Caleb Foster
Ingrown toenails are a common and usually harmless condition, but they can be very painful. They occur when the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. This can happen when the toenail is cut too short or rounded, or when the surrounding skin folds over the nail. Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, but sometimes surgery is required to remove part or all of the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an ingrown nail | A foot condition when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin |
| Which toe is usually affected | Big toe |
| Who is at risk | Adolescents, athletes, people with nerve damage in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation, or a nail infection |
| Symptoms | Hard, swollen, red or darkened area, warm or hot to touch, pain, liquid or pus |
| Prevention | Cut nails straight across, avoid tapering or rounding corners, do not cut nails too short, wear well-fitting shoes |
| Home treatment | Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt or soap, use antibiotic cream, apply petroleum jelly, place cotton or dental floss under the nail, use medicated ointment, bandage the toe |
| Medical treatment | Partial or complete nail avulsion, gutter splint, matrixectomy, wedge resection, Vandenbos procedure |
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What You'll Learn
Soak feet in warm water
Soaking your feet in warm water is a popular home remedy for treating ingrown toenails. It is a simple and effective way to relieve pain and prevent infection.
To start, fill a basin with warm water. You can add a few spoons of Epsom salt to the water, which is known to aid in pain relief and healing. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Soapy water can also be used for the soak. Ensure that the water is lukewarm, as water that is too hot can be uncomfortable for your feet, especially if they are already inflamed and tender.
Once the water is ready, carefully place your foot inside the basin and soak it for about 15-20 minutes. You can do this 3-4 times a day. If you are unable to soak your feet multiple times a day, an alternative is to use Castile soap once a day. Wash your feet with the soap and water mixture, gently cleansing the affected area.
After soaking your feet, thoroughly dry them with a clean towel. It is important to ensure that your feet are completely dry before putting on any shoes or socks. Once your feet are dry, you can gently push back the skin from the nail border. This can be a bit painful, so be careful not to force the skin back too far.
Finally, apply a medicated ointment to the affected area. You can find various ingrown toenail ointments at your local pharmacy or online. This will help keep the area clean and free from bacteria. If the ingrown toenail is severe or causing you significant pain, it is best to consult a doctor or podiatrist for professional advice and treatment options.
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Use a gutter splint
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can be treated at home or by a healthcare professional. One method of treating ingrown toenails is by using a gutter splint.
A gutter splint is a nonsurgical treatment that provides immediate pain relief by separating the nail from the lateral fold. To apply a gutter splint, you will need vinyl intravenous tubing. Cut the vinyl tubing to fit the size of your toe, with one end cut diagonally for smooth insertion. Place the splint over the side of the ingrowing plate and affix it with tape, cyanoacrylate adhesive, suture, or wound closure strips.
The gutter splint will stay in place until the nail has grown above the skin edge. This method helps to ease the pain of an ingrown nail. It is important to note that if your ingrown toenail is severe or causing you significant pain, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for treatment. They may recommend a surgical treatment to remove the ingrown toenail.
In addition to using a gutter splint, there are other methods to treat ingrown toenails at home. One method is to soak your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily. Keep your foot dry the rest of the time. You can also place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the ingrown portion of the toenail to relieve pressure and prevent the nail from growing back into the skin. However, it is important to note that the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warns that putting cotton under the nail may not relieve pain and can increase the risk of infection.
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Surgical treatments
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that develops when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin. They usually affect the big toe, but they can affect any toe. Mild cases can be treated at home or by a healthcare provider using the same techniques. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Surgery is considered when conservative measures have failed or in cases of recurring ingrown nails or increased risk for complications, such as in individuals with diabetes. Ingrown nail surgery involves the removal of the nail, or a portion of it, that is covered by the skin and causing pain and/or infection. The procedure may also include the destruction of the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back.
Before the surgery, the healthcare provider will numb the toe and use a surgical blade, chemical solution, or carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove the nail. If a portion of the nail remains, it will be shaped to ensure it no longer presses into the skin. The procedure may also involve cutting the skin and draining any pus.
After the surgery, it is important to keep the wound bandaged for at least a week to protect it and absorb any drainage. Pain relievers can be taken as needed, and a wet compress can be applied for a few minutes a day until the swelling goes down. The toe should be rested and elevated for 12 to 24 hours, and activities that may hurt the toe should be avoided until the site has healed.
In cases of severe infection involving the bones, the surgery may be performed in an operating room by a surgeon, and regional anesthesia may be used. It is important to keep the surgical site clean for several weeks after the procedure to prevent infection.
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Home remedies
Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition, but they usually don't pose a serious health risk. It's important to note that cutting an ingrown nail at home can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for treatment. However, there are some home remedies that may provide relief:
Soaking
Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day. You can add Epsom salt or soap to the water. This will help reduce tenderness and swelling.
Lifting the nail
After soaking your feet, gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail and place a small piece of cotton, waxed dental floss, or gutter splint between the nail and the skin. This will help the nail grow above the skin and prevent it from growing back into the skin. Change the cotton or floss daily to keep it clean and germ-free.
Bandaging
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream to the affected area and then bandage the toe. This will help keep the area clean and protected.
Footwear
Wear sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes until your toe heals. Make sure your shoes fit properly and are not too tight, as this can cause or aggravate ingrown toenails.
Nail trimming
While it is generally not recommended to cut an ingrown toenail at home, if you choose to do so, it is important to take certain precautions. Soak your feet beforehand to soften the nail, wash your hands, and use clean, sharp nail clippers designed for toenails. Cut the nail straight across without rounding the corners, and avoid cutting it too short.
Remember, if your ingrown toenail is severe or does not improve with home care, consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
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Prevention
Ingrown nails are a common problem, but there are several ways to prevent them from occurring.
Firstly, it is important to practise good nail care habits. Trim your nails regularly, but not too short, as this can increase the risk of ingrown nails. Nails should be cut straight across, avoiding rounding or cutting corners at an angle, as these shapes can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. A moderate length helps lower the risk of ingrowth. Aim for a square shape and use a nail file to soften any sharp edges and corners, preventing them from catching on socks or shoes.
Secondly, wearing proper-fitting footwear is essential. Tight shoes can cause the nail fold to become inflamed and increase the risk of ingrown nails. Choose comfortable shoes that provide ample room for your toes to move freely. Avoid high heels or narrow-toed shoes that cramp your feet. It is also important to wear socks that fit well, as tight socks can squeeze the toes together, making it more likely for nails to become ingrown.
Thirdly, maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put added pressure on the toes and feet, increasing the risk of ingrown nails. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the strain on your feet and lower the likelihood of toenail problems.
Finally, keep your feet clean and dry. Wash the area gently with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid soaking your feet for prolonged periods, as this can soften the skin and make it more susceptible to ingrown nails. Inspect your feet regularly for any signs of ingrown nails or other issues, and seek professional help if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown nail occurs when the skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the nail fold, damaging the skin. Ingrown nails are usually found on the big toe, but they can appear on any toe. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth.
No, cutting an ingrown nail at home can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection. It is recommended that you seek the help of a healthcare professional to decide on the best course of treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend trimming or removing part or all of the ingrown nail. In some cases, they may also remove part of the underlying nail bed. These procedures are minor surgeries but are effective treatments for ingrown nails. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat any infection.
Ingrown nails can be prevented by proper grooming of the toes and wearing better-fitting shoes. Nails should be cut straight across without tapering or rounding the corners, and not too short. Keeping your feet clean and dry can also help prevent ingrown nails.
