Ingrown Toenail Causes and Prevention

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but adults get them more than children do. Like many people, when you trim your toenails, you may taper the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. But what you may not realize is that this technique encourages your toenail to grown into the skin of your toe, causing an ingrown toenail. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but the problem more often affects the big toe. If you are timid about trimming your toenails, give Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM a call so she can assist you.

When you first have an ingrown toenail, it may be hard, swollen, and tender. You can develop in an ingrown toenail by cutting your toenail too short, wearing shoes that are too tight, and stubbing/hitting the nail on a hard surface. The main symptom from an ingrown toenail is the pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. To relieve pain, you can soak your sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes two to three times each day to help it grow out naturally, but you should never by any means attempt to remove the nail on your own.

To help prevent an ingrown toenail:

• Trim your toenails straight across – if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet and can’t trim your nails, visit our office regularly so that we can trim them for you.
• Keep toenails at a moderate length – if you trim your toenails too short the pressure from your shoes may cause an ingrown toenail.
• Wear shoes that fit properly – shoots that place too much pressure on the toes can cause the nail to grow into surrounding tissue.
• Check your feet daily!

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.slcpodiatrist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM at one of her podiatry practices in the Sandy, UT, area, call 801-619-2170.