What Are Ingrown Toenails In Brooksville and Spring Hill, FL?
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
What Are Some Of The Causes Of Ingrown Toenails?
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?
Should I Attempt Bathroom Surgery On My Ingrown Toenail?
Is There A Special Treatment for Chronic Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails
, also known as
onychocryptosis
, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.
In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present.
Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as
partial nail plate avulsion
, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:
- Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
- Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
- Keeping feet clean at all times.
Need more information on ingrown toenails from Chapel Podiatry?
Call our Brooksville, FL office at (352) 684-1444 to learn more.
Also serving patients in the Spring Hill, Hudson, and Homosassa, FL area!