to rest.
- Keep your foot dry.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment. This can help minimize and treat the infection.
- OTC pain meds. You can take pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium to help alleviate and reduce the pain.
Professional Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
If home remedies don’t seem to help, or if your ingrown toenails continue to worsen, seek treatment from your podiatrist in New Albany, NY. They may offer you treatment solutions such as:
- Partial removal of the nail. If the condition you are experiencing is serious (accompanied by inflammation, pain, and pus excretion), your podiatrist may cut off or remove the ingrown part of your nail. You’ll be given a local anesthetic before the procedure.
- Removal of the nail and tissue. If your condition is recurrent, your podiatrist may need to remove a part of your nail together with the tissue beneath it to prevent it from growing inward. A laser or special chemical may be used to kill or eliminate the cells that form your nail.
For Help Treating Ingrown Toenails, Call Us
Dial (812) 945-9221 to arrange a consultation here at Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, NY, with your podiatrist, Dr. Zahid Ladha.