There are so many solutions for ingrown toenails being pushed online and as natural remedies. As a podiatrist in Southfield, I’m here to tell you one thing: they’re bunk.

Ingrown toenails are caused by a variety of thing, such as cutting your nails too short or improperly, or damaging the toenail bed in some way. Once they occur, unless a skilled podiatrist takes care of them, they’re likely to happen over and over again. Definitely not a fun prospect for someone experiencing the pain of an ingrown toenail! If the condition causing the ingrown toenail continues, overgrowth of the tissue over the nail can lead to permanent changes in the tissue that can cause infection, more pain, and more swelling.

The absolute last thing anyone wants to experience in the feet is an infection in their toe. For some individuals, such as those suffering from diabetic feet, an infection can be life threatening. Always trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, and see a podiatrist if you get them!