Do you have a toenail breaking into the skin, causing you pain and discomfort? It is an ingrown toenail also known as onychocryptosis. When the top corner edge of the nail breaks through the skin causing inflammation, the pressure from the nail to the skin causes the condition. It is common with the big toes. You experience minor discomfort, and it might infect the adjacent skin, leading to a repeat of the problem.
If at-home remedies do not work or you experience recurring ingrown toenails, or if you have an underlying condition like diabetes, it is time to visit a podiatrist to fix ingrown toenails. Prevent infections by treating them as soon as they occur. Mild cases need minor treatments and simple home remedies, while serious cases may need surgical intervention.
If you are looking for expert advice on ingrown toenail treatment, you may want to seek help from a Houston podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your ingrown toenail problems. Our foot specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can offer you the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Home ingrown toenail treatment
For slightly sore and red toenail soak the foot in warm water and place a piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail. If the inflammation becomes worse that if the pain and swelling increases an antibiotic ointment may help and the doctor may try oral antibiotics before exploring other interventions.
Toenail removal and treatment
Your podiatrist might recommend the following kind of treatment to deal with the ingrown toenail.
Lifting the nail
If the area where there is an ingrown toenail is showing redness with the absence of pus, the doctor may recommend lifting. The nail edge is carefully lifted, and a splint, cotton, or dental floss is placed under. This separates the nail from the skin, helping it grow above the skin edge. This is followed by home care treatment; soak the toe and replace the underlying material daily.
Surgery
The doctor might partially remove the nail or remove the nail and tissue.
Partially removing the nail
For a severe ingrown toenail with redness, pus, and pain, the doctor may opt to trim the ingrown part. During this procedure the doctor will temporarily numb your toe using an anesthetic.
Removing the nail and tissue
If the problem recurs continually, the ingrown toenail doctor might suggest removing a part of the nail and the underlying tissue. This may cause the nail not to grow back or part of it will not grow back. The doctor might use a chemical, laser, or any other surgical method.
After the toenail removal surgery, rest the foot raised for a few hours. Refrain from vigorous exercises such as long-distance walking, exercises, and running for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our foot and ankle specialist can handle all your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related issues.
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