Myths and Facts about Ingrown Toenails
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know there’s a lot of information and misinformation circulating about ingrown toenails, their treatment, and prevention. One point all patients who have ever had one agree on is that they don’t wish to experience this painful problem again. Below are some myths and facts about ingrown toenails.
Fact: It’s true there is a genetic component to ingrown toenails. Some people have an inherited tendency for this condition.
Myth: Cutting a notch in a nail that has repeatedly become ingrown will stop it from happening again. Not only is this false, but it’s a good way to end up with an infection. The same goes for shoving cotton under the nail.
Fact: Improper nail-cutting habits are often the cause of ingrown nails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, but not too short or the skin will cover the corner of the nail making it easy for it to grow down and back into the skin. Also, you should never file round edges on toenails.
Fact: Your shoes may be the source of an ingrown nail problem. Footwear that is narrow in the toe area and pushes toes up against one another frequently results in an ingrown nail. All of your toes should be able to wiggle freely inside your shoe that fit properly.
Myth: You’re doing something wrong if you have a recurring ingrown toenail. Chronic ingrown toenails are by no means uncommon. Sometimes a toe deformity, injury, or trauma to the toe, damages it in such a way that it repeatedly becomes ingrown. In such cases, the podiatrist can remove part of the root of the nail in a simple in-office procedure. This will permanently prevent the portion of the nail that gets ingrown from growing back and eliminate the problem.
Myth: Ingrown toenails usually get better on their own. This is not often the case, and the longer you wait to contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment, the more intense the pain will become. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales will gently numb the toe and then remove the corner that has become ingrown. You’ll definitely leave our office feeling much better than when you arrived.