Sophia Delgado
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, particularly among teenagers, that can occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin on the side of the nail, or when the skin grows over the nail. While ingrown toenails usually aren't serious and can be treated at home, they can lead to pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated. So, are you supposed to grow out an ingrown toenail?
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Ingrown toenail causes
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually doesn't cause any serious complications in healthy people. However, there are several factors that can cause ingrown toenails.
One of the most common causes is incorrect toenail trimming. Cutting toenails too short, especially rounding or tapering the corners, can cause the nail to curve with the shape of the toe and grow into the surrounding skin. This is because the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail, guiding its growth into the skin. Nails that are ripped or torn instead of being cut straight across can also become ingrown due to a lack of clear corners.
Improper footwear is another significant cause of ingrown toenails. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short in length can exert pressure on the toes, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue. This pressure can also be caused by shoes that are too narrow or by socks that are too tight.
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or banging it, can also lead to ingrown toenails. Severe toe injuries may cause the nail to fall off, and the new nail that grows back may become ingrown. Repeated activities, such as kicking a soccer ball, can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails over time.
In some cases, the shape of the toe and nail can be a factor. Individuals born with a nail that is disproportionately large for their toe may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Additionally, the surrounding tissue of the nail border may naturally grow around the nail, leading to an ingrown nail.
It is important to note that ingrown toenails can lead to pain, inflammation, swelling, and infection. Therefore, proper toenail care, including correct trimming and choosing comfortable and properly fitting footwear, is essential to prevent ingrown toenails and maintain foot health.
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Home remedies
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the edges or corners of a nail grow into the skin next to it, causing tenderness, redness, and even bleeding. Repeated activities, such as kicking a soccer ball, can lead to ingrown toenails. The most common cause, however, is cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners, which causes the nail to curve with the shape of the toe and grow into the skin.
If caught early, ingrown toenails can be treated at home without a doctor's visit. Here are some home remedies to try:
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water with Epsom salts for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This helps to reduce swelling, ease pain, and soften the skin.
- After soaking, place fresh bits of cotton, waxed dental floss, or a splint under the ingrown edge of the nail. This will help to lift the nail, separate it from the skin, and encourage the nail to grow above the skin edge.
- Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to the tender area and bandage the toe.
- Choose sensible footwear, such as open-toed shoes or sandals, until your toe feels better.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) to help ease toe pain.
- Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy that may help due to its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Soak the affected foot in warm water with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly.
While home remedies are often effective, they may not work for everyone. If your ingrown toenail does not improve or gets worse, it is important to seek medical attention. A podiatrist can offer a range of options, from quick in-office removal procedures to more permanent solutions. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail, although this is a last resort as it may increase the risk of infection and a misshapen toenail when it grows back.
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Podiatrist treatment
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. While ingrown toenails often heal on their own, many cases require treatment by a podiatrist or foot doctor to fully address the problem.
If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat the issue. During your appointment, the podiatrist will examine your toenail and the surrounding skin to confirm the presence of an ingrown toenail. They may also ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history.
- Lifting the nail: For slightly ingrown nails, the podiatrist may carefully lift the ingrown edge and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it. This separates the nail from the skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge, usually within 2 to 12 weeks.
- Partial nail removal: If the ingrown toenail is more severe and causing inflammation, pain, or pus, the podiatrist may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. They may also prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat any infection.
- Nail and tissue removal: If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, the podiatrist may recommend removing a portion of the nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed). This procedure may prevent that part of the nail from growing back. The podiatrist will numb the toe and use a chemical, laser, or other methods to remove the nail and tissue.
- Surgical correction: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The podiatrist will remove the corner of the nail that is ingrown, along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail. This can be done using a chemical, laser, or other surgical methods.
It is important to seek professional help if home remedies are not effective in treating an ingrown toenail. Podiatrists are experienced in treating this condition and can provide the necessary care to alleviate pain and prevent complications.
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Surgery
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that occurs when the toenail grows into the skin. This can be caused by incorrect toenail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, toe injuries, or even just the shape of your nails. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, sometimes the condition worsens and surgery is required.
If home remedies have not helped, a healthcare provider may recommend lifting the nail. This involves placing cotton, dental floss, or a splint under the ingrowing nail edge to separate it from the skin and help the nail grow out above the skin. This process usually takes 2 to 12 weeks.
If the ingrown toenail is more severe or infected, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are several types of ingrown toenail surgeries:
- Nail avulsion — This involves removing the whole toenail. It is typically done under local anesthesia and may be recommended if there is an ingrown toenail on both sides of the same toe or if there is severe damage to the nail.
- Wedge excision — This procedure removes part of the toenail that is growing into the skin, along with the underlying tissue in the corner that the toenail grows from. This method may be preferred if the patient wants to keep most of their toenail, but it carries a higher risk of recurrence.
- Nail-bed ablation — This involves removing part or the whole toenail and then applying a chemical , usually phenol, to the area of tissue that the toenail grows from to prevent regrowth.
- Zadek's procedure — This is a more invasive procedure where the whole toenail is removed, and then the area of tissue that the toenail grows from is cut away.
- Electrocautery — This technique uses heat from an electric current to remove the harmful tissue.
After surgery, patients are advised to keep their dressing dry, avoid swimming and strenuous activities, and elevate their foot to minimize swelling. Complete healing is expected within six to eight weeks, but individual healing times may vary depending on the extent of the procedure.
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Prevention
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, particularly among teenagers, and can be prevented in several ways. Firstly, it is important to cut your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners, as this can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut are also more likely to become ingrown.
Secondly, pay attention to your choice of footwear. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can cause repeated pressure on the toes, leading to ingrown toenails. Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes to move freely and avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
Thirdly, maintain good foot hygiene. Keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of bacterial infections, which are common around the feet and inside shoes. Wash your feet regularly and wear clean socks, especially if you tend to sweat a lot.
Additionally, be cautious when engaging in activities that involve repeated impact on the toes, such as kicking a soccer ball. The repeated pressure and trauma can lead to ingrown toenails over time. If you participate in such activities, consider using protective footwear or toe guards to reduce the risk of injury and trauma to the toenails.
Finally, if you have a family history of ingrown toenails or notice that your toenails tend to curve with the shape of your toes, you may be more prone to developing ingrown toenails. In such cases, it is advisable to pay extra attention to toenail care and maintenance. Regularly inspect your toenails for any signs of ingrowth and seek professional advice if you have concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin on the side of the nail, or the skin grows over the nail itself.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by toenails being cut too short or rounded, encouraging growth into the surrounding skin. They can also be caused by severe toe injuries, or by repeating the same activity, like kicking a soccer ball, over and over again.
Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home. Soaking the foot in warm, salty water can help to soften the skin and reduce the risk of infection. You can also place cotton or dental floss under the toenail to help the nail grow above the skin edge.
If home remedies haven't helped, a health care provider may recommend lifting the nail and placing cotton, dental floss or a splint under it to separate the nail from the skin. They may also partially remove the nail, or suggest removing a portion of the nail and underlying tissue to prevent the nail from growing back.
In some cases, you may be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP first.
