An ingrown toenail can occasionally be treated on your own, but at Podiatry Associates in Baltimore, we always urge seeking medical assistance, especially if an infection is present. If you notice any symptoms of ingrown toenail infection, such as pain, swelling, irritation, abscess, or redness, you should contact a foot specialist or podiatrist. Any of our podiatrists can do ingrown nail surgery. But, again, if you notice any signs of infection, you should seek medical help immediately.
What happens if you ignore an ingrown toenail?
If an infected ingrown toenail is not treated, it can lead to more infection and pain. Finally, the infection might extend to the underlying area and cause a catastrophic bone infection. If an infection develops in an ingrown toenail, it should not be ignored; otherwise, major consequences can follow. It can be excruciatingly painful and incapacitating.
An infected toenail may be warm to the touch, and an abscess may be present, causing fever symptoms. Ingrown toenail infection produces significant pain and discomfort, as well as bleeding, swelling, throbbing, and redness surrounding the affected area.
If you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, you must be extra cautious; else, catastrophic problems can occur.
Ingrown toenail removal surgery can ease pain and suffering in the patient.
What does a doctor do to treat an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail treatment and surgery options include putting a wedge of medicated cotton between your nail and the inflamed area to reduce discomfort and drain the infection. The abscess can also be drained by an incision made after the local anaesthetic is administered. Following the drainage, the surgeon applies sterile gauze to enable drainage for 1-2 days while the infection is removed. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotic ointments and tablets to dry up the infection in certain circumstances. In contrast, in others, surgical excision of the ingrown toenail is performed to relieve the patient of any pain and consequences.
If you discover an infection in your ingrown toenail and want the finest possible therapy, make an appointment with one of our podiatrists immediately.
What are the most common causes of ingrown toenails?
The ridges that hold your toe in place can get disconnected as the shape of your toenail changes. As a result, your toenail may grow into the sides or corners of your skin. This is known as an ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenail infection can arise due to poor or tight-fitting shoes, improper toenail trimming, fungal infection of the nail, injury or trauma around the nail area, inheritance, and other factors.
If you require ingrown toenail treatment in Baltimore or the surrounding areas or have any concerns regarding the therapies listed above, please visit one of our Podiatry Associates sites to find a podiatrist near you.
Is it Time to Visit a Podiatrist?
If you are experiencing any problems listed above, it is time to seek professional help. First, contact Dr. Foot, Podiatry Clinic in Singapore, to schedule an assessment. Their doctors are all board certified/qualified and are committed to maintaining your foot health.
