When to See a Professional About Your Ingrown Toenail

The sharp, nagging pain at the edge of your toenail may not bother you too much at first, but if it’s an ingrown toenail, that minor pain can quickly turn from uncomfortable to unbearable.

At West Side Foot Care on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, our skilled podiatrist, Dr. Philip Messenger, knows that ingrown toenails are more than a nuisance. Though you may be able to treat the common foot condition at home, things can get complicated fast.

So, when is it time to see a professional about your ingrown toenail? Here’s what you should know. 

Ingrown toenails explained

An ingrown toenail is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when a toenail grows into the fleshy skin along the outer border of your nail bed. Ingrown toenails are common and most often affect the big toe.

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but there are some factors that may increase risk, such as:

• Trimming toenails too short
• Wearing footwear that crowds your toes
• Having toenails that curve inward
• Stubbing your toe 

You may also inherit a foot type that puts you at greater risk. If your parents or siblings often have ingrown toenails, you might get them, too. 

At-home care for ingrown toenails

In the early stages, an ingrown toenail causes swelling and tenderness at the corner of the nail, at the edge of the nail bed. You may have some pain, but not so much that you can’t walk. 

At this stage, you may administer self-care treatments that help encourage the toenail to grow straight out, away from the skin, potentially resolving the problem. You can try:

• Soaking your toe in warm water two times a day
• Massaging the side of the toe to reduce inflammation
• Wearing roomy or open-toed shoes to limit irritation
• Applying an antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection

When trimming your toenails, cut straight across and not too short. 

If you have diabetes or a circulation problem, skip the at-home care and schedule an appointment with us right away. Diabetes and poor circulation affect healing and increase risk of infection. 

When it’s time to see a podiatrist

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem we see at our practice. In fact, two out of every 10 people who visit their doctor about issues with their foot have an ingrown toenail. 

When should you see a professional? If your toe isn’t improving with at-home care or is getting worse, you need to schedule a visit with Dr. Messenger. Without proper care, your ingrown toenail may allow bacteria to get under the nail bed, leading to an infection. Signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection include: 

• Worsening toe pain
• A swollen toe that feels warm to the touch
• Drainage from the edge of the nail
• Foul odor

Left untreated, an infection can lead to an abscess that requires surgery. 

Professional treatment for ingrown toenails 

If your ingrown toenail isn’t severe, Dr. Messenger may trim the nail and place a tiny piece of gauze between the nail and skin to encourage nail growth along the skin, not into it. You need to soak the toe and change the gauze daily. He may also prescribe antibiotics if there’s an infection.

If your ingrown nail is more severe or it’s an ongoing problem for you, he may recommend an in-office procedure to remove the affected part of the nail. Your nail should grow back in 2-4 months. If your ingrown toenail is a chronic problem, he may remove the entire toenail. 

You may have some mild pain after the procedure, but most people resume their usual activities the following day. 

Do you have an ingrown toenail that’s getting worse? It’s time to see a professional. Call West Side Foot Care today at 212-724-7050 to schedule an appointment.