At-Home Care Tips for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are common, and in some cases, more than a minor nuisance. If you develop an ingrown toenail or are prone to them, it helps to know how to care for your toe at home and when to contact a doctor. 

As a foot and ankle specialist, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Angela Jacob of Precision Foot & Ankle Center is in the best position to help patients who have ingrown toenails. For most people, ingrown toenails are not serious. 

However, patients with diabetes, neuropathy, and circulatory disorders are at an increased risk of more serious complications. It’s crucial to contact a foot and ankle specialist if you have diabetes and develop an ingrown toenail. Prompt care helps to reduce the chances of diabetes-related complications. 

Keep reading for tips on caring for ingrown toenails at home. 

Ingrown toenails explained

Ingrown toenails happen when part of the nail, usually the side, grows into the skin. This causes significant pain and swelling. If not cared for appropriately, ingrown toenails can cause infection. Bacteria can grow when the toenail breaks into the flesh. The good news is that ingrown toenails rarely cause serious infections. 

Dr. Jacob frequently sees patients who develop ingrown toenails. For some, the agonizing problem reoccurs regularly. Dr. Jacob typically repairs the nail by removing the ingrown portion using specific tools.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Ill-fitting shoes and inappropriate nail trimming are common causes of ingrown toenails. Though ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages, people with circulatory issues, nerve damage, and diabetes are more prone to them than others.

Because lack of blood flow can hinder healing, it’s important to see a doctor if you have a condition that affects your blood flow or sensation. 

Dos and don'ts when caring for ingrown toenails

Here are some pointers to help you recover faster, and avoid infection:

Soak your foot

If your foot does not have discharge, pus, or other evidence of infection, soak it in warm water with epsom salt for 20 minutes. A light foot massage might help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. After drying your foot, apply an antimicrobial cream, and keep the area clean to avoid infection.

Avoid cutting the edges

Clipping your toenails too short raises the chance of developing an ingrown toenail. Avoid cutting the nail any further if you’re caring for an ingrown toenail. We can help cut toenails that are difficult to trim, which is common when toenails thicken and curl.

Check for infection

To determine if you have an infection, look out for discharge, discoloration, and excessive swelling. Additionally, check if your toe is warmer to the touch than your other toes. Contact a health care provider if you notice signs of an infection. Antibiotics can help control the infection. 

Wear well-fitted shoes

Shoes that are too narrow and lack enough room for your feet and toes can compress them, which can pave the way for an ingrown toenail to develop. Choose shoes that are comfortable and have enough room in the toe box. 

Dr. Jacob can help you keep your feet in tip-top shape. For ingrown toenail care, and for all of your foot and ankle needs, give us a call at Precision Foot & Ankle Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacob.