Ingrown toenails can be a very painful condition, causing discomfort and potential infections if not properly addressed. Sometimes attempting to manage ingrown toenails at home with soaking and topical antibiotic ointment is not enough. Patients who seek care from their PCP are often given an antibiotic, which only temporarily helps the condition. Seeking professional help from a podiatrist is crucial, especially if an infection has developed. As a podiatrist, I can diagnose and treat ingrown toenails and infections during the same office visit!
The Dangers of an Infected Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin or the surrounding skin becomes inflamed, causing redness, swelling, pain, and potential infection. When left untreated, ingrown toenails can progress and lead to a variety of complications, including:
Infections: The ingrown nail can create an entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Infections can cause severe pain, pus drainage, and even systemic symptoms if left unaddressed.
Cellulitis: An untreated infection can spread to the surrounding skin, causing cellulitis to the toe. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Abscess formation: Pockets of pus (abscesses) can develop around the infected area. These are not only painful but can also lead to further spreading of the infection if not properly treated.
The Benefits of Professional Treatment
Seeking the expertise of a podiatrist for the treatment of an infected ingrown toenail offers numerous benefits, including:
Accurate diagnosis: Podiatrists are trained to accurately diagnose the extent of the ingrown toenail and any associated infections, ensuring appropriate treatment. We see toenails all day every day!
Infection management: Podiatrists can provide targeted treatments to address the infection, including antibiotic medications or in-office procedures to remove the offending nail and manage the infection effectively.
Pain relief: Podiatrists can provide local anesthesia for procedures, ensuring minimal pain during treatment. They can also recommend appropriate pain management strategies to alleviate discomfort.
Prevent recurrence: Podiatrists can offer advice on how to prevent future ingrown toenails and provide guidance on proper nail-trimming techniques and footwear choices.
The BEST Treatment Option
The BEST treatment option for an infected ingrown toenail is the removal of the offending nail by a podiatrist. Antibiotics alone do not fix an ingrown toenail. The medication decreases the redness and swelling for a time, but the pain and discomfort often return after you complete the course of antibiotics. Removing the nail decreases pain and pressure on the surrounding skin, addressing the root of the problem. This in-office same-day procedure is done under local anesthesia. Patients experience pain relief within hours of the treatment. Patients are advised to soak in warm water and Epsom salts after the procedure. Generally, the infection resolves after the nail is removed. Additional Treatments Include:
Oral antibiotics: If a severe infection is present, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Permanent Nail Correction: If ingrown toenails are a recurrent problem we may remove the ingrown portion of the nail and destroy the nail matrix, preventing recurrence.
Seeking prompt and professional treatment for an infected ingrown toenail from a podiatrist is essential to prevent complications, manage infections effectively, and ensure a pain-free recovery. If you're experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail or suspect an infection, please contact us.
We have have same day appointments available during our office hours! As a direct care/direct pay podiatrist, we do not require a referral from your insurance or PCP to be seen. Call us today at 207-774-0028.