Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common but painful problem. At High Desert Limb Salvage Institute in San Bernardino, Indio, and Apple Valley, California, wound care specialist Norris Morrison, DPM, provides complete care for ingrown nails. After an exam and discussion of your symptoms, he can determine the best course of treatment. Call High Desert Limb Salvage Institute and make an appointment or book online today.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail grows into the soft skin surrounding it, instead of out and away from your toe. 

Almost everyone experiences an ingrown toenail at least once in their life, but if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation, they may increase your risk of more serious issues.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain
• Red and inflamed skin
• Swelling
• A toe that’s sensitive to touch

If your nail becomes infected, it might also ooze blood or pus.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

To diagnose an ingrown toenail, your High Desert Limb Salvage Institute provider reviews your records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the ingrown nail, how painful it is, and if it affects your ability to walk or stand.

Next, your provider completes an exam. They check your toenail and the skin near the edge of the nail, looking for redness, swelling, or pus. Then, your provider orders a series of X-rays to see how far the nail grows into your skin. 

If your nail looks infected, your provider might also take a sample and send it to a lab for analysis.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Treatment of an ingrown toenail depends on various factors, including how far the nail grows into your skin and whether it’s infected. Your High Desert Limb Salvage Institute provider might recommend:

• Soaking your foot in warm water 
• Gently lifting the nail with cotton or dental floss
• Applying antibiotic ointment or cream to the nail
• Wearing roomier shoes so your toes have room to breathe
• Taking over-the-counter pain medicine to reduce swelling and discomfort

If your nail doesn’t respond to these treatments, your provider might recommend partially removing the nail or removing it completely.

Can an ingrown toenail be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent an ingrown toenail entirely, but you can reduce your risk by practicing good foot hygiene. High Desert Limb Salvage Institute recommends keeping your toenails trimmed, wearing shoes that fit properly, and regularly checking your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

To receive treatment for an ingrown toenail, call High Desert Limb Salvage Institute and make an appointment or book online today.