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Are your feet ready for the beach? Or are you hiding your feet due to an infection, such as an ingrown toenail? Having an infection in your toenails can be quite embarrassing, especially in the summer months when sandals expose your feet for all to see. Fortunately there are treatments and preventative measures you can take to restore the appearance of your toenails. Proper care of your feet is often the best remedy to protect your feet and maintain their health. Many people will have infections that are caused from some sort of physical injury such as jamming your toe during a sporting event, or improperly cutting the nail. Whatever the cause of the ingrown toenail, it is important to take appropriate care of your infection in order to maintain the health of your feet. What is an Ingrown Toenail and What are the Causes? Ingrown toenails are a painful condition in which the corners of the nail grow into the skin. Oftentimes this can result in a paronychia infection, which often begins as mild redness, or erythema, and progresses rapidly to puss. When wearing shoes your toenails may become very painful and irritated, potentially worsening your symptoms. If left untreated the infection from your ingrown toenail can quickly develop to the level of the bone causing an infection in the bone. Ingrown toenail edges develop for a variety of reasons. Some causes of ingrown toenails include: * Heredity
* Trauma
* Improper trimming
* Improperly sized footwear
* Nail conditions Treatment for an Ingrown Toenail In its earliest stage, an ingrown toenail can generally be cared for and successfully treated from home. Treat your ingrown as soon as it is detected. * Soak your foot in warm water several times a day to relieve swelling and soreness.
* Wash and dry your foot to keep the affected area clean.
* Place a small piece of cotton under the ingrown edge of the nail after each soaking to help the nail grow above the edge of the skin.
* Avoid wearing tight shoes and wear open-toed sandals if possible. Home treatment is strongly discouraged if an infection is suspected, or for those who have medical conditions that put feet at high risk, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation. When excessive swelling, pain or discharge is present, the toenail is most likely infected and should be treated by your podiatrist. Basic Prevention for Ingrown Toenails By taking a few simple precautions, you can help prevent ingrown toenails. * Keep your feet clean and dry as this prevents bacteria-formation.
* Wear proper fitting shoes that allow for adequate toe room.
* Trim your toenails straight across to prevent curving and digging of the toenail into the skin. An ingrown toenail may seem like a minor condition, but when the ingrown progresses to infection, the minor condition can become a serious problem fast. The key to avoiding ingrown toenails is to prevent them from occurring. Inspect your feet daily, and if you detect a problem, visit your San Mateo podiatrist for a careful evaluation and recommended treatment.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. David Kaplan, leading San Mateo podiatrist. Dr. Kaplan is an expert in surgery procedures of the foot and ankle. Specializing in the latest techniques available, such as a San Mateo toenail laser, he provides patients with the ultimate care possible for any problem patients might have with their feet and ankles.
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