Avoiding Ingrown Toenails

What is it?

Ingrown nails are the most common nail impairment. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the soft tissue of the flesh. This leads to irritation, redness, and swelling. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.

Causes

• Improperly trimmed nails
• Heredity
• Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
• Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

Symptoms

• Pain
• Redness and swelling
• Drainage
• Odor
• Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh)

Treatment Options

Dr. Dennis will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that is ingrown, along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail are removed.

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