What causes ingrown toenails?
The primary reason men and women get ingrown toenails is genetic and due to the shape of the nail. As the nail then grows out, it digs and cuts into the surrounding skin until it becomes ingrown and painful.
Improper pedicures aren’t the only cause of ingrown toenails, though. They can also occur due to:
- Nail trauma or injury
- Unusually curved toenails
- Wearing shoes with little toe room
Since ingrown toenails can easily and quickly become infected, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and know when it’s time to seek medical intervention.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails aren’t always obvious at first. There may be just a little redness or swelling next to the toenail bed. However, as the nail continues to dig into the surrounding skin, it can become painful and even infected. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- Throbbing or severe tenderness
- Redness around the nail
- Drainage or pus on one or both sides of the nail
If the area is infected, it usually becomes redder and there may even be a foul odor. These issues warrant scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Rubenstein for immediate treatment.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Treating ingrown toenails involves relieving immediate pain and inflammation, while also simultaneously treating any underlying infection. For minor ingrown toenails, Dr. Rubenstein may just need to trim the nail appropriately away from the skin.
For severely ingrown toenails, Dr. Rubenstein may need to remove a small portion of the nail. Ingrown toenail surgery, an in-office procedure, begins with numbing the affected toe. Dr. Rubenstein carefully trims away the part of the toenail that’s ingrown, bandages the toe, and provides aftercare instructions as well as advice on how to avoid ingrown toenails in the future.
Schedule an appointment at the office of board-certified podiatrist Dr. Scott Rubenstein today. Request an evaluation online or by calling the office directly at 212-674-1120.
