Q

What should I do if I think I have an ingrown nail?

An ingrown nail is a toenail that appears to be growing into the skin on the sides of the toe instead of growing outward.  Often times it may start as an irritation due to tight shoes or socks, due to injury, or the nail may start growing into the skin due to cutting the toenails too short or too rounded, or it may be due to an injury.  Many times you may not have done anything differently, and the shape and growth of the nail is hereditary.  There may be redness at the edge of the toenail and maybe even a break in skin where you may see drainage.  Sometimes clear or yellowish, which needs immediate attention as it can signify a bacterial infection.  If you think you may have an ingrown nail, you can try soaking in warm water with antibacterial soap as a start, however the best solution is to have the nail examined by one of our doctors.  We can  come up with a treatment plan that will answer all your questions and relieve your pain.  It may not be an ingrown nail at all!  What can it be?  Read more about toenail problems here. Our doctors will be able to answer all of your toenail problems and work with you on a treatment plan.