Treatment
You may be able to treat an ingrown toenail yourself if you catch it early. But if the condition gets worse or does not improve, you will need to seek medical care. If you have diabetes, you must seek medical attention for any infection or wound involving your feet or toes.
Medical Care
Your doctor may recommend the following treatments :
- Oral antibiotic medication
- Removing the ingrown portion of the toenail
- Draining the area that has become infected
If you repeatedly get ingrown toenails, or your ingrown toenail is severe, the doctor may:
- Remove a portion of the toenail and apply medicine to the site to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back
- Remove the entire toenail so that the nail will not grow back
Self-care
- Wear open-toed shoes or sandals until the pain and swelling of the nail subside. This will reduce any pressure on the toenail.
- Soak your foot in warm water for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- After soaking, dry your foot and toe thoroughly.
- As the toenail grows out, cut it straight across.
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Promptly seek medical care for an ingrown toenail if you have any of the following conditions:
- Fevers
- An ingrown toenail that is severe, worsening, or not getting better
- Diabetes
- Age: over 50 years old
- Circulatory problems
- A disorder of your immune system
- Any other chronic health problem
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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