Ingrown nails are common and you should know the facts on how to identify them. For years, nail fungus and ingrown nails have often coexisted with one another. The reason being is that one usually gives a gateway in causing the other since they are both infections involving the feet.

How do you know if you have an ingrown?

An ingrown nail can be identified when the nail begins to curve and grow into the skin. This can often be painful since the nail is essentially digging into the skin, resulting in swelling and redness of the toe. Since the ingrown nail is breaking into the skin, it allows for the perfect place for bacteria to enter and grow. Thus, causing an infection to occur and often turn into a fungal nail infection (among other infections).

Ingrown toenails are not always easy to notice. In fact, you may not always feel pain or see swelling or redness of any sort in some cases. It is important that if you see the nail beginning to fold under your skin to realize that this could be a sign of an ingrown nail.

Risks and Treatments for Ingrown 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

If you have caught nail fungus as well, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Topical solution and oral medication are not as effective as laser treatment. Topical solutions have a low success rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way under the nail bed. Oral medication has a higher success rate but it can lead to liver toxicity.

Our nail doctor in Manhattan, NY 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 nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.