Ingrown toenails should be seen immediately by a licensed podiatrist so they don’t become worse or infected. While this is always the best way to go, some patients may wait to seek medical advice for a few reasons. To those patients with ingrowns who are still considering whether to go to a podiatrist, here is what podiatrists want you to know about your condition.
The most important thing podiatrists want you to know is to not attempt to remove your ingrown toenail yourself! “Bathroom surgery” will likely make the ingrown worse, and greatly increases risk of an infection. Patients who try to remove ingrown toenails themselves usually create more inflammation and damage to the toe without resolving the issue. Even if these treatments have any success the ingrown is likely to come back.
The next thing podiatrists want you to know is that your footwear is very important in managing and avoiding ingrown toenails. Ingrowns often form because of shoes that are too tight on the toes, putting pressure against the nail while moving. To prevent an ingrown from getting worse, and to relieve pain, make sure to wear well fitting shoes with wide toes.
If you can’t get in to see a podiatrist and your ingrown isn’t severe, podiatrists want you to know that there are some safe home treatments you can do. While these may not cure the ingrown entirely, they can relieve some negative symptoms like pain and prevent it from getting worse. The best at home remedy for ingrowns is a warm water and epsom salt soak, which will soften the skin of the toe around the ingrown.
Podiatrists want you to know that if you have an ingrown toenail, the best way to move towards healing is to schedule a consultation with them. They will be able to diagnose your ingrown and provide you with the things you need to recover, including (usually minor) surgery if necessary. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.