If you have an ingrown toenail, you may wonder whether it needs to be treated by a physician. There are several symptoms that can indicate an ingrown toenail, which can include pain and drainage of pus. If you notice any of these signs, you should see your doctor immediately. The best way to diagnose an ingrown toenail is to take a physical exam. You should also be careful to avoid pressure to the lateral nail fold.
The first sign that you need to seek medical attention is if the ingrown toenail has become infected. If you notice a fever, a red, painful area, or blisters, you should contact your health care provider. If the toenail is infected, you may need to have it removed. If your ingrown toenail is mild, you may not experience any infection or complications. If the ingrown toenail has been infected, you will need to have the ingrown toenail surgically repaired or removed.
There are many treatments for an ingrown toenail. Some of the options include at-home remedies, medical therapy, and nail surgery. You can use cotton or waxed dental floss to treat an ingrown toenail at home. If you have any signs of infection, you should use antibiotic ointment. Apply the ointment daily for up to two weeks. When you remove the ointment, change the material. You can also soak your foot in warm water to help decrease swelling.
If you have ingrown toenails that are painful, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist or foot specialist for treatment. You can prevent ingrown toenails by using rounded toe boxes, wearing sensible footwear, and cutting your nails straight across instead of off-center.
If you’ve tried at-home treatment, you might have noticed that your ingrown toenail has not improved. If you do have an ingrown toenail, your doctor might recommend a surgical procedure. The procedure is fairly simple. During the procedure, your doctor will numb the toe with an anesthetic injection. He will then use special tools to separate the toenail from the bed of the foot.
If your ingrown toenail is not infected, your doctor can treat your ingrown toenail with a topical antibiotic ointment. The material should be changed daily. If the ingrown toenail is infected, the doctor might prescribe a course of oral antibiotics. If you have diabetes, you may be at a higher risk for ingrown toenails.
If your ingrown toenail requires nail surgery, your doctor will numb the toe using an anesthetic. Then, he will clean the area and make a vertical cut from the ingrown side down to the cuticle. Your doctor may put a wedge under your toenail to hold it up. After your ingrown toenail is removed, you’ll need to stay off your feet for a few days. You will need to elevate your toe for 12 to 24 hours. You may want to avoid swimming or hot tubs.
You should be able to go back to normal activities in one to two days. If you have an ingrown toenail, however, you may need to be under medical supervision for a longer period of time.