If you have an ingrown toenail, you are not alone. Ingrown toenails are common, and a reason to set an appointment with Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas of Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg, and Hampton, VA. We can help you with your ingrown toenail and give you tips on how to manage them at home.
1. Basic Care for an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is one of the most painful and aggravating foot conditions. An ingrown toenail starts when the nail bed is damaged, and the nail grows at a sharp angle into the surrounding skin. It may be tempting to trim the part of the nail that is causing the discomfort. While this does provide immediate relief, it can make your ingrown toenail worse in the future. Instead, trim your toenails straight across, and leave a little length on them. Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for 20 minutes. This helps with inflammation and pain.
2. Watch for Signs of Infection
An ingrown toenail may penetrate the skin, leaving an open wound that is susceptible to infection. Watch for any swelling, redness, and discharge along the edge of your toenail. Your toe may also feel warm to the touch. An infected ingrown toenail needs to be treated . The infection may be treated with antibiotics or part of the toenail may need to be removed.
3. Change Your Footwear
Your footwear may be part of the reason why you have an ingrown toenail. Shoes that have narrow toe boxes or that are too small for your feet push your toes together, and this is an ideal environment for an ingrown toenail. Make sure that your shoes fit correctly and that you can easily wiggle your toes. Dry your feet every time you take off your shoes.
When It’s Time to See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail
If you have a minor ingrown toenail, it may heal on its own. Give the nail time to grow beyond the edge of the skin, and trim the nail straight across. Schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists for more severe or infected ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails are bothersome. If you try these tips and have little success with the pain and discomfort, call Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg, and Hampton, VA. You can reach our Williamsburg, VA, location at (757) 220-3311 and our Hampton, VA, location at (757) 224-7605.