Easiest Ways to Help Prevent Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail will announce its arrival in painful and unsightly ways and is always a most unwelcome guest. The condition’s hallmark is a toenail — often the big toenail — that grows in the wrong direction or curls so that it cuts into and breaks your skin. This puts you at risk for infection.

Dr. Steve Eichelsdorfer is both an experienced podiatric doctor and a premier surgeon. His vast knowledge of foot problems and 20+ years of experience treating patients of all ages have made Town Center Foot & Ankle known and trusted in the North Houston area.

Why does someone develop an ingrown toenail?

There are a number of causes for ingrown toenails. Some are hereditary while others have to do with foot trauma. You are more susceptible to an ingrown toenail if:

• Your nails naturally tend to curve, or they are very thick
• You cut your nails too short or in anything but a straight-across pattern
• You wear shoes that are ill-fitting or have a tight toe box
• You injure your toe or toenail

Occasionally, the skin will grow around the toenail itself and that puts you at risk as well. However it happens, the condition can be painful.

Do I need to see a doctor if I have an ingrown toenail?

Sometimes it’s OK for you to address an ingrown toenail yourself at home with antibiotic ointment or a soak. But after the redness, swelling, and pain gets to a certain point or there are signs of infection, such as pus, it’s time for you to see the doctor.

People who have diabetes and circulation problems must be particularly conscientious if they get an ingrown toenail, because if they get an infection, it can lead to serious problems.

What does an ingrown toenail look and feel like?

You will likely be able to see where the toenail is digging into the skin. The skin around your toenail will be swollen, red, and painful. If an infection has already started to develop, you will notice the presence of pus.

What can I do to lower my chances of developing an ingrown toenail?

In order to avoid the hassle — and discomfort — of an ingrown toenail, it’s important to:

• Be kind to your feet - No pointy-toed, spike-heeled shoes; learn to love flats and high-quality sneakers that fit properly!
• Take care when trimming your toenails - If you’re in a rush or distracted, you might cut them too short (they should reach the tip of your toe) or with curved sides, both of which up your likelihood to experience an ingrown toenail.
• If you have naturally curved or very thick toenails, it might make sense to visit us at Town Center Foot & Ankle and let Dr. Eichelsdorfer take care of the task of cutting them.
• Be kind to your feet - Protect them by wearing proper footwear when you’re outside; if you’re performing an inside task that puts your toes at risk for injury, like moving furniture, wear shoes.

With a little forethought, you can probably escape this malady. If you do develop an ingrown toenail (it happens to the best of us), well, that’s why we’re here!

Dr. Eichelsdorfer and his team are ready and waiting to help

If home remedies haven’t worked, we’ll treat your ingrown toenail expertly and promptly, either with medication or, if your situation is more severe, an in-office minor surgical procedure. The important thing is, we’ll end the pain!

Call Town Center Foot & Ankle for a consultation today or request an appointment online. You’ll be back to being pain-free faster than you can say “This little piggy went to market!”