What Are Ingrown Toenails?

If you are suffering from ingrown toenails in Bellingham, WA, Dr. Michael Sherwin of Family Foot Care Bellingham is the doctor you want to see. He offers a full spectrum of services to keep your feet feeling good and working well.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is when one or both sides of the toenail, usually the big toe, but it can happen on any toe, curls into the skin on the side of it. It may happen to one or both toes. When the toenail grows into the skin it can become red, inflamed, and sore to the touch. If it gets infected, there may be pus that is oozing out. The toe can become swollen and extremely painful.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be caused by many things. For some people, it is genetic, the shape of the nail is just too big for the toe and this is not something you can do much about. If your toe sustains an injury it can result in it developing an ingrown toenail. Wearing shoes that are too tight can also cause ingrown toenails. The most common cause is cutting the toenails into the wrong shape. If you shape your nails instead of cutting them straight across, they may end up growing into the skin.

How To Treat Ingrown Toenail in Bellingham, WA

Treatment for ingrown toenails begins at home by soaking your feet to soften the nail. You will then be able to pull the nail back away from the skin and trim it. Wear comfortable shoes with enough room for your toes. If possible, wear sandals which let your toes heal. If you still have problems, a visit to the podiatrist is what comes next.

If the toenail doesn't improve, it may be necessary to remove part of the nail. This is called a partial nail avulsion and in children who have chronic ingrown toenails, it is often the best solution. Local anesthetic is used to numb the toe and then the problem part of the nail is removed. The nail looks natural and will not grow back. The full nail can also be removed if it is in such bad condition that it can not be salvaged. The nail may not grow back looking natural, but it will grow back as long as the nail matrix is intact.

For treatment of ingrown toenails in Bellingham, WA, Dr. Sherwin of Family Foot Care Bellingham can provide the relief you require. To make an appointment, give our office a call at (360) 738-9797 or fill out the form on our website.