Ingrown Toenails Specialist

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when your toenail curves or deforms and grows into the surrounding skin around the nail bed. Ingrown toenails can be painful can cause a lot of discomfort, particularly during certain activities and when wearing shoes.

Some medical conditions necessitate immediate action such as diabetes or poor blood flow. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can cause more serious, permanent damage.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails affect people of all backgrounds and all ages. However, certain factors may increase your chances of encountering an ingrown toenail, including:

• Ill fitting shoes
• Genetics- an unusual curve in the toe nail
• Trauma or injury to your toenail
• Cutting your toenails too short, at an angle or in an uneven pattern

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail symptoms will sometimes vary depending on the person. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain
• Redness around your toenail
• Swelling around your toenail

Sometimes, an ingrown nail can become infected and you will notice a white colored drainage from the red, affected area; if you notice this symptom you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

When should I see a doctor about an ingrown toenail?

If you believe that you have an ingrown toenail, you can make an appointment with Dr. Matthew McCabe DPM. Prompt treatment will lower the chances of infection or more permanent problems. This is particularly true if you’re living with diabetes, neuropathy or other chronic issues.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be done clinically, but there is more to it than just looking at the nail and the skin around the nail. There are some, less common conditions that present like an ingrown toenail but is actually not an ingrown toenail. Additionally, if you have diabetes or other systemic issues a full assessment should be conducted to help reduce chances of infection and other more permanent problems.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Mild ingrown toenails will usually resolve on their own with conservative measures such as Epsom salt soaks. If the pain continues, you may want to seek professional medical attention. Most treatments can easily be managed in the office the same day of your appointment.

If you believe you have an ingrown toenail, have a painful toenail or believe you might have an infection, call Dr. Matthew McCabe, DPM at 325-480-2063.