What Is Causing Your Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail develops when the toenail grows into the flesh instead of over it, typically on the big toe. This condition can be especially painful and can lead to an infection if it goes untreated. Today Dr. Hubert Lee, of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, is sharing information regarding the causes and treatment of ingrown toenails.

To prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, it is recommended that you trim your toenails correctly, which is straight across and not too short. Symptoms related to ingrown toenails typically include swelling and redness around the affected area. With more severe cases, there may be bleeding or oozing of pus, which can be a sign that an infection has developed.

Ingrown toenails may originally present themselves as a minor discomfort but then progress into an infection in the skin.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Improper trimming of the toenails
• Improper shoe fitting
• Genetics
• Poor hygiene
• Injury from pedicures or nail-picking
• Abnormal gait

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you have a fungal infection in your nails, or if you suffer from arthritis or diabetes. People who are obese or have toe or foot deformities are also at a higher risk of getting an ingrown toenail.

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails include swelling, pain, and redness. In some rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can cause serious complications, such as a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into an infection in the bone. You should always see your podiatrist if you think you might have an ingrown toenail, especially if you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation.

Your podiatrist can provide proper and effective treatment of an ingrown toenail, so if you feel you might have one, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.