What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry has seen many patients who have dealt with ingrown toenails.  When the toenails grow, the curved sides of the nail can grow downward into the skin and create an ingrown toenail. This can cause pain, swelling and irritation, and in cases where the nail is actually cutting into the skin, it leaves the toe open to infection. 


Ingrown toenails are common and treatable, but prevention is important for those prone to ingrown toenails.  It can be hereditary, and these patients are advised to take the same precautions that can help anyone avoid ingrown toenails.  Wearing socks or shoes that are too tight in the toe area should also be avoided.  Properly trimming your toenails is the most important thing to do to prevent toenails from becoming ingrown.  Cutting the toenails too short or at an angle can encourage the nail to grow into the flesh.  Toenails should be cut straight across, and left long enough that you can get one fingernail underneath the end of the nail.  If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please give us a call.


To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.newjerseyfoot.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, call our Hamilton, NJ, office at 609-585-3200 or our Toms River, NJ, office at 732-557-4266.

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