Ingrown Toenails Treatment

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a condition wherein a part of the toenail digs into the skin, either at the end or the side of the toe. This can make the affected area painful and inflamed. If you’re someone who likes skiing or snowboarding or just simply working outside, ingrown toenails are a painful obstacle for your plans this Winter.

What makes them common in Winter?

Winter is the season of boots, heavy socks, and closed-toe shoes, which means little room for toes to move. Along with lessened foot grooming, these conditions are almost perfect for ingrown toenails to develop. Another factor is injury too.

How do I prevent (and treat) ingrown toenails?

As the classic saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So here are some tips:

  • Avoid using tight footwear
  • Change socks regularly
  • Keep your feet clean regularly by washing with soap and water
  • When trimming, cut your toenails straight across to stop them from digging into the skin
  • If it’s already developing, carefully push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud (you can use a dash of olive oil to soften the skin first)

Also, surgery may be recommended depending on the severity of your symptoms.

If you have concerns about the condition of your feet or nails, contact us at (513) 729-4455 to schedule a consultation with our Cincinnati podiatrist.

Additional Sources

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Preventing Ingrown Toenails – Infographic

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Having Foot or Ankle Problems?

Dr. Titko has more than 20 years of medical and surgical experience treating foot and ankle conditions. Feel free to contact us at: (513) 729-4455 and speak to our trained staff. Contact us today!