It’s amazing that an ingrown toenail – one of the tiniest foot problems – can cause so much discomfort. Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM, FAAFS of Foot Care Specialists, PC, is the premier podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist in the greater Boston area, with offices in Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Lukoff treats ingrown toenails quickly and efficiently with the CO2 laser and other effective methods. He takes an individualized approach to your foot care and provides relief you need for ingrown toenails and other uncomfortable conditions. Call the office closest to you or request the next available appointment online.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What causes an ingrown toenail?

It could be as simple as trimming our toenails too short or at an angle to cause an ingrown toenail to form. When the corner of your nail grows into the skin on your toe, it irritates your skin and causes discomfort. Wearing shoes that are too tight can also lead to ingrown toenails.

If an ingrown toenail breaks the surrounding skin, you can get an infection and your toe can become swollen and red, making it painful to wear shoes. Trauma to a toe, heredity, or fungal toenail infections can also lead to ingrown toenails.

What is the treatment for an ingrown toenail?

If you catch an ingrown toenail early, you might be able to easily treat it at home by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times a day until the condition improves. Avoid wearing tight shoes, and monitor your toe for signs of improvement. If it gets worse, or you see signs of infection, such as redness and swelling, or severe pain, it’s best to seek treatment from a qualified podiatrist like Dr. Lukoff.

Prescription medication or the surgical removal of part or all of the nail might be necessary if you let the ingrown toenail progress without treatment. You might also need antibiotics to clear up the infection. Dr. Lukoff also uses state-of-the-art CO2 laser technology to treat ingrown toenails nonsurgically.

How does a laser treat an ingrown toenail?

The CO2 laser delivers thermal energy to the affected toenail so you don’t need a more invasive surgical procedure to correct the nail. This treatment is most effective for men and women who deal with recurring ingrown toenails. With a CO2 laser, there is minimal pain and swelling during treatment and you can expect a quick recovery.

CO2 lasers offer precision when treating ingrown toenails, so Dr. Lukoff can relieve your symptoms quickly and efficiently with little impact on the surrounding nail and skin. In many cases, you get relief after the first treatment, and recurring ingrown toenails don’t grow back. There are no serious side effects or complications, and your toe even looks better.

To learn more about the latest treatments for ingrown toenails, call either office or schedule an appointment online today.