Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and can be tricky to treat because they can easily become infected and may require special care from a professional.
The Nail Lady Nail Salon in Scottsdale, Arizona provides personal attention for all your nail care needs.
What exactly are ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are caused by the pressure from the nail growing into the skin of the sidewall of the toe.
Once the edge of the nail breaks through the skin, it produces inflammation. Initially presented as a minor discomfort, it may progress into an infection in the surrounding skin and become a recurring problem. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toes.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail symptoms and signs include redness, tenderness or pain, and swelling. Occasionally, ingrown toenails resolve without treatment.
Painful, persistent and recurring ingrown toenails should be treated by a podiatrist.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
The most common causes of an ingrown toenail are improper trimming of the toenail, a hereditary condition and improper shoe fitting. Injury to your toenail and picking are also common causes.
If your ingrown toenail has becomes tender or problematic, you should NOT attempt to treat it yourself. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail that has become infected, make an appointment with a qualified podiatrist.
Although sometimes hereditary, prevention is often your best method for controlling the pain of ingrown toenails.
Preventing ingrown toenails:
There are numerous ways to prevent toenails from curving over and digging into the skin of your toe.
Buying properly fitting shoes that don’t squish the toes and cutting your toenails correctly ~not too short and in a straight line across~ are two of the easiest methods.
It is crucial that you go to a Licensed Nail Technician for your pedicures that is skilled and familiar with ingrown toenails.
People with diabetes should carefully examine their feet regularly, and should always see a doctor about any sign or concerns regarding an ingrown toenail.