Toenails usually grow straight out, but when they don’t, you may develop ingrown toenails, a common occurrence where the corner of your nail painfully digs into the soft tissue of your nail grooves. Nina Coletta, DPM PA a leading podiatrist in Broward County practicing in Plantation, Florida, is experienced at helping treat ingrown toenails to alleviate pain and prevent any recurrence. To learn more, call or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
You may have an ingrown toenail that could benefit from Dr. Coletta’s care if you have any of the following symptoms:
Ingrown toenails most commonly result from one of the following:
The most common reason Dr. Coletta sees patients for ingrown toenails is that they cut their toenails too short. Doing so causes the skin on the sides to cover the corners of your nail and then your nail gradually grows into your skin.
It’s best to cut your toenails straight across because a rounded shape also causes nails to break the soft skin. Additionally, if you rip your nails instead of cut them, this leads to an increased tendency for them to become ingrown as they don't have any defined corners.
Shoes that are too small can push the skin on the sides of your nail up over the nail, causing your nails to grow into the soft skin.
Injuries that cause the nail to fall off your toe are likely to lead to ingrown nails.
When you see Dr. Coletta for an ingrown toenail diagnosis, she begins by asking about your symptoms and examining your affected toe. If your ingrown toenail results from an injury or looks especially deep, she may request an X-ray or other diagnostic images.
Dr. Coletta often recommends you begin treatment by soaking your foot in warm water three to four times a day for three days. Be sure you keep your foot dry when it’s not soaking and wear comfortable shoes or sandals until your condition clears up. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with pain relief.
If your ingrown toenail fails to heal on its own, then Dr. Coletta may recommend one of the following:
If your ingrown toenail is red and painful, but there’s no pus, Dr. Coletta carefully lifts the edge of your ingrowing nail. She then places cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to separate your nail from the overlying skin. This approach helps your nail grow above the edge of your skin.
If your ingrown toenail has pain, redness, and pus, Dr. Coletta either trims or removes the ingrown portion of your nail.
If you repeatedly get ingrown nails on the same toe, Dr. Coletta recommends removing part of your nail and its nail bed to prevent regrowth.
To get help with your ingrown toenails, call or schedule an appointment using online booking today.
