Ingrown Toenail (cont.)
When should I see a physician?
It is important to see a physician for ingrown
toenails that are very painful, infected, or not getting better after five to 10 days
of conservative home treatments. Signs of infection include enlarging areas of
redness or a red streak extending from the toe. Signs of cellulitis (tissue
infection) include swelling, marked redness, throbbing, and pain. Yellow or
green drainage from the wound is also a concern and may require drainage and
antibiotics. Diabetic patients or any patient with a compromised immune system
should immediately see a physician.
What kind of doctor treats ingrown toenails?
Many types of doctors can help
with ingrown toenails. Family physicians, pediatricians, urgent-care or walk-in
physicians, dermatologists, and podiatrists are among the medical professionals
who commonly treat this condition. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the
diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, including ingrown toenails.
Dermatologists specialize in the treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Mild ingrown toenails may be treated with
conservative measures like warm daily soaks, avoidance of tight or ill-fitting
shoes, elevating the foot, topical antibiotics like Neosporin, and gently
pushing back the piece of overgrown skin away from the nail.
More advanced ingrown toenails may be treated with oral antibiotics.
Resistant or recurrent cases of ingrown toenails may require minor in-office
procedures by the physician. Surgical procedures aim to remove the embedded nail
away from the toe tissue. In some cases, the side 1/3 strip of nail is
surgically removed using local anesthesia (numbing). Surgical procedures often
require prolonged healing, local soaks, and wound care to prevent further
infections during the healing phase.
Next: What types of nail surgery are used for ingrown toenails? »
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