Ingrown Toe Nail

​Ingrown toe nails are a painful condition where the nail grows through the skin. This can happen at the corner of the nail or along the side of the nail edge.

Cause

Ingrown nails can be caused by:
-    Improper cutting method
-    Ill-fitting shoes
-    Trauma to the nail or nail bed
-    Overgrown toeskin
-    Predisposition to having poorly shaped nails

Treatment

-    Preventative treatment generally involves cutting the nails straight across and not cutting them too short in the corners
-    If there is too much skin around the nail making it difficult to cut straight across, your podiatrist can advise on the best method
-    Anti-biotics and dressings are required if the ingrown nail is infected
-    If conservative treatment fails, a minor procedure to remove the offending edge of the nail permanently can give you long term relief

If you suspect you have an ingrown nail, see your podiatrist before it gets worse!!!

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