Ingrown Toenail Care Options

Symptoms:

1. Pain and Tenderness: The first sign of an ingrown toenail is pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail. The skin around the nail may be swollen, red, and painful when touched.

2. Swelling: The area around the affected toenail may become swollen, and the toe itself may become more inflamed over time.

3. Infection: If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to an infection, causing pus to form at the site and possibly spreading further into the toe. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus drainage, and a worsening of pain.

4. Difficulty Walking: In severe cases, the pain from the ingrown nail may make it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges instead of cutting them straight across can cause the nail to grow into the skin.

2. Tight-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that crowd the toes or put pressure on them can contribute to ingrown toenails.

3. Foot Injuries: Trauma to the toenail or repeated pressure on the nail (like from running or other physical activity) can lead to an ingrown toenail.

4. Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their toenails.

Self-Care Options:

1. Soaking the Foot: Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water or Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

2. Elevating the Nail: Using clean dental floss or a cotton ball, you can try gently lifting the edge of the nail away from the skin to encourage it to grow out properly.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Topical Antibiotic Ointments: Applying an antibiotic cream to the area can help prevent infection, especially if the nail is already irritating the skin.

When to Bring in a Medical Professional:

1. Persistent Pain or Infection: If home treatments do not improve the ingrown toenail, or if the area becomes infected, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

2. Severe or Recurring Ingrown Toenails: In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to permanently correct the problem.

Telehealth Options:

Many mild cases of ingrown toenails can be treated through telehealth consultations with a healthcare provider. Here are some telehealth providers that can help:

1. Teladoc Health

   Teladoc offers virtual consultations with doctors who can assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and suggest at-home treatments or refer you to an in-person specialist if necessary.

2. Amwell

   Amwell connects patients to doctors who can provide advice on managing ingrown toenails, prescribe topical or oral antibiotics if there’s an infection, and recommend next steps for care.

3. MDLIVE

   MDLIVE offers quick access to healthcare professionals who can help with self-care suggestions or prescribe medications for infected ingrown toenails.

4. PlushCare

   PlushCare provides virtual visits with doctors who can diagnose ingrown toenails and prescribe medications for infection, if necessary.

Finding Cost-Effective In-Person Care:

For more severe cases of ingrown toenails or if a minor procedure is needed, here are in-person care options and estimated costs:

1. Primary Care Doctor: If your ingrown toenail is mild but not responding to home treatments, a primary care doctor can help by providing further care or referring you to a specialist.

   Cost: $100 - $250 per visit, depending on location and insurance coverage.

2. Podiatrist: For more complex or recurrent ingrown toenails, a podiatrist may be needed to treat the condition, either through medication or a minor in-office procedure like partial nail removal.

   Cost: $150 - $350 per visit, depending on the treatment required.

3. Urgent Care Center: If you have an infected ingrown toenail and need immediate care, an urgent care center can help drain pus, prescribe antibiotics, and offer advice on further care.

   Cost: $75 - $150 per visit, plus additional fees for any medications or procedures.

4. Hospital or Surgery Center (Severe Cases): If the infection is severe or the ingrown toenail requires surgical intervention, hospitalization may be necessary. This could involve partial or full nail removal under local anesthesia.

   Cost: $500 - $1,500 for in-office procedures; $2,000 - $5,000 for outpatient surgery in a hospital setting.

Lab and Imaging Options (if necessary):

1. X-rays: In rare cases, your doctor may order an X-ray to check if the infection has spread to the bone.

   Cost: $200 - $500.

2. Culture Test: If an infection is present, your doctor may perform a culture test to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection, which can help determine the most effective treatment.

   Cost: $100 - $300.

Recommended Care Pathway:

1. Telehealth Consultation: Start with a telehealth consultation for mild ingrown toenails. The doctor can recommend self-care treatments or prescribe medications for infections.

2. In-Person Podiatrist Visit: If the ingrown toenail is not improving with home care or telehealth guidance, visit a podiatrist. They may suggest a minor procedure to remove part of the nail.

3. Urgent Care for Infection: If you develop signs of infection, seek care at an urgent care center to prevent further complications.

4. Surgical Intervention (if necessary): For severe, recurring ingrown toenails, surgery may be required to permanently fix the problem. This can be done at a podiatrist’s office or a hospital outpatient setting.

---

Found This Helpful? 

Share your next steps in the comments below.

---

Need More Help? Schedule a Consultation with Us at Front Door Healthcare.

Let's talk! We’ll discuss your health goals and concerns. While we don’t dispense medical advice or care, we'll help you with:

• Personalized Appointments - We'll guide you to the right medical providers, considering your preferences, budget, and quality of care.

• Cost-Savings - Get assistance in finding affordable treatments, medications, and healthcare services without compromising your care plan.

• Insurance & Billing Guidance - We’ll help you navigate insurance options, appeals, and billing questions, so you can focus on your health.

Click Here to Book a Consultation

---

Meet John:

John, a 45-year-old construction worker, noticed that his big toe had become sore after a few weeks of wearing steel-toe boots. The area around the toenail was red and swollen, and walking became increasingly painful. After a few days, John noticed pus around the nail, indicating an infection.

He booked a virtual visit with Teladoc, where the doctor confirmed it was an ingrown toenail and prescribed antibiotics for the infection. Unfortunately, after a few days of home care, the pain and swelling worsened, so John decided to visit a local podiatrist.

The podiatrist performed a simple in-office procedure to remove part of the toenail. The visit cost him $175, and the procedure was an additional $150. John’s insurance covered most of the cost, and his total out-of-pocket expense was $75. Within two weeks, the infection was gone, and John was able to return to work comfortably.

Total Cost Breakdown:

• Telehealth Consultation: $50

• Podiatrist Visit: $175

• Procedure (Partial Nail Removal): $150

• Antibiotics: $20

Total: $395 ($75 out of pocket with insurance)