How your podiatrist in Bedford and Salem, VA, can help when you have an ingrown toenail
Does your toe look dark underneath your toenail? Do you feel pressure and pain underneath your toenail? If so, you could have an ingrown toenail, and your podiatrist can help.
Podiatrist Dr. Mahmoud Salem at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialist provides comprehensive foot, ankle, and toe services, including treatment of an ingrown toenail. We have two convenient office locations in Bedford and Salem, VA, to help you.
There are some common signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail. You may:
- See dark purple, blue, or red underneath and around your toenail
- Feel pressure and pain coming from underneath your toenail
- Experience swelling around and underneath your toenail
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, there are some remedies you can try at home, including:
- Soaking your toe in warm water for several minutes
- Placing a piece of dental floss underneath your nail to push it back up
- Applying antibiotic cream around your toenail
- Bandaging your toenail to protect it
- Wearing open toe shoes until your toe heals
For moderate to severe pain associated with an ingrown toenail, it’s best to seek out the expertise of your podiatrist. Common treatments for an ingrown toenail include:
- Shaving or trimming your toenail to reduce pressure
- Lifting the toenail to allow it to grow freely
- Removing the toenail completely so a new, healthy toenail can grow
Ingrown toenails can be prevented if you follow a few simple steps. Remember to:
- Cut your toenails straight across
- Don’t round the corners of your toenails
- Always wear comfortable footwear to protect your toes from injury
- Avoid going barefoot
- Wear shoes with a wide toe area, so your toes have plenty of room
To find out more about the prevention, signs, symptoms, and treatment of an ingrown toenail, talk with the experts. Call podiatrist Dr. Mahmoud Salem at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialist. You can reach them in Bedford and Salem, VA, by calling (540) 982-0253, so call today.