Treatable Foot Conditions
Ingrown Toenail Treatment in St. Louis and Chesterfield
Navigating Inground Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail’s edge grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort, swelling, and potential infection. Early intervention is crucial to alleviate pain and prevent complications. At Feet for Life, our experienced podiatrists offer effective treatments to resolve ingrown toenails and restore your foot health.
Don’t let an ingrown toenail disrupt your daily activities. Contact us today at 314-207-7280 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief.

About Ingrown Toenails
What’s Causing Your Ingrown Toenail?
- Pressure & Trauma: Stubbing your toe, dropping objects on it, or wearing tight shoes can force the nail into the skin.
- Nail Trimming Mistakes: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can lead to improper growth.
- Genetics & Nail Shape: Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails due to their natural nail curvature.
At-home relief like warm saltwater soaks and proper footwear can help, but if pain, swelling, or infection persists, professional treatment may be necessary.
Stop Ingrown Toenails Before They Start
- Trim with Care: Cut nails straight across and avoid trimming them too short.
- Choose the Right Shoes: A roomy toe box prevents unnecessary pressure on your nails.
- Keep Feet Healthy: Clean, dry feet reduce infection risks and promote proper nail growth.
If an ingrown toenail keeps coming back, a podiatrist can provide long-term solutions to keep your feet pain-free.
Preventive Care for Ingrown Toenails at CleanSpa
At CleanSpa, we focus on prevention to keep your feet healthy and free from ingrown toenails. Our medical pedicure service includes expert guidance on how to care for your nails and avoid common causes of ingrown toenails:
- Proper Nail Trimming: We teach you how to trim nails straight across to prevent them from growing into the skin.
- Foot Hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry helps promote proper nail growth and reduces the risk of infection.
- If you’re looking for a proactive approach to foot health, our team at CleanSpa is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your Spa Treatment Today — 314-880-0777
Or visit https://cleanspa.com/services/medical-pedicure/ to learn more.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
All ingrown toenail procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, provided there are no contraindications such as allergies. A fast-acting local anesthetic, such as xylocaine 1% or 2%, is commonly used. This anesthetic is well-tolerated, and any sensation in the area will be minimal.
Partial Chemical Matrixectomy
This procedure is designed for patients with chronic ingrown toenails or those prone to recurrence. It’s similar to an incision and drainage, but with two key differences:
- The nail is trimmed at a precise angle to remove the problem area.
- A medical-grade chemical is applied to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back.
What to Expect
The treatment takes about five minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, so it’s painless. After removing the affected portion of the nail, the chemical is applied, flushed with alcohol, and the toe is dressed with a sterile bandage.
Aftercare
You’ll leave with detailed home care instructions, medication, and possibly an antibiotic. A follow-up visit is usually recommended within a week. Mild redness and clear fluid drainage can be normal for up to five weeks as the area heals.
Post Op Tips
- Dry the Area Nightly – Use a blow dryer on a low, cool or warm setting to gently dry the wound before bed.
- Promote Healing – Ask your provider about Cortisporin® drops and apply daily as directed.
- Encourage Drainage – If drainage stops after 1–2 days and the area feels tender, gently massage the toe with clean hands to help release fluid.
- Daytime Protection – Wear a large Band-Aid during the day for protection. Remove it at night so the wound can stay dry.
- Avoid Ointments – Skip thick, occlusive ointments, as they can trap moisture and block necessary drainage.






