Ingrown toenails are common conditions in which the corner of the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail rather than straight as it should. The result can be pain, redness, inflammation, and in some cases, infection. Proper care for an ingrown toenail is necessary to prevent uncomfortable symptoms and possible complications.

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

There are a number of treatment options available for ingrown toenails. Determining which is best will depend on factors such as level of pain and the presence of infection. The most commonly used methods for addressing ingrown nails include:

• Lifting or Taping the Nail - For nails that are only slightly ingrown, a podiatrist may be able to easily lift the nail away from the skin and place a deterrent that keeps it from growing back into the skin. This deterrent may be cotton, a splint, or even dental floss. In some cases, the provider may use tape to keep the skin separated from the nail.
• Partial Removal of an Ingrown Toenail - For more severe ingrown nails, a partial removal may be best. In this procedure, the podiatrist will numb the area and trim back the toenail, removing the ingrown portion and allowing the nail to regrow normally. The procedure is quick, often effective and has little discomfort for the patient.
  
• Permanent Removal of an Ingrown Toenail - In the most severe cases of ingrown toenails or when the same ingrown nail continues to recur, a complete removal may be best. Rather than removing the entire nail, this is a permanent removal of the problematic portion of the nail. Using a local anesthetic, the physician numbs the area and removes a portion of the nail using special clippers. They will preserve as much of the healthy nail as possible. After the nail has been removed, a diluted chemical is then applied to the nail bed, cauterizing it and preventing future nail growth in that area. The result for 90 to 95 percent of patients is permanent freedom from ingrown nails and the complications they can cause.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Baton Rouge

Dr. Zachary Rohr is a board-certified podiatrist who treats all manner of foot and ankle conditions, including ingrown toenails. Patients can see him at multiple Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge locations. Click below to schedule an appointment.