Symptoms: An ingrown toenail occurs when the
toenail curves down into the surrounding
flesh instead of
growing out over the top of your toe.
Prevention: Cutting
toenails straight across instead of rounding them off. Wearing
shoes and
socks that
fit properly.
Diabetics are also
affected by ingrown toenails due to poor
circulation.
Treatment:If your toe isn't too
swollen, and the nail hasn't
burrowed into the flesh yet, it may be
possible to
treat it yourself. You'll do this by trying to
guide the nail past the
area into which it's
curving. Once the nail has dug
deeper into the
flesh, though, it's best to go to a
podiatrist. If the
surrounding area is
red and
inflamed or oozing
pus, don't try to
cut the nail out yourself--you won't be able to cut it as well as your
doctor can, and the possibility of an untreated
infection is too great a
risk.
Surgery may also be needed to
remove the nail and or
skin surrounding the nail.