It's a little toe, but it can be a big problem
We like to brag about a lot of things around here, but we'll be honest — ingrown toenails aren't glamorous. They're common, they're annoying, and if you ignore them long enough, they can turn into a real problem. Here's what our neighbors here in Brigham City need to know.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Most of the time it's something simple: nails trimmed too short, shoes that are a little too snug, or just the natural shape of your nail. Kids get them, weekend warriors get them, grandparents get them, it takes a village to keep everyone's feet happy, and sometimes that village needs a podiatrist.
When home care works
For a lot of folks, a mild ingrown toenail responds just fine to some warm soaks, careful trimming, and roomier shoes for a few days. If it's just a little tender and there's no redness spreading or drainage, give home care a fair shot.
When it's time to call or click
What is an infected ingrown toenail? It's when the irritated skin around the nail becomes red, swollen, warm, and starts draining pus or fluid, a sign your body is fighting off bacteria that got in through the break in the skin.
When should I get it checked out? If home care hasn't helped after a few days, if it's getting more painful instead of less, or if you notice any drainage, redness spreading, or fever, don't wait it out.
How does treatment work? Depending on how bad it is, Dr. Corbridge may need to remove part of the nail in-office, a quick procedure that brings fast relief and gets you back to normal.
Call or click to schedule your appointment TODAY! ¡Hablamos Español! We feet, and we'd love to help yours feel better.
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This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please talk with your provider about your specific foot and ankle health needs.