Do you need to speak with your Naperville IL foot doctor?

An ingrown toenail may be a simple issue that resolves itself or a serious problem that causes infection. Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski of Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley can help you better understand how to prevent ingrown nails or how to treat them.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are when the corner or side of a toenail punctures your skin (soft flesh). The toe may turn red, swell, and an infection may develop. Pain may also result because of the ingrown toenail, making it difficult to walk. If you notice these symptoms, contact your Foot Doctor Naperville IL right away.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur in men and women but more common in sweaty feet, like teenagers, and older people because toenails have thickened, according to the National Health Services (NHS).

Causes of an ingrown toenail include:

• Cutting toenails at an angle, as opposed to straight across, to avoid nails growing into the skin.
• Improper footwear that's too narrow places a lot of pressure on the big toes and forces nails to puncture soft tissue.
• Toenail injury, improper foot hygiene, and poor posture also lead to ingrown toenails.
• Certain exercises, or sports, like ballet or soccer, may also cause ingrown toenails.

What are some home treatments?

Your Foot Doctor Naperville IL can help you at her office but before doing that, here are some home treatments:

• Soak feet in warm soapy water for about 15 to 20 minutes three to four times per day.
• Soak a cotton ball in olive oil and push the skin away from the toenail edge.
• Use over-the-counter pain medicines, like Tylenol, and topical antibiotic to prevent infection.

Surgical Treatment

If home treatments don't work for a few days or weeks, you may need to resort to surgical treatment. Dr. Jagodzinski may need to remove part of the nail, which is 98 percent effective for preventing future ingrown toenails, according to the National Health Services (NHS). Total nail removal is also available for people who have ingrown nails as a result of thick nails.

Need a foot doctor?

Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski of Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley can help you deal with ingrown toenails, just call her Naperville, IL, office at 630-778-7670.