Ingrown toenails can be annoying, often painful experiences that often require medical attention. However, if your ingrown toenail isn’t severe, you may be wondering if you can handle the treatment for it yourself. If you identify your ingrown before it becomes severe, you can attempt home remedies like Epsom salt soaks before you go to a doctor. You can also use over the counter antibiotic creams to try and avoid the ingrown toenail becoming affected.
While over the counter solutions may be an option for some people, those with pre-existing conditions affecting circulation should always seek medical treatment for an ingrown toenail. These conditions increase the risk for complications with ingrown toenails.
If your ingrown toenail is causing you a lot of pain, it is time to see a doctor. They will remove the toenail so that it doesn’t get worse or become infected. It is very important to not attempt this procedure at home! If you attempt to remove the ingrown toenail yourself, you greatly increase your chance of infection or worsening of the ingrown.
If you notice signs of infection like inflammation or pus, it is imperative to get medical attention immediately. Untreated infected ingrown toenails can progress to much more serious health conditions. A doctor licensed to work on feet is the person to trust with removing an infected ingrown toenail.
If you have been able to treat your ingrown at home but it keeps coming back, it might be a good time to see a doctor. While removing the ingrown toenail, a doctor will be able to also remove part of the root of the nail so that it doesn’t grow back. This may be more effective for those with recurring ingrown toenails, rather than repeatedly using home treatments.
If you have an ingrown toenail that you believe needs medical attention, contact us to schedule a consultation.