Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe, but any toe, as well as finger nail can be affected.
What are common causes of ingrown nail in Brooklyn?
- Wearing shoes that are tight.
- Cutting your toenails too short or not straight across
- Injury to toenail (playing sports, ill-fitting shoes, work-related injury)
How do you treat ingrown nail in Brooklyn?
You may initially soak your toe / finger in warm water for 15-20 minutes three to four times a day. Soaking reduces swelling and relieves tenderness.
You may apply topical antibiotics, such as Bacitracin or Neosporin.
If not relieved, redness, pain persist, upon your visit to Dr. Ghatan, he may partially remove the affected nail, and prescribe oral antibiotics. Partially removing the nail under local anesthetic will allow drainage of pus and alleviate your pain and discomfort. If left untreated, an ingrown nail can infect the underlying bone and lead to a serious bone infection, requiring more extensive intervention.
Dr. Ghatan is a board-certified dermatologist in Brooklyn. He has taken care of many ingrown nails on a daily basis. Please feel free to call for a consultation.
