Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Perth
An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.
For quick immediate relief of your ingrown toenail, visit one of our podiatrists today.
We offer both conservative and surgery options.
Podiatry Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
What Does Your Ingrown Toenail Look Like?
Let one of our podiatrists assess your ingrown nail to determine what treatment option is best for your painful ingrown toenail. They will consider:
- What stage your ingrown toenail is.
- How long you have had your ingrown nail, how frequently do you you get them?
- Have been on antibiotics? How many times?
- Is an infection present?
- Or any of the “symptoms below”.
- For more information, please read our Ingrown Toenail Blog.
When Should I See One of Your Podiatrists?
- Excess redness.
- Drainage, fluid, or infection.
- Excess curvature of nail.
- Extra tissue growth is present (hypergranulation tissue).
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Click Below to Find Out More Regarding Treatment of Your Ingrown Nail:
What are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, occur when the corners or sides of the nail dig painfully into the soft tissue surrounding the nail, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling.
Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails may be caused by the following:
- Improperly trimmed nails (See Figure 1).
- Heredity.
- Shoe pressure; crowding of toes.
- Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails:
The following symptoms may be present with ingrown toenails:
- Pain.
- Redness and swelling.
- Drainage.
- Odour.
- Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh).
How Can I Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
Do
Trim toenails properly- cut them straight across.
Gently round off edges with a nail file.
Use toenail clippers.
Don’t
Wear shoes with pointy or narrow toe boxes.
Pick at or cut down the sides of nail
Rip or tear edges of nails.
Wait too long to seek help.
Ingrown Toenail FAQs
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to an ingrown toenail, it is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options.
The duration of an ingrown toenail can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the condition, individual healing abilities, and the treatment received. In mild cases, an ingrown toenail may resolve on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if left untreated, or if the condition is more severe, it may persist for a longer period of time and potentially lead to complications. It is advisable to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare provider, for a correct assessment and appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
It is important to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional for personalized advice. In some cases, self-care measures may help alleviate symptoms of an ingrown toenail. These may include:
1. Soaking the affected foot in warm water: This can help reduce swelling and tenderness. Adding Epsom salt to the water may provide additional relief.
2. Proper nail trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. This can help prevent further ingrowing of your nail.
3. Applying a topical antibiotic ointment or solution such as betadine or savlon: This can help prevent infection. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
4. Wearing comfortable footwear: Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes and avoid tight-fitting footwear.
However, if the ingrown toenail is causing severe pain, infection, or if self-care measures do not improve the condition, it is recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can provide treatment options, which may include partial nail removal or other procedures, depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail.
An ingrown toenail can range in severity, and while it is generally not considered a life-threatening condition, it can cause discomfort and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. In mild cases, an ingrown toenail may cause pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. However, if the condition worsens or becomes infected, it can result in more severe symptoms such as increased pain, pus or drainage, and even difficulty walking.
In some cases, an untreated or recurrent ingrown toenail can lead to complications such as cellulitis (a skin infection), abscess formation, or the development of a chronic condition. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or if self-care measures do not improve the condition.
A healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or a healthcare provider, can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and provide appropriate treatment options to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
In some cases, mild ingrown toenails may resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, it is important to note that leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can increase the risk of complications such as infection or further ingrowth. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can assess the severity of the condition and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options to promote healing and prevent complications.
It is important to note that attempting to remove an ingrown toenail by yourself can be risky and may lead to further complications or infection. It is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider for safe and effective treatment. If you happen to leave a jagged edge when cutting your nail, then often the ingrown nail will become much worse. Early intervention from a podiatrist often only requires conservative treatment involving just cutting and removing the corner of the offending nail.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to an ingrown toenail, it is best to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional, who can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options. They may recommend techniques such as partial nail removal, lifting the nail edge (nail bracing), packing the side of the nail, taping the nail to allow the nail to grow out, or other procedures to address the ingrown toenail safely and effectively.
If conservative treatment has failed and the offending nail continues to cause pain by growing into the side of the skin. The two most common surgeries are Matrixectomy with phenolization followed by Winograd procedure.
