Struggling With Ingrown Toenails? We Can Help

There are few things in this world more infuriating than an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails typically develop when your toenail’s corners or edges grow right into the skin beside the toenail. In most cases, it’s the big toe that usually develops an ingrown nail. If you’re tired of having to deal with recurring ingrown toenails, the Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, can help. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio can examine your ingrown toenails and recommend the best treatment option for your specific case. In general, however, you can use home remedies and/or surgical treatment for treating ingrown toenails.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

For mild cases of ingrown toenails, you can try the following home treatments:

 

• Push the skin away from the toenail using a cotton ball soaked in oil.
• Soak your feet in lukewarm or warm water at least three times daily for approximately 20 minutes.
• Take an OTC pain medication to ease your pain.
• Apply a topical antibiotic to prevent infection.

 

You can try these home remedies for several days to two weeks. If your pain persists and/or find that your daily activities are being affected because of your ingrown toenail, see a podiatrist right away.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

If home treatments fail to get rid of your ingrown toenails, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio, your podiatrist in Vineland, NJ, might recommend surgery. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenails, you may need to undergo a partial nail removal or total nail removal surgery.

With partial nail removal, your podiatrist will only remove the piece of toenail that’s encroaching on your skin. Your toe will be numbed down by anesthesia and the sides of your toenail will be cut away to make the corners completely straight.

A Crucial Warning

While you can try treating your ingrown toenail at home, it’s also vital to note that you have a higher risk of developing a complication if you are a diabetic or have an underlying health condition that causes improper or poor circulation. When in doubt, seek professional help.

Get in touch with us at here South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ. Dial (856) 839-0579 to schedule a consultation with our podiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio so that you can do something about your ingrown toenail once and for all.