Ingrown toenails can be very painful and can lead to very serious complications if they are left untreated. Treating ingrown toenails on your own is not always advised, so if you struggle with the condition it's important to seek help from your Greenbelt, MD, podiatrist, you can learn more about how they are treated and how they can be prevented by reaching out to Dr. Richard Cohen and Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg of Total Foot Care.
At-Home Care
It's not typically recommended that you try to treat an ingrown toenail at home and on your own. However, if the condition is in its early stage you can try soaking your feet in warm water a few times a day, then, you may be able to very carefully push the skin back so you can trim the nail.
But if you're experiencing pain or frequently have issues with ingrown toenails, then it's time to speak with your podiatrist.
Diagnosis
Treating an ingrown toenail as soon as possible can prevent serious issues and your symptoms from worsening, but it's especially important to visit the doctor as your first step if you suffer from diabetes as you have greater risk for complications than most.
Your podiatrist can usually diagnose the condition with only a physical examination but may order an x-ray if the toenail has already grown deeply into the skin.
Ingrown Toenails Treatment in Greenbelt, MD
The type of treatment your doctor prescribes will depend on the severity of the condition, but either partial or total toenail removal may be recommended. This is typically the case if your nail is thickened, if there are signs of infection, or if ingrown toenails are a recurring problem for you.
If you or a loved one suffers from ingrown toenails and live in or near the area of Greenbelt, MD, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen and Dr. Steinberg of Total Foot Care by dialing (301) 345-4087.