Ingrown toenails commonly occur on the sides of your big toes. They are often the result of cutting your nails incorrectly or cutting them too short. They frequently occur in young males involved in sports, but can affect anyone at any age.

An ingrown toenail may start out swollen and tender but soon becomes sore, red and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the edge of the nail plate. This excessive growth of skin is called hyper-granulation tissue and it will bleed easily if bumped.

Soaking your foot in warm, salt water 2-3 times each day is a good way to treat an ingrown nail. Also, you can try inserting some cotton, wool or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. In more severe cases, it is best to contact our office to determine the best course of treatment for your condition. Diabetics or people with poor circulation should always seek medical attention.

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present, however simply trimming the nail to remove the offending nail spike will often relieve the pressure and allow the tissue to heal on it own. Recurring ingrown toenails may require a simple surgical procedure (done right in our office) for permanent relief. The procedure involves injecting the toe with a local anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

To prevent ingrown toenails, you can:

• Trim your toenails straight across following the white band on your nail
• Avoid cutting deep down the side of the nails or “digging” with sharp instruments
• Ensure that your shoes and socks are not too tight
• Maintain good hygiene by keeping your feet clean at all times
• Seek medical attention if your feet perspire excessively