When to See a Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail: Warning Signs

You may be wondering what to do if you have an ingrown toenail. Should you wait it out, hoping it will improve, or should you see a podiatrist? Your podiatrist has the answers you need. Dr. Therese Losi at Estrella Foot & Ankle in Phoenix, AZ, offers a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of ingrown toenails.

What You Need To Know About Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail happens because a toenail has begun to grow into the skin surrounding the nail. You are at increased risk of developing ingrown toenails if your toenails curve naturally.

The most common causes of ingrown toenails are:

• Cutting your toenails too short
• Rounding the corners of your toenails
• Experiencing trauma to your toes or nails
• Wearing shoes that are narrow and pointed, crushing toes together

When you have an ingrown toenail, you might experience:

• Swelling and bruising around your toenail
• Redness and irritation around your toenail
• Throbbing pain and pressure underneath your toenail
• The toenail separating from the nail bed
• Pus coming out from under the toenail

When you have an ingrown toenail, you can try a few simple remedies. You should:

• Soak your toe in warm water several times each day
• Place a small piece of dental floss under your nail to lift it off the surrounding skin
• Apply antibiotic cream around your nail
• Wrap your toe in bandaging to protect it
• Wear open-toe shoes or sandals to help your toe heal

So, when should you visit a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail? It’s important to visit a podiatrist for treatment of an ingrown toenail that is:

• Failing to respond to home remedies
• Causing severe pain and pressure
• Interfering with your ability to wear shoes
• Interfering with your mobility

Your podiatrist can help an ingrown toenail heal quickly so you can get back on your feet. Common treatments for an ingrown toenail include:

• Trimming off the section of your toenail that has grown into the skin
• Lifting and separating the toenail from the surrounding skin
• Removing the entire toenail so a new, healthy toenail can grow

Want To Know More About Ingrown Toenails?

Call Dr. Therese Losi at Estrella Foot & Ankle in Phoenix, AZ, to learn more about ingrown toenails and when to visit a podiatrist. You can reach her in the office by calling (623) 640-1799, so call today.