Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Dealing with Ingrown Toenails

Having ingrown toenails is a common foot problem. Also known as onychocryptosis, it usually occurs on the big toes, although all the toes can be at risk. This is especially the case when it is compounded with other toe problems like hammertoes or curly toes.

Most ingrown toenails develop because of incorrect cutting of the toenails. They should be cut straight across, but if they are cut too short or too round, the toenails can grow into the skin. Another cause or co-cause is excessive external pressure, such as ill-fitting shoes or trauma from injury. Hereditary factors can also affect the shape of toes, which can make them more prone to ingrown toenails. Finally, fungal infections can also harden the toenail forcing the toenail into the skin.

Prevention Tips

  • Trim your toenails straight across, and not too short. Leave a little bit of the white parts to prevent swelling from cutting the toenails too short.

  • Wear shoes that fit well. Footwear should be supportive and roomy enough to wiggle your toes around. However, they should not be so big that your foot slides around in the shoes.

  • Treat fungal and bacterial infections promptly to prevent them from hardening and pushing through the skin.

  • Apply ice to reduce swollen feet and toes from any injuries.

  • If you have hereditary traits that make you more prone to ingrown toenails, speak to your podiatrist to find preventative solutions.

Home Care Tips

  • Use bandages on ingrown toenail areas as cushioning from shoes.

  • Soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes a few times a day to relieve pain. Epsom salt may help. When the skin has softened from the soak, try to put some space in between the nail and skin to help the nail grow away from the skin.

  • If you have redness or inflammation from the ingrown toenail, or if your toe has a cut from the ingrown toenail, treat with antibiotic cream.

  • Take NSAIDs to relieve pain.

Have persistent ingrown toenails? Are you diabetic? In these cases, see a podiatrist to help you with ingrown toenails. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, can help safely treat ingrown toenails, as well as find solutions for recurring ingrown toenail problems. At Crofton Podiatry, we will work with you to find the best treatment. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

Contact Us

Our Locations

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed