Ingrown Toenails in New Hyde Park, NY
Ingrown toenails can be painful and may get infected. An experienced podiatrist in the New Hyde Park, NY, area, such as Dr. Thomas Barbaro at Thomas Barbaro, DPM PC, can help you prevent and treat this condition. After 30 years in the field, he has diagnosed and treated many foot injuries or disorders and can provide conservative and surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. Dr. Samantha Trepal is also passionate about helping diabetic patients preserve limbs, which can start with something as simple as not letting ingrown toenails get out of control.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails often happen due to incorrect nail trimming. Be careful when cutting your toenails, as cutting them too short or rounding out the edges can make it easier for the nail to grow into the skin. Footwear is also a major culprit since shoes that are too tight and narrow on the toes can cause the nail to compress into the skin. Genetics or foot trauma can also contribute to this condition. If you participate in activities that apply regular pressure to the toes, like kicking or running, you also increase your risk.
What Are Some Treatment Options?
If your ingrown toenail is still mild, home remedies like soaking in Epsom salt and avoiding tight shoes can help it heal on its own. However, if your ingrown toenail shows signs of infection, you should seek professional care from your local podiatrist. Your podiatrist may prescribe corticosteroid cream to help with inflammation and pain. They may also tape the skin away from the ingrown toenail to prevent it from rubbing against it.
Dr. Barbaro can lift the ingrown toenail or use a splint to help it grow above the skin edge. If your nail worsens, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery for ingrown toenails may include a partial nail avulsion, in which your podiatrist trims or removes the ingrown portion of the nail. When it grows back, the nail will be healthy again. In some cases, the entire nail must be removed from the nail bed. Your foot doctor may also need to remove the underlying tissue in the nail bed to prevent further issues.
