Ingrown Toenails: At-Home Care or Professional Treatment?

It’s a common problem particularly with your big toe, for the nail to cut into the soft flesh on either side. Called an ingrown toenail, this problem could result from tight shoes, improper nail trimming, breaking a toenail, or even your unique anatomy. 

It’s often easy to care for an ingrown toenail at home. Minor cases may even resolve without treatment, but other times, pain is severe, infection sets in, and you need professional care. 

The podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center specialize in treating ingrown toenails, and for certain patients, such as the elderly and those with diabetes, we may be an important part of your healthcare team. Let’s look more closely at ingrown toenails and the most appropriate treatments. 

Causes and risk factors behind ingrown toenails

We’ve already mentioned a few of the common causes of ingrown nails. Any footwear that constricts your toes can contribute to the problem, as can certain nail-trimming habits, such as rounding the corners or cutting nails too short. 

Plenty of factors can increase your risk of developing ingrown toenails. Some of these include: 

• Reduced mobility that interferes with your ability to care for your feet
• Wearing open-toed footwear that offers little protection to your toes
• Participating in activities like soccer, which could cause nail damage
• Illnesses like congenital heart failure and diabetes that affect blood flow in your feet
• Persistent wet feet, such as with perspiration inside heavy, non-ventilated footwear

Any medical condition that causes slow-healing wounds can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. 

At-home care or professional treatment? 

Whether to seek medical care to deal with an ingrown toenail yourself is a personal decision. Here are a few points to consider in favor of professional care. 

In general, signs of infection suggest a more serious problem in the affected nail. Contact Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Increasing pain 
• Inflammation of the affected toe
• Redness in the skin around the toenail
• Pus discharge

These are signs of bacterial infection. Ingrown toenails can also accompany fungal infections. You could notice changes in the color or texture of your nails, along with burning or itching sensations affecting your feet and toes.

Without signs of infection, it’s safe to care for your ingrown nail at home, provided you can comfortably tend to your feet or have someone who can help. Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the nail before using a file to lift and shape it away from your skin. 

Dry your feet thoroughly, and wear absorbent socks and comfortable shoes as your toe heals. Monitor its progress daily, particularly if you’re prone to slow-healing wounds. 

When you need that professional touch to deal with an ingrown toenail, contact Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center at the nearest of our five locations. Call or click to request your appointment today.