If you notice any of the signs of infection, like discharge, warmth, or a bad smell, contact your doctor, who may ask you to see a podiatrist foot specialist. Sometimes the podiatrist needs to remove the corner of the nail that is stuck and drain the pus or liquid that has built up in the skin. Not to worry, though — first the doctor will use medicine to numb the toe and you will feel much better when it's done.
If the nail keeps growing back into the skin, sometimes the doctor will do a small surgery to remove a larger section of the nail or, rarely, the whole nail. Taking care of the toe after an ingrown toenail is removed is almost as important as the surgery itself.
Doing as your doctor says after surgery will help you prevent infection and make the ingrown nail less likely to happen again. To avoid ingrown toenails, cut toenails straight across and long enough so the corners are not tucked down into the skin. Being careful when trimming your toenails can help avoid problems with ingrown nails later. Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD. If your symptoms fail to improve, it is time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
After examining the toe, the foot and ankle surgeon will select the treatment best suited for you. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
Sometimes a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, will ease the pain and remove the offending nail. Some nails may become ingrown again, requiring removal of the nail root. Following the nail procedure, a light bandage will be applied.
Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved. A A A Print Share. What Is an Ingrown Toenail? Causes Causes of ingrown toenails include: Heredity. Repeat this three to four times a day for minute intervals.
Soaking your feet can reduce the swelling. It also relieves tenderness and helps the pus drain out. Next, try placing a cotton ball or waxed dental floss under the edge of the ingrown toenail. This will help your nail grow above the skin. You can also purchase an antibiotic cream. Place the ointment on the infected area. Then, bandage your toe to protect it from outside sources. Instead of squeezing your toe into a tight pair of shoes, wear open-toed shoes or sandals. You can switch back to your favorite pair of shoes after your toe feels better.
If the pain is unbearable, try taking pain relievers. These can include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. After trying these at-home treatments, watch your feet. First, trim your toenails straight across. He or she may refer you to a podiatrist.
During this surgery, the doctor will numb your toe. Then he or she will cut the edge of the ingrown toenail and pull out the piece of nail. To prevent the nail from growing into the skin again, your doctor might destroy all or part of the nail root. This is called ablation. If your doctor removes all or part of your nail but does not destroy the root, it will begin to grow back within a few months.
After the surgery it is important to take care of your toe so that it can heal. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. He or she may tell you to:. You may be able to prevent ingrown toenails by wearing roomy and comfortable shoes and socks that do not press on your toes. If you work in a place where your toe might get hurt, wear sturdy shoes such as steel-toed boots to protect your toes.
Be sure to trim your toenails properly. You can do this by cutting your toenail straight across, not curved. Make sure you do not cut your toenail too short. You can also leave your toenail a little longer at the corners to help it grow over the skin.
If you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease , talk with your doctor before you trim your own toenails. People with diabetes have a hard time feeling their toes and might cut themselves without realizing it. Peripheral arterial disease can cause toes to be very painful. Many hospitals and health care centers have foot care clinics, where someone can help you trim your toenails. Ask your doctor to recommend a foot care clinic near your home. Blahd Jr. Gabica MD - Family Medicine.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H.
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