Ingrown Toenails Specialist

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when the corner area of your nail grows into the tissues on your toe. This most often happens to your big toes, but can affect any toe on your foot.

Ingrown toenails can often be cared for at home, but lead to infection in some cases. Learning the proper way to cut your nails saves you the pain and hassle of an ingrown nail.

Why do you get ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur for numerous reasons. One of the leading causes of this condition is improperly cutting your toenail too short. Other reasons for ingrown toenails include:

• Poorly-fitted shoes
• The shape of your foot
• Tearing a nail instead of cutting
• Injury to the toe

Infections near an ingrown toenail are caused by bacteria entering the skin where the toenail has grown into. Keeping the area clean and dry is the best ways to prevent an infection.

What are the signs of an infection?

Not all ingrown toenails get infected, but it’s good to know the signs. If you notice any of the symptoms of an infection, you should seek immediate medical care. Signs of an infected ingrown toenail include:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Drainage

The drainage coming out of the infection may look bloody or contain pus. The toe is often tender to the touch, and the drainage might have a foul smell.

Infections near an ingrown toenail are caused by bacteria entering the skin where the toenail has grown into. Keeping the area clean and dry are the best ways to prevent an infection.

Are ingrown toenails treatable?

If your ingrown toenail isn’t infected, Dr. Guan recommends conservative measures to clean the area and prevent infection. This includes warm soaks, open-toed shoes, and keeping the area dry after the soaks.

If your ingrown toenail is infected, Dr. Guan prescribes antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Dr. Guan may also remove the part of the toenail that’s bothersome to allow for new growth. The area is numbed in the office, so you’re comfortable.

In severe cases, Dr. Guan may remove the nail, especially if the ingrown toenail continues to occur with prevention measures.

Don’t continue to suffer from ingrown toenails. Call the office in San Jose, California, to schedule an appointment or book online using our convenient tool.