In Grown Toe Nails

An ingrown toenail is simply a nail that is growing into your skin and causes pain, swelling and discomfort.  If your ingrown toenail does not show any sign of infection you could try to let the nail grow out and see if it heals on its own.  At Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center we suggest a warm Epsom salts bath before you try any other remedy.  If the nail does not improve with in a couple of days, then a visit with our Podiatrist is recommended.

The causes of ingrown toenails?

  • Footwear that crowds the toes will push the corners of your nail into the skin
  • Cutting toenails too short on the sides of the big toe can cause the skin to overgrow around the nail
  • Injuring your toe nail like dropping something on your toe or kicking something too hard
  • Poor foot structure and posture or how you walk or stand effects the long-term condition of your big toe nail
  • Unhealthy foot hygiene with excessive sweating is a risk factor

Preventing an ingrown toenail......

  • Cut the nail straight across without rounded corners
  • Make sure shoes fit well and are not too tight
  • Keep feet clean and dry
  • Drug store antibiotic medications
  • Surgically remove the ingrown portion of nail with a procedure called toenail avulsion
  • Permanent removal will remove the cells in the nail bed so the toenail will not come back

Ingrown toenails my look like….

  • Red and painful around the nail
  • Skin near the nail is swollen and tender
  • When the nail pierces the skin, bacteria can get in and cause an infection and you may see blood or pus

Recovery time for the permanent removal procedure of an ingrown toenail can take up to two weeks with little inconvenience. You will need to wear soft spacious shoes or open toed sandals during recovery time.  If you need any type of treatment it should be as soon as symptoms start especially with diabetic patients who have nerve damage in or near your foot. You can trial with home remedies, such as soaking in warm water a couple times a day and using gauze to gently push the skin away from the nail.  If these symptoms continue call us at 989-790-8009 for an appointment at one of our locations in Saginaw, or Essexville, Michigan. Toe nails should grow out and not in.

 

 

 

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