Q. My husband has an ingrown toenail. What needs to be done to correct this?

A. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems that podiatrists/foot specialists see in their office. Common causes can include improper trimming, trauma to the nail, ill-fitting shoes, and fungal infections. Probably, the most common cause of ingrown toenails is simply genetics. If the given shape of the nail is more horseshoe-like than flat, the sides of the nail are prone to dig in to the skin.

Trying to fix an ingrown toenail invites infection and almost always leaves a small spike of nail behind that aggravates the condition.

The good news is that fixing these ingrown nails can be very simple with a minor procedure done in the podiatrist’s office. Typically, the toe is numbed up with local anesthetic gently. Once that is done, the patient doesn’t feel a thing and the offending part of the ingrown nail is removed. If your ingrown nail has been a chronic problem the podiatrist may use a chemical to kill the root of the ingrown nail so that it never returns.

Here are some proper nail hygiene tips:

- Trim the nails mostly straight across and round the corners with a nail file

- Cutting a “V” in the center never works. It only further damages the nail’s attachment to the nail bed underneath.

- Leave a thin white line along the end of the nail where it naturally becomes unattached from the nail bed. Don’t cut the nail back until it hurts!

- Do not let the nail grow too long. Keeping it long only invites shoe and sock fuzz, bacteria, and fungus to build up underneath

- Wash your feet with soap and water daily and change your socks frequently

- Always wear shoes that fit and have plenty of room for your toes to wiggle without being too big.

For more information, contact the Suppan Foot and Ankle Clinic at 330-682-6070.