Ingrown Toenail (Also called onychocryptosis)
Dr. Kelvin Barry is a podiatrist with 17 years of private practice experience. He is now practicing in South Jersey. Dr. Barry is a doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Barry diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts... more
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the flesh (nail fold) along nail borders.
The condition usually affects the big toe. People who have diabetes are at a greater risk of complications. Pain, redness, and swelling can all occur at the affected nail.
It's usually self-diagnosable. You will be able to see pain, redness, and swelling around the particular nail. Common symptoms people may experience include redness, swelling, tenderness, or limpin
What is the treatment?
It's important to see a podiatrist immediately. Lifting or removing the toenail can help. Antibiotics, however, might be needed.
Self-care
- Warm soak: Soothes painful muscles or joints and can help drain skin infections.
- Better fitting footwear: Relieves pressure points on the foot.
Surgery:
- Nail surgery: Removal of all or part of the nail.
- Matricectomy: Procedure to destroy all or some of the cells at the base of the nail to prevent the nail from growing.
Medications
- Analgesic: Relieves pain.
- Narcotic: Relieves pain, dulls the senses, and causes drowsiness. May become addictive.
About Dr. Kelvin Barry
Dr. Kelvin Barry is a podiatrist practicing in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Barry is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Barry diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
