Treating Ingrown Toenails in Hamilton, Ontario, CA
An ingrown toenail may sound like a small issue compared to other foot conditions, but it can become a big deal for patients who have medical conditions like diabetes or circulatory diseases. If you frequently have problems with ingrown toenails, get help with maintenance and prevention from Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Chiropodist at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Description of an Ingrown Toenail
Because a healthy toenail is sharp and hard, it can cut into the softer, surrounding skin as it grows. Normally your nails grow straight past the skin’s surface so that they can be clipped easily. But when they aren't maintained properly, they can grow inward toward the flesh causing an ingrown toenail.
The Problem With Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a major concern for diabetic patients who must avoid developing cuts, wounds, or ulcers on their extremities, including the feet. Diabetic patients sometimes have issues with blood flow and circulation to the legs and feet, which can delay the healing process if there is a wound. For this reason, it is important to avoid ingrown toenails which can create slow-healing wounds and possibly infected ulcers.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
The best way to manage an ingrown toenail is prevention. Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improper toenail cutting and inflammation of the skin. To prevent ingrown toenails you should do the following:
- Keep your feet and toenails clean and moisturized daily.
- Always clip the toenails above the nail bed and straight across. Your Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, chiropodist can perform this maintenance for you at appointments to help prevent ingrown toenails.
- Look at your toenails daily. If a nail is beginning to enter the surface of the skin, cleanse the area and apply an antibiotic solution that is designed to treat wounds. Call your foot doctor immediately for help if you are a diabetic patient and the ingrown toenail does not improve.
Take Care of Your Toes and Feet
It is important to pay attention to your foot care, including seemingly minor issues related to your toenails. If you need help preventing ingrown toenails including clipping, maintenance, and examination, call (905) 389-9711 to schedule visits with Corey Bess, DPM, Chiropodist at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.