How Does a Podiatrist Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

If you've had the unfortunate experience of having an ingrown toenail, then you know how painful it could be. It's that sharp pain as the edges of your toenail pierces the skin, leaving it swelling, red and, sometimes, infected. Fortunately, a podiatrist from Perth can assist! What exactly is the best way to address an ingrown toenail? Find out!

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails occur as the edge of your nail grow into the skin around it. It can be extremely painful and can cause swelling, redness, and sometimes, pus. The most common site is the big toe but it can happen to any toe.

How Does a Podiatrist Treat It?

The specialist in podiatry from Perth Perth is an specialist you must consult if you're experiencing an ingrown nail. The following are the ways they may assist you:

1. Examine the Toe

The first step that a podiatrist perform is to examine your foot. They'll determine how deeply the toenail's embedded within the skin, whether there's any infections or discomfort you're experiencing. This will help them determine the most effective treatment.

2. Soaking the Foot

Before you do anything, your podiatrist could suggest taking your foot into warm water to loosen the toenail, and decrease swelling. This can make it easier for you to treat the region.

3. Lifting the Toenail

For minor instances, a podiatrist can gently lift the nail out of the skin. They could employ a small device to put an uncooked cotton ball or specific material beneath the nail to prevent it from forming to the skin. It is usually done in a couple of days, until the toenail begins to grow normally.

4. Trimming the Nail

If your toenail is causing discomfort, a podiatrist could reduce the nail. Sometimes, they'll take out just a small portion of the nail to let the nail to develop in a proper manner and not push into the skin.

5. Medication for Infection

If your area is infected the podiatrist you see in Perth will suggest a treatment to help clear the infection. They might also prescribe antibiotics to help get better and prevent any the occurrence of further problems.

6. Surgical Treatment

In more severe instances when the toenail is growing in a non-sensical direction, the podiatrist might require minor surgery. This typically involves the removal of a portion or the entire toenail in order to keep the issue from recurring. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia so you will not feel any the pain.

After the Treatment

After you've completed your treatment for a toenail that has grown within Perth is finished After that, you'll be provided with instructions for aftercare. This could include keeping your feet clear and dry putting on loose shoes to avoid irritation, or perhaps taking pain relievers from the pharmacy.

The majority of people are able to resume their normal routines after some days of rest However, it's crucial to follow the recommendations of your podiatrist to ensure a full recovery and to prevent the toenail ingrown from recurring.

Why See a Podiatrist?

If you've got an ingrown nail It's an ideal idea to visit an podiatrist in Perth. They're experts in the health of your feet and nails They can give you the proper treatment to make you feel better in no time. In the event of ignoring an ingrown nail, or attempting at treating it on your own may cause infections or even serious problems, which is why it is always recommended to seek expert help.

Final Thoughts

Toenails that are ingrown can be extremely uncomfortable, but with assistance of a podiatrist who is skilled, they can be dealt with effectively. If you're suffering from an ingrown nail, don't delay seeking assistance. The help of a specialist in podiatry from Perth can help you get back to your feet within a matter of minutes, and with the appropriate treatment for your ingrown toenail in Perth specifically tailored to your specific needs.