Ingrown toenails can make you miserable, affecting your ability to put on shoes, stand, and walk around. It’s important to remember that you can do a lot to help prevent ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist can tell you more. Dr. Douglas Robinson in Campbell, CA, offers a comprehensive treatment of foot, ankle, and toe conditions, including ingrown toenails.
What You Need To Know About Ingrown Toenails
You may be at increased risk of developing ingrown toenails if you have toenails that curve under naturally, or if you wear narrow shoes without enough toe room. A few important tips can keep you from developing ingrown toenails. You need to:
- Cut your toenails straight across, and avoid rounding the corners
- Avoid cutting your toenails too short
- Wear appropriate, protective shoes, especially when you are active
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box, with plenty of room for your toes
When you have an ingrown toenail, your toenail will appear dark, swollen, and bruised. You may also:
- Feel pain underneath and around the toenail
- Notice blood or pus coming out from underneath your toenail
You may be able to treat an ingrown toenail yourself if you:
- Soak your toe in warm water several times daily
- Place a piece of dental floss under the nail to push the nail away from your skin
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream around the nail
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Cushion your toe with bandages and elevate your foot
- Wear sandals or open-toe shoes while your toe heals
If your ingrown toenail doesn’t respond to home therapies or is getting worse, you should visit your podiatrist for treatment. Professional treatments for ingrown toenails include:
- Lifting and separating your toenail from the skin around it, allowing your toenail to grow freely
- Trimming off part of your toenail, so your toenail can grow normally
- Removing the entire toenail, to promote the growth of a healthy toenail
Want To Know More About Ingrown Toenails?
To find out more about the signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of ingrown toenails, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Douglas Robinson in Campbell, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (408) 370-3338, so call today.