Ingrown Toenails

Your big toe turns red, swells and throbs near the nail. What’s the culprit? It may be an in-grown toenail, the result of your nail growing into the surrounding skin.

Dr. Smith sees many patients with in-grown toenails. In-grown nails may be inherited, or it may be due to injury, fungal infections or pressure on the toe. Improper trimming can also be the culprit. Whatever the cause, an untreated in-grown toenail can hurt from the tip to the base of the toe. Oftentimes, the pain around the nail flares up while walking.

Treating Ingrown Toenails

An in-grown toenail can become infected, which is a point of concern to anyone, especially diabetic individuals. But according to Dr. Smith, evaluation and treatment are simple office procedures, sometimes including a trim or partial nail removal. A chemical can be applied to permanently prevent the in-grown part from coming back.

If you think you have an in-grown toenail, don’t wait for the pain to get worse and infection to set in. Contact Dr. Smith’s office for an appointment.