Ingrowing Toenail

What is it?

Ingrown nails occur when the sides of the nail plate irritate the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, redness and swelling. If not properly cared for, the area becomes infected requiring immediate medical treatment. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can be affected.

Cause

Ingrown toenails may be caused by improper nail trimming, trauma and irritation to the nail, heredity, the type of shoes, and certain nail conditions (need link to nail fungus)

Treatment

Care at home rarely may provide temporary relief but seldom resolves the condition completely. This applies to treatment with antibiotics alone. Often a minor surgical procedure to remove the affected nail border, performed in the office, is the treatment of choice. Patients can expect to leave the office in very little pain after and may resume normal activity the next day. Some cases require oral antibiotics. Recurrent cases might benefit from a more permanent surgical procedure.

Click here for additional information.