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Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown Toe Nail

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Onychocryptosis (ingrown nail) occurs when a nail spike pierces the skin. The affected nail fold becomes red, shiny, painful and swollen. It is often caused by improper nail cutting, inherited involuted shape of nail, trauma caused by aggressive pedicures, nail picking, tight footwear or your biomechanics.

 

Ingrown toenails can become infected; it is important to treat the condition promptly with sterile instruments. Our primary goal is to manage the condition conservatively, which involves removing the nail spike and addressing the footwear and biomechanics involved. However if required based on the condition, we do offer surgical options as well. The procedure involves removing partial or full nail and using a chemical to prevent the nail from growing back.

 

If you have concerns about ingrown toenails, book an appointment by clicking here or call 905-723-3668.

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What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?

You may suspect you have an ingrown toenail if it looks like your nail has curved downward into the skin, or perhaps it looks like a section of skin is growing over the toenail. If you are experiencing what you believe is an ingrown toenail, seek a diagnosis from a chiropodist. Some tumors can mimic the appearance of an ingrown toenail and if that’s the case, you’ll want to act as quickly as possible.

 

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail. If you clip a nail too short or suffer an injury that cracks a nail, a shard of the toenail can grow into the skin and lead to infection.

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

  • Redness and swelling around the toenail

  • Tenderness or pain

  • A buildup of fluid around the embedded nail or toe

  • Pain when touching or putting pressure on the toe

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Infection

As the infection develops or spreads, you may experience additional symptoms:

  • Inflamed, tender skin

  • Pus discharge

  • Bleeding

  • The nail fold begins to grow over the nail

At this stage, ingrown toenail treatment should be done by a Chiropodist. Our Chiropodist uses sterile instruments to treat the ingrown toenail safely, removing the nail spike. An infected toenail needs immediate ingrown toenail treatment.

 

Never put cotton under the nail as doing so can cause bacteria to grow. At home, never try to remove the nail spike yourself. Don’t trim the nail yourself, especially around the borders. 

 

Will It Grow Out?

An ingrown toenail doesn’t usually go away without treatment.  However, mild cases may react positively to at-home treatment, such as:

  • Soaking your foot in warm water several times a day to reduce pain

  • Keep the food dry and clean after soaking

  • Applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage to your toenail

  • Wear open-toed shoes if socks and shoes irritate your toenail

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When To See a Chiropodist

If you start experiencing drainage, significant swelling, warmth, or worsening pain, it is time to see a chiropodist. An infection requires ingrown toenail treatment, and once an infection takes hold, you must seek treatment quickly. If you have underlying health conditions that affect the feet, seek ingrown toenail treatment as soon as you notice a problem.

Schedule online.

It's easy, fast and secure.

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