ingrown toenail Treatment
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the toenail grows into the surrounding flesh, causing the affected toe (usually the big toe) to become red, swollen, painful, and possibly infected. Our podiatrist can offer a variety of ingrown toenail treatment options.
what is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe. This can cause redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection in the affected toe. Ingrown toenails are most commonly seen in the big toe, but they can also occur in other toes.
ingrown toenail symptoms
The main symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain in the affected toe, especially when pressure is applied to the nail. Other symptoms may include:
- Redness and swelling around the affected toe
- Drainage of pus or other fluids from the affected area
- Difficulty moving the affected toe
- Foul odor emanating from the affected toe
- Fever, if the ingrown toenail has become infected
Meet with our team to get started on your ingrown toenail treatment.
what causes an ingrown toenail?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail. Some common causes include:
- Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting the toenails too short or rounding the edges instead of cutting them straight across can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. It is important to trim the nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
- Tight or ill-fitting footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes and compress the nail against the skin, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail.
- Trauma or injury: Stubbing the toe or experiencing repeated trauma to the toenail can cause the nail to grow irregularly or dig into the skin. Injuries can disrupt the normal growth pattern of the nail.
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails. If other family members have a history of ingrown nails, there may be an increased likelihood of experiencing the condition.
- Abnormal nail shape or structure: Certain nail conditions, such as naturally curved nails or unusually thick nails, can increase the risk of an ingrown toenail. Structural abnormalities in the nail can cause it to grow into the surrounding skin.
- Excessive sweating: Excessive sweating of the feet, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, can soften the skin around the toenail, making it more prone to developing an ingrown toenail.
- Poor foot hygiene: Not keeping the feet clean and dry can create an environment for bacterial or fungal infections to develop. These infections can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail or worsen an existing one.
It is important to take proper care of your toenails and wear properly fitting shoes to help prevent the development of ingrown toenails.
ingrown toenail treatment
Treatment for an ingrown toenail typically depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of ingrown toenails can often be treated at home using the following methods:
- Soaking the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling and soften the skin
- Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes to allow air to circulate around the affected toe
- Placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the ingrown nail to lift it away from the skin
- Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the affected area to help prevent infection
Contact us at Gauld Foot and Ankle if these home treatments do not improve the condition or if the ingrown toenail is severe or infected. It is important to treat ingrown toenails promptly to prevent infection and alleviate discomfort. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections that may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Dr. Sheth will evaluate your ingrown toenail and may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Removing a small section of the ingrown toenail to help it grow properly
- Prescribing antibiotics if the ingrown toenail is infected
For those with diabetes: If you are someone who has diabetes, it’s extremely important to remain mindful of ingrown toenail prevention, as minor cuts or simple scrapes can lead to serious complications. You can prevent ingrown toenails by ensuring toenails are straight across and at a moderate length, wearing shoes that fit properly, and checking feet daily for signs of foot issues.