Ingrown toenails are not only bothersome, left untreated they can lead to infection. Any toenail can become ingrown, but it most often affects the big toe. It happens when the toenail grows into the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
At Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists in State College, Pennsylvania, Kaitlyn Bernhard, DPM and Andrew Bernhard, DPM take care to help patients keep their feet and ankles as healthy as possible. Although an ingrown toenail may not seem like a serious issue, it can cause significant pain and complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, our team can provide treatment and prevent further issues.
When toenails grow into the soft skin near the nail bed, the deeper the nail penetrates the skin, the worse the discomfort.
Improper nail trimming is a common cause of ingrown toenails. If you trim your nails too short or at an angle, you increase the likelihood that the nail will grow into the skin.
Other risk factors for ingrown toenails include the following:
If you’re prone to ingrown toenails, you should regularly inspect your feet so that you can take action if you notice an ingrown toenail.
Infection is a typical complication of an untreated ingrown toenail. Once the nail penetrates the outer layer of skin, bacteria and other germs can enter the skin.
Warning signs of infection include bleeding, pus, or discharge, along with swelling.
If you have diabetes or a condition that weakens your immune system, you’re at an increased risk for complications from ingrown toenails. In some instances, an untreated infection can result in tissue death (gangrene) and the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
If you have signs of an ingrown toenail, it’s best to schedule a visit with us to take a look at your ingrown toenail.
We offer same-day treatments to alleviate pain, and to prevent and treat infection. Dr. Gupta analyzes your nail to determine the appropriate therapy. If the nail hasn't penetrated the skin too deeply, she may place a splint underneath it.
In some cases, treatment may involve removing the part of the toenail that is growing into the skin. You may need to take antibiotics or apply topical treatments to the wound on your skin to treat the infection. We also instruct you on how to prevent future ingrown toenails.
You can rely on the expert physicians of Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists to keep your feet and ankles in tip top shape. We can help you stay on top of any issues, whether they be simple or complex. Call or send an online message to our State College, Pennsylvania, team who is standing by to help you schedule a visit with one of our providers.
