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

Why do I get ingrown toenails?

Causes of ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, usually occur on the big toes, but all toes can be subject to the problem. This is due to excessive external pressure or hereditary patterns that causes the edge of the toenail to grow into the skin. When the usually curved toenail breaks into the skin, it can lead to constant pain, inflammation, and bacterial infection.

  • The most frequent cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your toenails too short or too rounded. When this happens, the skin around the toenail can swell and then the toenail can grow into the skin.

  • Injuries to the toenail can also result in ingrown toenails, since prolonged swelling can allow the toenail to grow into the swollen skin.

  • Wearing shoes that are too tight puts pressure on the top or front of the toes.

  • Fungal infections can harden the toenail while pushing it into skin.

  • Curved toenails can also be a hereditary trait that can be passed down. Folks with these particular genes should take extra precaution to make sure that the ingrown toenails do not develop. If they do, they should take care to prevent infection.

Prevention and Care Tips

  • Trim your toenails in a straight line, and not too short.

  • Wear proper-fitting shoes.

  • Treat fungal and bacterial infections promptly.

  • Take care of broken or split toenails.

  • Reduce swelling of injuries with ice or Epsom salt.

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

  • See a podiatrist to help you with ingrown toenails.

If the toenail becomes very ingrown into the skin around, we suggest that you do not try to fix the problem, as there is an increased risk of infection or injury. Instead, schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. Schedule an appointment at our office by calling (410) 721-4505. Dr. Toll and his team will work with you to find the best treatment option.

 

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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