Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail begins to grow into the surrounding skin. Though it often does not require medical intervention, if left untreated it can lead to infection. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC., in NJ, Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani can help treat and prevent ingrown toenail infections. There are many factors that can cause ingrown toenails. A common mistake patients make is in the way that they cut their toenails. It is better to cut your toenails straight across and not with a rounded edge. A rounded edge encourages the nail to grow into the flesh of the toe. Trauma and genetics play a part in the likelihood of ingrown toenails also. The main symptoms of an ingrown toenail are pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the affected toe. If the nail breaks through the flesh, bacteria will be able to enter and cause an infection. Infection can further agitate the toe and nail, causing additional problems. If an infection has not begun, the tr