Ingrown toenails are common and may develop if you cut your toenails too short or wear shoes that crowd your toes. Though you may be able to treat your ingrown toenail at home, if your home remedies fail to improve your condition within a few days, the team at Svetlana Malinsky, DPM PC, in College Park, Maryland, can help. Without proper treatment, your ingrown toenail increases your risk of developing an infection. For comprehensive care from a team focused on you and your health, call the office or book an appointment online today.
An ingrown toenail means your toenail is growing into the soft tissue around the toe. Your ingrown toenail may cause pain, swelling, and redness. When your toenail breaks through the skin, bacteria may get in and cause an infection.
Ingrown toenails may develop on any toe, but they most commonly affect the big toe.
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition. Some of the most common causes include:
You may also be likely to develop an ingrown toenail if your nails curve inward, which may be a genetic trait.
Some people may be able to take care of their ingrown toenail at home. However, you should seek expert help from the team at Svetlana Malinsky, DPM PC, if your ingrown toenail fails to improve with at-home treatments or if your ingrown toenail is infected.
Signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection include:
You should also seek podiatric care from the experts at Svetlana Malinsky, DPM PC, for your ingrown toenail right away if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your foot.
The team at Svetlana Malinsky, DPM PC takes an individualized approach to the treatment of ingrown toenails. When designing your treatment, they consider your symptoms, medical history, and personal health and wellness needs.
Before recommending any specific treatment for your ingrown toenail, the team takes the time to review your diagnosis and treatment options to make an informed decision on how best to proceed.
Your ingrown toenail treatment plan may include:
For a mild ingrown toenail, the team may suggest lifting the nail with cotton or a nail splint to restore healthy growth.
If your ingrown toenail is severe, the team may recommend partial toenail removal. They perform this procedure using local anesthesia to minimize pain.
For patients with chronic ingrown toenails, the team may recommend removing some of your toenails, along with the nail bed tissue, to prevent a recurrence.
For an ingrown toenail infection, the team prescribes an antibiotic.
Professional care for your ingrown toenail may prevent more serious complications. For expert care from a compassionate and friendly team, call Svetlana Malinsky, DPM PC, or make an appointment online today.
