An ingrown nail develops when the nail grows into the adjacent skin, causing discomfort and may eventually lead to other complications if left untreated. Ingrown toenails are often the result of improper footwear, toenail injuries, and cutting them the wrong way. You can usually treat these at home with proper care, but in many circumstances, you'll want to turn to your podiatrist for help. Learn more about how you can treat and prevent ingrown toenails by contacting Blue Ridge Foot Centers with Dr. Daniel Waldman in Asheville, NC.
At-Home Care
You can treat an ingrown toenail at home in the early stage of the condition and often prevent complications if you deal with it in time.
Soaking your feet in warm water 3 to 4 times a day, for about 15 minutes, can help manage the discomfort and may allow you to more easily trim the offending toenail.
You can also use a cotton ball dipped in olive oil to gently push the skin away from the nail, but be very careful and stop if you experience pain. Doing so can help you apply over-the-counter topical antibiotics to prevent infection. You can also use medication like ibuprofen if there is some swelling, and acetaminophen to relieve pain.
When to See a Doctor
If there is noticeable inflammation, redness, and pain, your toenail may already be infected. If this is the case, or if the nail has pierced the skin, or if there is bleeding, you should see your doctor right away.
If you suffer from diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, then you should skip at-home treatments altogether and consult with your doctor.
Ingrown Toenails Treatment in Asheville, NC
Your podiatrist may prescribe either a partial or a full nail removal to treat the condition. Partial removal is often the suggested approach, but complete removal is not as severe as it sounds, it may take some time for it to grow back but it allows you to start over with a healthy nail if you were dealing with recurring problems.
The earlier you treat an ingrown nail the better the chances you can avoid complications, so schedule a consultation today with your Asheville, NC, podiatrist. Dr. Waldman of Blue Ridge Foot Centers is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Surgeons and teaches foot surgery, including the latest minimal incision techniques, both nationally and internationally. Make an appointment by dialing 828-254-5371 or through his website at https://www.blueridgefoot.com/.