Ingrown toenails can cause extensive pain and discomfort. They can also become infected so it is important to treat them promptly. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan for you and recommend specific steps for preventing the nails from becoming ingrown again. In Inglewood, CA, treatment for ingrown toenails is available at the podiatry office of Dr. Mitra Tabassian. 

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

When a toenail becomes ingrown, it presses up against the skin and causes irritation and discomfort. Some factors that can cause the nail to press up against the skin and become ingrown include trimming the nails too short and wearing shoes that are too tight. Other causes include an injury, such as a stubbed toe, or a fungal infection. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?

Several signs can be present when a toenail is ingrown. Common symptoms or signs of an ingrown toenail include:

• Swelling and redness around the nail
• Discomfort, pain, or tenderness on the side(s) of the nail
• A skin infection around the nail
• Pus around the toenail 

What Treatments are there for Ingrown Toenails?

We have several methods for treating ingrown toenails at our Inglewood, CA, podiatry practice. A common approach to treating ingrown toenails is to cut out the portion of the nail that is ingrown and pressing against the skin. The toe will first be injected with anesthetic to numb the toe and prevent any pain or discomfort. Removing the ingrown portion of the toenail can help it to grow back properly. 

In some cases, it might be best to remove the entire toenail, particularly if it is severely ingrown or severely infected. If an infection has developed, an antibiotic might be prescribed to help clear up the infection. 

Can Ingrown Toenails be Prevented?

Specific steps can be taken to help prevent toenails from becoming ingrown. Some preventive measure include:

• Trim toenails straight across
• Refrain from trimming nails too short 
• Wear footwear that fits properly without being too tight 
• Keep the feet dry and clean to prevent fungal infections 
• Treat fungal infections promptly

Ingrown toenails can be caused by several factors, such as an injury to the toe, improper trimming of the toenails, a fungal infection, or wearing tight-fitting footwear. Treating ingrown nails promptly helps prevent them from getting infected or from becoming worse. For the treatment of ingrown toenails in Inglewood, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tabassian by calling our podiatry office at (310) 671-0004.