Ingrown Toenail - Podiatrist in Rocky Hill, Middletown and Bristol, CT - Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM Podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn of Connecticut Foot Care Centers, discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenail. http://www.ctfootcare.com
Have you noticed the corner of your toenail is growing into the skin? Is it red, inflamed, hot, or look infected? Is this a problem you have had in the past? You likely have an ingrown toenail, a condition treated in our six offices: Rocky Hill CT, Bristol CT, Newington CT, Glastonbury CT, Middletown CT, and Kensington CT by our four trained doctors: Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, Dr. Richard E. Ehle, Dr. Craig M. Kaufman, and Dr. Ayman M. Latif. What Is an Ingrown Toenail? When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and growns into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This "digging in" of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nails causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if the toe isn't painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection. Causes Causes of ingrown toenails include: • Heredity. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited. • Trauma. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. • Improper trimming. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. • Improperly sized footwear. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks or shoes that are tight or short. • Nail conditions. Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems, such as fungal infections or loosing a nail due to trauma.
