An ingrown toenail is common among many individuals at some point in their life. Though many assume the problem is harmless, when left untreated, it can lead to serious symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention or use home remedies as early as it develops. If you are looking to treat an ingrown toenail in Bakersfield, the certified podiatrist Ruben Nieto, DPM, can help. At Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, the qualified team uses advanced techniques to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Call their office or book online to schedule your consultation.
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What should you know about an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition where your nail edge grows into your skin. It is common in the big toe though it is also likely to occur on the other nails.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain and tenderness around your toenail
- Swelling of the toe
- Redness around the nail
- Infection on the toenail
- Excessive skin growth around the nail
It is best to seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe pain in your toe or if the toe produces blood or pus.
What are the causes of an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail can develop due to various reasons, including:
- Poor hygiene
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Wearing tight shoes
- Having curved toenails
- Injured toenails
- Sweaty feet
When left untreated, the ingrown toenail can cause an infection affecting the bone below your nail. If you have diabetes, the infection can become severe, causing poor blood circulation and nerve damage in your feet.
What are the home remedies for ingrown toenails?
Some of the home treatments you can try before visiting a medical provider includes
- Choosing comfortable footwear, with plenty of room for your toes to breathe, you may also choose to wear open shoes and sandals for the moment
- Soaking your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes, a few times a day
- Applying antibiotic cream to ease the tenderness
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers
If your symptoms persist even after trying the home remedies, you should consider visiting a podiatrist.
What are the treatments for an ingrown toenail?
During your consultation at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, your provider may offer:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy that promotes your healing by exposing your ingrown toenail to pure oxygen.
- Removal of the infected tissue or the nail in case of recurring symptoms
- Lifting the nail and placing cotton or dental floss under it to allow the nail to grow over the skin edge
- Removing or trimming the ingrown part of the nail
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
- Wearing fitting shoes
- Cutting your nails straight across
- Keeping your toenails at a medium length
- Keeping your toes dry
- Wearing protective footwear to prevent injuries when working or physical activities
Schedule your consultation today
Ingrown toenails do not have to be a problem. Seek early treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms. You can first try the at-home treatments and go ahead with further treatments from an ingrown toenail specialist. Diabetic Foot and Wound Center provides comprehensive and state-of-the-art treatments to heal your toenail and treat the infection. Contact their offices today to schedule your consultation.