4 TREATMENTS FOR INGROWN TOENAILS

Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that often affects the big toe, but any of your toes can be affected. The condition is characterized by the side of the toenail growing into the tender skin on the edge of your toes rather than over the top. Just wearing shoes can be very painful since they can push the nail into your tender skin with every step. Untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to fungal toenail or bacterial infections, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper treatment.

 

4 treatments for ingrown toenails include the following:
Cut your toenails carefully—The major cause of getting ingrown toenails in the first place is from poor cutting technique. Be careful that you don’t cut your toenails too short. Cut them straight across or on just a slight curve to help prevent the edge of the nail from digging into your skin.
Soak, clean and dry your feet—Soak your feet in a warm bath for ten minutes to soften any hard skin that may be around the nail. This will reduce friction and pain. Always keep your feet and toes clean using a mild soap. Be sure to carefully dry your feet and especially the area between the toes to help prevent infections.
Use spacers between your toes—Moleskin spacers can be placed between your toes to hold them apart and thereby decrease pressure on the edge of the nail.
Raise the edge of the nail—This may hurt a little, but you can lift up the edge of the nail and insert a small piece of cotton underneath. This action will hold the nail away from the skin and minimize additional ingrowing.
If you continue to experience pain, swelling, and redness around the affected nails after trying these methods, see your foot doctor for an evaluation and additional treatment. Consult with the foot doctors at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. Our team of board-certified podiatrists includes Greg Khaimov, DPM, FACFAS, Daniel Pollack, DPM, FACFAS, Walter Majdanski, DPM, AACFAS, Yakov Haimof, DPM, Mathew Yagudayev, DPM, AACFAS, and Kevin Jeong, DPM. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointmenttoday!

 

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