Painful, swollen, and red corners of your toenails that are starting to get “angry”? Ingrown nails can put a real damper on summer fun, making every step painful, especially in socks or tight shoes.
What Is an Ingrown Nail?
An ingrown nail occurs when a curved nail irritates the skin along its sides. This often happens because the nail was cut incorrectly, leaving a sharp edge that digs into the surrounding skin. Pressure from walking or wearing shoes causes this area to rub, leading to redness and irritation. Sometimes, the nail or even nail clippers can cause a small cut, which can become infected and lead to increased pain, swelling, and pus.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Thick and curved nails that increase the likelihood of a painful ingrown nail.
- Red, swollen, and painful corners where the nail is digging into the skin.
- Signs of infection, such as pus.
How AFC Tennessee Can Help
We can assess the severity of your ingrown nail and any potential infection right in our office. We can also provide same-day treatment, which may include a quick, in-office procedure to remove the bothersome nail edge or a simple trimming. If there is an infection, we can also prescribe a short course of antibiotics to help the tissues heal.
Preventing Ingrown Nails
- Trim your nails straight across instead of rounding the corners.
- Use lotions and softening agents to prevent thickened skin and calluses from building up around the nail corners.
- For recurrent ingrown nails, ask about a permanent procedure. This minor procedure ensures the removed nail corner won’t grow back, so you can enjoy your favorite activities without the pain.
Don’t let a stubborn ingrown nail stop you from doing what you love. Schedule an appointment today to get back on your feet and back to your life.