What to Do for an Ingrown Toenail

What to Do for an Ingrown Toenail 

An ingrown toenail can sometimes be slow to develop and you may not notice it until it has already become infected. By this time, it will be inflamed and sore and you will need to seek medical treatment before the infection worsens. Dr. Jason White is a podiatrist at Podiatry Solutions of WNY in Williamsville and Lockport, NY. He specializes in treatments for all foot and ankle conditions including ingrown toenails.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail most commonly affects a big toe. Signs and symptoms include:

• Soreness and pain along one or both sides of the toenail
• Inflammation and swelling around the toenail
• Bad smelling discharge from around the toenail
• Thick yellow, or cracked toenails

You should see Dr. White as soon as possible if:

• The inflammation or discharge is spreading
• You have diabetes
  
  

What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?

Common causes of an ingrown toenail include:

• Cutting your toenails too short
• Not cutting your toenails straight across
• Wearing shoes that squash your toes
• Injuring a toenail
• Having curved toenails
• Poor foot hygiene
  
  

Treating an Ingrown Toenail at Home 

If your ingrown toenail is not too severe, you can treat it at home by:

• Soaking your feet for fifteen minutes in warm salt water two or three times a day.
• Rubbing antibiotic ointment on the skin around your toe.
• Covering the toe with a bandage to add padding.
• Take over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
• Wear clean socks and keep your feet dry.
• Wear comfortable shoes that allow plenty of room for your toes.
  
  

Don’t suffer an ingrown toenail in silence or wait until it becomes infected. If you live in Williamsville and Lockport, NY and you need to talk to a podiatrist about your ingrown toenail, call Dr. White today. Call the Williamsville office at (716) 634-5993 and Lockport, NY, at (716) 434-6601.