Ingrown Toenails

A common foot problem is an ingrown toenail. This happens when a corner or edge of a toenail grows into the soft skin surrounding it. This can cause a lot of discomfort, including pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes, an infection. Most often, the big toe is affected.

Ingrown toenails cause discomfort and can lead to problems. Here are some common signs:

• Pain and soreness: You'll feel pain, often a sharp or aching sensation, around the affected toenail. This pain may be worse when you put pressure on the area.

• Redness and swelling: The skin around the ingrown toenail will often become red and swollen. This is a sign of inflammation.

• Puffiness and tenderness: The area surrounding the toenail might swell up, making it sensitive to touch.

• Possible infection: If an ingrown toenail isn't treated, it can get infected. Signs of infection include pus, a foul smell, or increased pain and swelling.

These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person. If you think you might have an ingrown toenail, it's a good idea to see a doctor or podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Visit your doctor if you notice any of these foot problems:

• Severe pain in a toe, or if you see pus or redness spreading around a sore on your toe or foot. This could be a sign of an infection that needs treatment. The redness and swelling might spread if the infection isn't addressed quickly.
• If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood flow to your feet. People with diabetes or similar conditions often have a harder time healing foot wounds. A small cut or sore can easily become infected if blood flow is poor. Any sore or infection on your foot in this case needs prompt medical attention.

Essentially, if you have any significant foot pain, signs of infection (like pus or spreading redness), or if you have diabetes or a similar condition, it's important to see your doctor right away.

Ingrown toenails happen for several reasons. One common cause is wearing shoes that are too tight. This puts pressure on the toenail, making it more likely to grow into the surrounding skin.

Another reason is improperly trimming your toenails. Cutting them too short or at an angle instead of straight across can also lead to an ingrown toenail. A small cut or injury to the nail can sometimes cause the nail to grow abnormally and become ingrown.

Some people have naturally curved toenails, which can make them more prone to ingrown nails. This is because the nail may curve inward and dig into the skin.

Sometimes, ingrown toenails are linked to infections. Bacteria or fungi can cause an infection that can lead to an ingrown toenail.

Finally, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. These conditions can affect the way the nails grow or make the skin around the nail more susceptible to irritation.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem. Several things can raise your chances of getting one.

• Teenage years: Teenagers often sweat more, which can soften the skin around their nails and make them more likely to grow into the skin.

• Poor nail-care: Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges (instead of keeping them straight) can force the nail to grow into the skin. Regular, proper nail trimming is key. This includes using sharp nail clippers and following a consistent cutting pattern.

• Difficulty with self-care: If you have trouble caring for your nails, perhaps due to a disability or other health issues, you're more vulnerable to ingrown toenails. This could be due to limited dexterity or vision problems, for example. Getting help from a podiatrist or family member can be beneficial.

• Tight shoes: Wearing shoes that squeeze your toes can push the nail into the skin. Choose shoes that fit comfortably and offer enough space for your toes.

• High-impact activities: Activities like running or kicking can increase your risk of injuring your toes, potentially leading to an ingrown toenail. Protecting your feet during these activities is important.

• Health conditions: Some health conditions, like diabetes, can cause poor blood flow to the feet. This reduced circulation can make it harder for the skin and nails to heal properly, increasing the chance of ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes, it's crucial to manage your blood sugar levels and maintain good foot hygiene.

Diabetes can make foot problems much worse. Diabetes often causes poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet. This means that even a small injury, like a cut, scrape, corn, callus, or an ingrown toenail, might not heal well and could become infected. This can be a serious issue.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails: Simple Steps

Ingrown toenails happen when a toenail grows into the skin surrounding it. This can be painful. Here are some simple ways to help prevent them:

1. Trim Your Toenails Straight Across: Don't try to make your toenails follow the curve of your toes. Instead, trim them straight across. If you get a pedicure, be sure to ask the technician to trim your nails straight. If you have a medical condition that makes it hard to trim your nails yourself, see a foot doctor (podiatrist) regularly for nail care.

