Have you ever suffered the pain of an ingrown toenail? Are you aware that most people with ingrown toenails develop an infection? An ingrown toenail develops when the corner or side of one of your toenails grows into the skin. Most commonly it affects the great toe.
Knowing the common causes can help in prevention. You should cut your toenails straight across, and not too short. Your shoes should not squeeze your feet and there should be enough room to wiggle your toes.
The principal treatment is removal of the offending nail margin which is cutting into the skin. This is performed in the office during a regular office appointment. Sometimes a local anesthetic may be necessary. Afterwards, you may be prescribed a medication to soak your foot in and antibiotics to take by mouth.