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Ingrown toenail may be
caused by:
- Improperly trimmed
nails (Trim then straight across, not longer than the
tip of the toes. Do not round off corners. Use toenail
clippers.)
- Heredity
- Shoe pressure;
crowding of toes
- Repeated trauma to the
feet from normal activities
If you suspect an
infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a
warm salt water soak, or a 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 seek podiatric medical care as soon as
possible.
Other "do-it-yourself" treatments, including any attempt
to remove any part of an infected nail or the use of
over-the-counter medications, should be avoided. Nail
problems should be evaluated and treated by your
podiatrist, who can diagnose the ailment, and then
prescribe medication or another appropriate treatment.
A podiatrist will resect the ingrown portion of the nail
and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat
the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem,
your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently
prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that ingrows,
along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail, are
removed by use of a chemical, a laser, or by other
methods. Your podiatric
physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and
extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners
of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the
intricately related systems and structures of the foot and
lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and
the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints,
ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. |
Ingrown nails, the most
common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides
dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often
leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually,
toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or
both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The
big toe is usually the victim of this condition, but other
toes can also become affected.
