How your podiatrist in Tavares, FL, can help with an ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenails are ugly and painful. Fortunately, your podiatrist knows how to relieve the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, so you can go barefoot again. Dr. Breanna Ferguson at Mid Lake Foot And Ankle in Tavares, FL, provides comprehensive foot care services, including treatment for an ingrown toenail.
You should know the facts about ingrown toenails. These are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about ingrown toenails:
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that has grown into the surrounding skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails will typically look dark underneath the toenail, due to fluid and inflammation building up under the nail. You will also experience pressure and pain underneath and around the toenail.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail may be caused when a toenail is cut too short. When the toenail grows, it can grow into the skin, instead of above it. Wearing shoes which are too narrow can also cause an ingrown toenail, because your toes can be crushed together. People who have toenails which naturally curve under are also at greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Are there any home remedies to treat an ingrown toenail?
You may get some relief from an ingrown toenail if you:
- Soak your toe in warm water several times each day
- Place a small piece of dental floss under your toenail to guide the toenail upward
- Wear open toe shoes or sandals to help your toe heal
What are some ways a podiatrist can treat an ingrown toenail?
Professional treatments for an ingrown toenail include:
- Trimming off a section of your toenail that has grown into the skin
- Lifting and separating the toenail from the surrounding skin
- Removing the entire toenail so a new, healthy toenail can grow in its place
These are just a few frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails. To learn more about the causes and treatment of ingrown toenails, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Breanna Ferguson at Mid Lake Foot And Ankle in Tavares, FL. You can reach her in the office by calling (352) 432-8434, so call today.