Ingrown toenails are common in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling, or infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe. You shouldn't try to treat an ingrown toenail at home. For ingrown toenail treatment in Clearwater, FL, our team of experts at Tampa Bay Podiatry is here to help.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Wearing uncomfortable or narrow shoes that are too tight causes your feet to become contorted, and it puts abnormal pressure on your toes, causing them to dig into the skin. You can also get an ingrown nail from cutting the nails at an angle. If you cut them too low on the slides, they can press into the side of your toe and become ingrown. Injuries to your toe are another cause of ingrown nails. If your toenail is damaged or discolored, don’t try to peel it off. It may break off naturally, but don’t rush to pull it off because it allows bacteria to grow in and back at an odd angle.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Nail
When one of your nails starts growing into the skin, you may experience the following:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Hardness
- Redness
- Pus coming out of your toe
- Bleeding
- Pain
Ways to Prevent Ingrown Toenails in Clearwater, FL
To prevent ingrown nails, avoid cutting nails too short, and be sure to cut them straight across. You should also make sure your socks and shoes fit properly, which means you should be able to wiggle your toes easily in your shoes. If you run, play soccer, or participate in other sports, avoid trauma to the toe area as much as possible.
Contact Your Doctor
To treat ingrown toenails in Clearwater, FL, contact your podiatrist. Schedule an appointment with our team at Tampa Bay Podiatry by calling (727) 797-5007.