When the corner of a toenail grows into the flesh instead of over it, it results in an ingrown toenail. It can be a significantly painful condition where the patient experiences red and swollen toes. Most people get this problem in their big toe, but it can develop in other toes as well. Ignoring the problem can have more serious consequences for your skin because pus or infection may develop at some stage if you leave it untreated.
What is Ingrown Toenail?
If you have a very minor condition of ingrown toenail, you can most likely remove the nail yourself. But if you are experiencing some discomfort and pain, it may be best to visit your primary physician or get yourself treated from an experienced UrgentMED doctor. Going to a doctor for ingrown toenail removal is especially important if you have suffered some type of injury that affected one or both of your feet because it may result in multiple ingrowns simultaneously.
Many factors may increase the risk of ingrown toenails, such as:
- Wearing tight socks or footwear (this can push the nails into the flesh)
- Cutting/trimming toenails too short
- Cutting/trimming toenails in a straight manner or a jagged pattern
- Improper posture while running or walking
- Poor hygiene
- Excessive sweating
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
The early symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Hardness
- Soreness
- A small amount of pus may also be present
- Tenderness of the corner of the nail
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
It’s important to seek ingrown toenail treatment as soon as the symptoms of pain and swelling appear. Waiting or ignoring the symptoms can lead to infection and other complications. This especially goes for people who have nerve damage in the foot/leg, or diabetes.
If you don’t see any infection yet, you can do the ingrown toenail removal at home or have someone else do it for you. But remember, this is only advised if you have the courage of pulling the nail out yourself.
Start by soaking the affected foot in warm water to soften the tissue and the nail. Repeat this at least 3 times a day and then gently push the skin away from the nail using a clean cotton bud. Avoid wearing any tight-fitting socks and shoes, and preferably wear flip-flops or sandals during this time. You can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen or any other over-the-counter pain medication to reduce the pain.
If there is no improvement in the symptoms within 2-3 days, visit a doctor to get the ingrown surgically removed. UrgentMED clinics are fully-equipped to cut the nail and relieve the pressure on your foot as soon as you walk in – no appointments necessary.
Depending on your case, the doctor will decide whether to just remove the nail or also remove a portion of the underlying tissue especially if it’s filled with pus. Ingrown toenail removal – also known as wedge resection – is a minor procedure and the doctor will apply anesthesia before starting the ingrown toenail treatment. Laser, chemicals, and other methods are used for this procedure.
Swollen and painful, an ingrown nail should be treated promptly as it can produce more health issues – not to mention anxiety and discomfort – if left unaddressed. Visit an UrgentMED walk-in clinic for early diagnosis and proper ingrown toenail treatment.
Do You Need Ingrown Toenail Treatment?
If your home treatment didn’t work or the toenail looks infected, it’s time to seek professional assistance. At UrgentMED, this condition can be treated through a minor surgical procedure and a course of oral antibiotics to help prevent or fight off infection. Your doctor may also recommend a preventative procedure to lower the chances of reoccurrence.
If you or a loved one has developed an ingrown toenail and no amount of home remedies have seemed to work, we can help. Our licensed physicians will see you for an evaluation and ingrown toenail treatment on the same day as you walk in the clinic. You don’t need to make an appointment and there are no long waiting times. Just walk in and receive the medical attention you need within a matter of minutes.
Call Us For Same-Day Ingrown Toenail Removal
UrgentMED physicians treat several cases of ingrown toenails almost every day, which is why we are able to perform the procedure so quickly and seamlessly. As soon as you walk in, one of our board-certified doctors will assess the condition of your toenail and start the treatment right away.
If you have any questions or concerns about the ingrown toenail treatment, or you want to talk to one of our expert staff before coming in for a visit, do not hesitate to call us at 323-957-2273.