2. Keep Your Toenails at a Reasonable Length: Cut your toenails so they're even with the tips of your toes. If you cut them too short, your shoes might push on the nail and cause it to grow into the surrounding skin.

3. Wear Well-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that are too tight or put pressure on your toes can push a toenail into the skin. If you have nerve damage in your feet, you might not feel it when your shoes are too tight, so it's even more important to make sure your shoes fit properly.

4. Wear Protective Footwear When Needed: If your job or activities put your toes at risk of injury, wear shoes that protect your feet, such as steel-toe boots.

5. Check Your Feet Regularly, Especially if You Have Diabetes: People with diabetes need to pay extra attention to their feet. Check your feet daily for any signs of an ingrown toenail or other foot problems. This is important because early detection can help prevent further complications. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor or podiatrist right away.

Your doctor can figure out if you have an ingrown toenail by looking at your symptoms and checking your toenail and the skin around it.

Treating Ingrown Toenails: Home Care and Medical Options

If simple home remedies aren't working to fix an ingrown toenail, your doctor might recommend some medical solutions. These are designed to gently lift the ingrown part of the nail and encourage it to grow straight, preventing it from digging into the skin.

Lifting the Ingrown Nail:

Your doctor can carefully lift the edge of the ingrown toenail. They might use cotton, dental floss, or a small splint to gently push the nail away from the skin. This gives the nail room to grow properly over the skin's edge. This process often takes 2 to 12 weeks. At home, you'll need to soak your toe and replace the cotton, floss, or splint daily. Your doctor might also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking, which can help reduce inflammation.

Another way to lift the nail is to use cotton coated in a waterproof solution (collodion). This coating stays in place longer, reducing the need for daily replacements.

Other Medical Treatments:

• Taping the Nail: Your doctor will gently pull the skin away from the ingrown nail using special tape.

• Using a Splint: A tiny, slit tube (a gutter splint) is placed under the ingrown toenail. The splint stays in place until the nail has grown to the correct position. This method can help reduce pain.

• Partial Nail Removal: If the ingrown toenail is severe (causing inflammation, pain, or pus), your doctor might numb your toe and trim or remove the ingrown part of the nail. It could take 2 to 4 months for the toenail to completely grow back.

• Removing Nail and Tissue: If you repeatedly have ingrown toenails on the same toe, your doctor might suggest removing a portion of the nail and the underlying tissue (nail bed). This may prevent the problem from returning. Your doctor will numb the toe and use a chemical, laser, or other technique to do this.

After any procedure:

After any medical treatment for an ingrown toenail, you may need to take pain relievers as needed. Applying a cool, wet compress to the toe for a few minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling. Rest and keep your toe elevated for 12-24 hours after the procedure. Avoid activities that put pressure on the toe, and don't swim or use a hot tub until your doctor says it's okay. You should be able to shower the day after surgery. It's essential to contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection or if the toe isn't healing properly.

Important Note: Surgical approaches to ingrown toenails are generally better at preventing the problem from recurring than non-surgical methods.

Home remedies can often help with ingrown toenails. Here's a simple approach:

1. Soak your foot. Fill a basin with warm, soapy water. Soak your affected foot for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This helps soften the skin and reduces inflammation. Keep soaking until you see improvement.

2. Lift the ingrown part of the nail. After each soak, gently place small pieces of cotton or waxed dental floss under the part of the toenail that's digging into your skin. This helps push the nail away from the skin, allowing it to grow in a healthier direction. Be very careful not to cut or damage the skin around the nail. If the ingrown nail is painful, or you are unsure of how to do this, consult a doctor or podiatrist.

3. Protect and heal the area. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to the irritated skin around the ingrown toenail. This helps keep the area moisturized and prevents further irritation. Then, cover the toe with a clean, soft bandage to protect it.

4. Wear comfortable shoes. To prevent further irritation, wear shoes that don't press on the affected toe. Open-toed shoes or sandals are a good choice until the ingrown nail is better.

5. Manage pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil), can help reduce the discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Important Note: If the pain is severe, persistent, or if the ingrown toenail doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment, see a doctor or podiatrist. They can provide professional care and determine if further treatment, such as trimming the nail, is necessary.