Toenails can grow into the skin or develop fungal infections that need expert care. If you’re having trouble with your toenails, visit Ashton Podiatry for specialized toenail treatment. With locations in Dallas and Plano, our experienced foot doctors provide comprehensive foot care, including treatment for ingrown and fungal toenails and professional nail trimming.
What is toenail care?
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition can affect any toe, but most commonly occurs in the big toe.
Toenail care covers everything from trimming your toenails correctly to treating fungal infections. Correct trimming helps you avoid problems like ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into your skin. Conditions like these often get worse if you leave them, resulting in a noticeable nail abnormality and toe pain.
Fungal infections discolor the nail, turning it yellow, white, or black. The nail thickens and, as the fungus grows, starts to crumble.
Causes
Ingrown toenails are most often caused by improper nail trimming, like cutting the nails too short or rounding the corners. Other causes include wearing tight shoes, toe injuries, or naturally curved nails.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain and tenderness along the nail’s edge. The area may also be red, swollen, and warm. In some cases, the skin around the nail can become infected, leading to drainage or pus.
Treatment
- Soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salt to ease pain and swelling.
- Wear open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce pressure.
- Use cotton or dental floss under the nail edge to lift it and relieve pain.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Prevention
Proper nail trimming is key to preventing ingrown toenails. Cut your nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Choose shoes that fit well and have a wide toe box. Protect your toenails from injury, such as stubbing or dropping objects on them. If you have naturally curved nails, visit a podiatrist to explore prevention options.
At Ashton Podiatry, our foot specialists are experienced in treating ingrown toenails and offer a variety of solutions to ease your pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today.
