Ingrown Toenail Specialist
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Neil H Hecht, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Tarzana, CA
Ingrown toenails are common: About a fifth of patients who see the doctor for foot issues have this uncomfortable problem. If you’re suffering intense discomfort from an ingrown toenail, you understand why timely medical care is so important. At the private practice of Tarzana, California’s leading board-certified podiatrist, Neil H Hecht, DPM, ingrown toenail swelling, pain, and infections end when you come in. Dr. Hecht prescribes the most effective remedies to clear your symptoms and keep you a step ahead, so you don’t experience a recurrence. Call the office or book an appointment with online scheduling today. Same-day appointments are available.
Ingrown Toenail Q & A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a nail that curves down at the sides, growing into the skin there. Usually, an ingrown toenail occurs on either of your big toes, although it can occasionally happen in other toes as well.
Ingrown toenails cause soreness, discomfort, and even serious pain in some situations.
What does an ingrown toenail look like?
An ingrown toenail usually causes red skin on one corner of your toe. Often, the skin looks puffy, swollen, or raw where the nail curves inward. In some cases, an infected ingrown toenail might leak clear fluid or pus, which can smell bad.
What causes ingrown toenails?
The main causes of ingrown toenails are:
- Trimming your nails incorrectly, including too-short and overly curved trimming
- Wearing tight shoes that crowd or pressure your toes
- Repetitive toe trauma, like kicking a ball or ballet dancing
Fortunately, most causes of ingrown toenails are preventable. Even if you have a genetic predisposition toward ingrown toenails, you can work with Dr. Hecht to minimize your risk.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
Usually, Dr. Hecht treats ingrown toenails by numbing your toe and surgically removing the corner of the nail. He removes the full nail border but leaves the majority of your nail plate in place, so the nail still looks completely normal.
If you have severe recurring ingrown nails, Dr. Hecht may recommend full nail removal instead. He can use a special chemical to prevent nail regrowth, as well.
Can I fix my ingrown nail at home?
No, at least not effectively. Many people believe that cutting a notch in the corner of the offending toenail can solve the problem. But, if you do that, there's still quite a bit of nail growth below it, so the ingrown toenail returns shortly.
DIY nail surgery is risky. It's very easy to cut your skin and cause severe bleeding if you try it at home. Plus, it’s a serious infection risk. Dr. Hecht uses sterilized instruments and precise surgical protocols to reliably treat your ingrown toenail.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Dr. Hecht gives you specific recommendations, which may include cutting nails in a straight line and avoiding shoes that fit tightly around your toes. If you notice the nail curving or feel any discomfort at the edge of your toe, see Dr. Hecht right away, before symptoms grow severe.
Get ingrown toenail relief now by calling the office of Neil H Hecht, DPM, or booking an appointment online.
