Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are common, but if you have diabetes or another health problem that affects your circulation, they can increase your risk of infection or more serious issues. At Tri-State Top Foot Specialist in White Plains and Nyack, New York, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Hasan Masood, DPM, offers complete care for ingrown toenails. His conservative treatment approach is minimally invasive and provides lasting relief. Call Tri-State Top Foot Specialist today to request ingrown toenail treatment, or book your appointment online. 

My toenail is red and swollen. Is it an ingrown toenail?

It’s likely. Ingrown toenails occur when your nail grows into the skin around the nail bed instead of away from your toe. Most people experience an ingrown toenail at least once. Usually, it’s not a big deal.

But if you have poor circulation, you’re more likely to develop complications from an ingrown toenail, like infection or gangrene. 

If you have diabetes, severe nerve damage, poor circulation, or signs of infection, contact Tri-State Top Foot Specialist immediately.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail symptoms include:

• A feeling of warmth or heat in or around the affected nail
• Redness or darkening of your skin
• Pain
• Liquid or pus oozing out of your toe
• Swelling

If symptoms last more than a day or two, contact Dr. Masood.

How does a podiatrist diagnose an ingrown toenail?

Dr. Masood reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, what the pain feels like, and if they’re worse when you wear tight shoes. Next, he examines your toe and toenail, checking for redness, swelling, or pus. 

Most ingrown nails are easy to see, but Dr. Masood might order X-rays to see how far the nail penetrates your skin and to check for the underlying infection.

How does a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?

At Tri-State Top Foot Specialist, Dr. Masood treats ingrown toenails using a conservative approach. He might suggest:

• Soaking your foot in warm water 
• Using antibiotic ointment to eliminate infection
• Wearing roomy shoes or sandals 
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Lifting the nail so it grows away from your toe

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Masood suggests outpatient treatment with a toenail laser. This laser uses targeted light energy and heat to partially or completely remove your nail. 

A toenail laser increases your toe's circulation and encourages cellular healing, reducing your risk of recurrence. 

Can I prevent an ingrown toenail?

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of ingrown toenails. Dr. Masood recommends trimming and filing your toenails, wearing shoes that protect your nails from damage, and performing nail maintenance after baths or showers. 

If you have diabetes, Dr. Masood can prescribe more specialized care. 

Call Tri-State Top Foot Specialist today to schedule treatment for an ingrown toenail, or book your appointment online.