Ingrown nails can be painful, making it difficult to wear certain shoes, stand for long periods of time, or even walk. If left untreated, they can lead to infection, causing further health complications. However, it is possible to treat and prevent future problems with proper care for ingrown nails. If you have persistent, reoccurring, or infected ingrown nails in Knoxville, TN, you should seek medical treatment right away with Dr. Timothy Gardner.
Care at Home
If the skin around your nail begins growing over the top of the nail edge resulting in red, swollen, or tender skin, you may have an ingrown nail. Most common on the big toe, an ingrown nail in Knoxville, TN, can often be properly cared for at home.
To properly care for your ingrown nail, start by soaking your foot in warm water twice daily for at least 20 minutes and keeping your foot clean and dry for the rest of the day. You may also want to wear roomy, comfortable shoes or sandals to reduce irritation on your toe. Some people may even lift the edge of the nail to place a piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to encourage proper nail growth. If you take this approach, be sure to change the floss or cotton pad daily for hygiene. It is also a good idea to use an antibiotic cream and bandage to prevent infection at the site of the ingrown nail.
Care with a Professional
If you have tried the above home remedies to no avail, or your condition has gotten worse, then it may be time to seek professional help from a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist. For those who have diabetes or think their ingrown nail has become infected due to increased pain or oozing puss, then it is important to seek medical attention right away. A podiatrist will be able to best assess and treat your ingrown nails with advanced training.
If you require assistance for proper care of your ingrown nail in Knoxville, TN, call Dr. Timothy Gardner today at (865) 218-7474.