Ingrown toenails and diabetes can go hand in hand. Ingrown toenails can occur in anyone, however, some people are more susceptible to developing one over others. As with nail fungus, ingrown toenails are likely to develop in individuals that have a weaker immune system. Diabetics have a weak immune system therefore they are typically the ones to develop nail infections and ingrown nails.
Are diabetics more prone to ingrown toenails?
Ingrown nails can become more serious for individuals who are diabetic. Also, those who have poor circulation, and/or nerve damage (also known as neuropathy). It is important to visit a doctor if you are diabetic and have developed a nail infection of any sort, as it can become more serious and you may lose sensation in the toes, which can ultimately lead to the infection spreading to other parts of your body. Additionally, home or self-treatment should not be practiced by individuals who are diabetic with an ingrown nail or nail fungus.
Sometimes when we’re trimming our toenails we tend to taper the corners so that the nail matches the curve and shape of your toe. But this technique may encourage your nail to grow into the sides and skin of your toe. What happens then is that the nail can curl down and dig into the toe. Also, if you are shoving your feet into shoes that are either too tight or too short, that’s another sure-fire way of getting an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms of having an ingrown toenail
Having an ingrown nail may make your toe hard, tender, inflamed, and tender. If left untreated it may become infected causing severe pain. You can get an ingrown nail on any toe but it is the most common on our big toes due to experiencing more trauma and stress than our other nails.
Some individuals, such as diabetics or individuals, who have a condition that restricts the blood flow to the feet, are at a greater risk of obtaining an ingrown toenail.
In most cases, you can treat the ingrown toenails yourself, however, if the case seems to be extreme or very sensitive and there is significant pain or discomfort, it is best to contact a doctor or specialist in order to avoid potential complications and to provide information on how to alleviate pain.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
Ingrown toenails can also go hand in hand with toenail fungus. If you have caught toenail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes one treatment.
Our toenail doctor in Charlotte, NC recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.
If you have any signs of toenail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.
