How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail presses against the skin excessively. This puts pressure on the skin and can lead to redness, swelling, discomfort and pain. Ingrown nails can become infected so it is important to seek treatment. Dr. Neda Arjomandi and Dr. Jody Greenberg, the highly skilled podiatrists at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group in Laguna Hills, CA, treat ingrown toenails. They can also recommend steps you can take to prevent them.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are characterized by curved edges or sides that press against the skin and often cause swelling and redness. Due to the pressure on the skin, ingrown nails can be painful. Any toenail could potentially become ingrown, but most commonly occurs on the nails of the big toes. Several factors can contribute to toenails becoming ingrown, including: 

• A fungal infection 
• An injury to the toe
• Repeated pressure on the toe 
• Wearing narrow or tight-fitting shoes and socks
• Improper trimming of the nails
• Having curved toenails
• Heredity  

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Several steps can be taken to help prevent toenails from becoming ingrown, such as:

• Trim nails straight across
• Avoid trimming nails too short 
• Wear socks and shoes that aren’t too tight and fit properly
• Prevent fungal infections by keeping feet clean and dry 
• Treat fungal infections on the feet or nails right away

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

We have several methods for treating ingrown toenails at our Laguna Hills, CA, podiatry office. The best method of treatment can differ from one patient to the next. Our experienced doctors can recommend the right course of treatment for you. 

One option is temporary removal of the ingrown nail to provide relief from pain and discomfort. Another approach is removing the corner of the affected nail and then using a laser to kill the nail root in that area to prevent the toenail from becoming ingrown again. Treatment can also include topical or oral antibiotics if an infection has developed. 

There are several ways to prevent ingrown toenails. However, if you are still dealing with ingrown nails, our knowledgeable podiatry team can help. For the treatment of ingrown toenails in Laguna Hills, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Arjomandi or Dr. Greenberg by calling Laguna Woods Podiatry Group at (949) 581-2520.