Those Pesky Ingrown Nails

Have you ever had pain along the borders of your toenail on one of your toes? There is a condition known as in-grown toenails. Many of us have heard about them because it is such a common condition. Due to pressure from tight shoes, improperly trimmed toenails, certain foot types that put pressure on the toe nail or genetic components, in-grown nails can develop.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in children. For children that have ingrown toenails due to improper trimming, this can be a simple fix. Toe nails are meant to be trimmed straight across as opposed to fingernails that are trimmed in a semicircle. This prevents edges that can grow underneath the folds of your toenail. Teaching your child how to trim their toenails can keep this condition from occurring. Another simple fix is if your shoes are too tight, you can be measured for properly fitting shoes by your podiatrist and get you in your proper width and length. Shoe type and genetics are more difficult to correct, especially genetics. In these two conditions, there are several ways to correct the condition.

One way is to trim the corner of the nail if the nail is not significantly ingrown. Another way is to remove a sliver of the nail. This can be done under a local anesthesia injection The procedure can be done in the office and is a very quick procedure. It can be done one of two ways, either with a temporary or permanent removal. The permanent removal can be done if the condition continues to occur. There is a chance, although slim, that the nail could become ingrown again.

Once the section of nail has been removed, it will be wrapped with Neosporin and gauze to prevent infection. You will need to come back to the hospital within about a week so that the toe can be examined to check for any drainage or infection.

If the toe is infected before the nail is removed, the infection may need to be treated before the nail section can be removed. This will be dependent upon the severity of the infection. If you live in the North Andover, Methuen, Boston, Lowell or Bradford Massachusetts and you have this condition, our office staff would be more than happy to schedule you for an appointment and help you get back up on your feet.