Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are nasty nuisances that interfere with even the most basic body movements. While they range in severity from minor irritation to serious infection, it’s always a good idea to consult your podiatrist if you are experiencing an issue. In response, Drs. Richard Lee and Steven Lin of Alexandria Family Podiatry in Alexandria and Sterling, VA, provide patients with relatively simple remedies and preventative measures to avoid pesky ingrown nails.

More about Ingrown Nails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of nails dig into skin. The toe may turn red, swell, and become irritated. In some cases, it may even lead to infection, depending on how much bacteria lies under the toenails. How far the nail penetrates skin dictates the seriousness of the problem.

Home Remedies and Preventative Measures

  • Always keep your feet clean by washing with soap and water multiple times a day.
  • It’s also recommended that toenails be kept short and trimmed across the top to avoid irregular growth of sharp edges.
  • Wear proper shoes because ill-fitting footwear applies pressure that pushes the nail into skin, swelling surrounding skin.
  • Use over-the-counter pain medication.
  • If the ingrown nail doesn't get better after following the mentioned preventative measures above, speak with your podiatrist about antibiotics.

Need to speak with a podiatrist?

Ingrown toenails should be remedied or treated as soon as possible and not left to deteriorate. If left untreated, serious damage may require surgery. In any case, be sure to contact your podiatrist, Drs. Richard Lee or Steven Lin of Alexandria Family Podiatry in Alexandria and Sterling, VA. They can definitely help provide you with the best treatment available. So call today at (703) 823-2357 to reach either the Alexandria or Sterling location, or visit http://www.alexandriafamilypodiatry.com/ for more information.