Ingrown toenails may seem more like a nuisance than a serious problem, but without treatment, they can lead to a dangerous infection. The expert team of podiatrists at the offices of Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. in West Islip and Hicksville, New York, treat ingrown toenails. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online or over the phone.
Also called onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when the side of your toenail grows into the skin next to it. This condition most often affects the big toe.
Ingrown toenails usually get better with simple home care, such as soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times a day. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to a serious infection.
Usually, ingrown toenails result from improper toenail trimming habits. Trimming your toenails too short, especially at the edges of your big toes, may lead to an ingrown nail. Other common causes of ingrown toenails include:
Trimming your toenails straight across, keeping nails at a moderate length, and wearing shoes that fit properly may help prevent ingrown toenails.
At first, an ingrown toenail is usually hard, swollen, and tender. Over time, it may become infected, causing redness and pain in the toe. Skin may also begin to grow over the side of the ingrown nail and may drain pus.
You should schedule an appointment with Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. right away if you have diabetes and experience any type of foot infection, including an ingrown toenail.
Other reasons to call the practice include toe pain or redness that becomes worse or spreads beyond the affected toe.
First, Dr. Landy or a member of his team thoroughly evaluates your toenail and asks about your symptoms. Then, they recommend the most effective course of treatment for your particular condition.
For slightly ingrown nails that are red and painful but not infected, they may carefully separate the nail from the edge of the skin. If you have an infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. Severe ingrown toenails may require surgical removal of the affected nail.
Don’t wait to seek treatment for an ingrown toenail. Call Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. or book an appointment online.
