How You Can Do Away With an Ingrown Toenail

If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how uncomfortable it can be to live with the sharp and stabbing pain. This occurs when the corner or sides of the nail penetrates the skin causing intense pain. It might result in complications that require medical assistance. If your toenail does not respond to home remedies and becomes unbearable, Midtown East ingrown toenail specialists at Precision Footcare can help relieve pain, treat infection, and prevent re-infection. If you have diabetes, minor wounds such as those from ingrown toenails may increase the risk of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment, as well as proper foot care, can prevent such a condition.

When should I see my doctor for an ingrown toenail?

If your toenail does not heal in a few days, even after you applied home remedies, it is time to seek medical help. An ingrown toenail can cause infection and cause more severe effects. Visit your medical caregiver when you experience:

•   Red and painful toe
•   Swollen toe
•   Bleeding or discharging pus

It is recommended that you don’t try interfering with the ingrown toenail as this can cause problems.

Who is more susceptible to ingrown toenails?

Various factors can predispose you to an ingrown toenail. They include:

•   Athletics; the type of shoes you wear during such sports may cause an ingrown toenail.
•   Occasional pressure to the feet.
•   Poor foot hygiene.
•   Abnormal foot gait such as pronation.
•   Foot or toe abnormalities.
•   Toenail injury
•   Abnormally large toenail
•   Poor trimming of toenails or cutting them too short.

What complications can be caused by an ingrown toenail?

As we know, for any condition, lack of treatment may lead to complications. That is why you are often advised to visit your doctor for a checkup so that you receive treatment for any disease at the early stages; the same case to an ingrown toenail. You should seek medical attention if you have circulatory issues, diabetes, or numbness in your toes. Complications that may occur if left untreated include:

•   Bone infection
•   Foot wounds
•   In rare cases, gangrene
•   You may also lose your foot

When is surgery necessary for an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a painful experience that can cause discomfort and stop you from wearing your shoes. You can treat this condition with home remedies such as soaking the toe in warm water, avoiding pressing the toe, and keeping the area clean to allow healing on its own. If it’s causing too much pain and there’s a sign of infection, you should see your doctor. An ingrown toenail inflames the skin; as a result, it makes the skin vulnerable to infection. If your toe has symptoms of infection such as swelling, redness, and discharge of puss, your doctor may diagnose and offer antibiotics. They may also prescribe a special device to prevent it from growing deeper. If the toe fails to respond to all the treatment, your doctor will recommend surgery. Your doctor may also recommend surgery if you have a severe case of ingrown toenail or complications from a previous ingrown toenail. Do not assume an ingrown toenail as it can cost you later. Book an appointment with your specialist at Precision Footcare for pain relief and the prevention of further complications.