Noah Sinclair
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin of the toe. While ingrown toenails usually aren't serious and can be treated at home, they can sometimes cause serious complications, especially if left untreated. In severe cases, healthcare providers may need to partially or completely remove the nail surgically, a procedure that can take a few months to heal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time for ingrown nail without surgery | Varies depending on the trauma suffered by the toe, usually when the ingrown portion grows out |
| Healing time for ingrown nail with surgery | A few months to two years |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown toenail surgery
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that usually affects the big toe. It happens when the corner or side of the toenail grows into the flesh next to it. While most cases can be treated at home, severe or chronic ingrown toenails may require surgery.
If you have a badly ingrown toenail, your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist or podiatrist. Several surgical procedures can treat an ingrown toenail, and an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist can advise on the best option. Before surgery, be sure to inform your doctor about any relevant health issues, including any history of ingrown toenails. If you prefer general anesthesia, be aware that the surgery may take longer and require more preparation.
During surgery, the doctor will numb your toe and may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. For severe cases, they may also remove a portion of the underlying nail bed tissue to prevent that part of the nail from growing back. After surgery, your doctor may place a splint under the nail to keep it from growing inward.
Following ingrown toenail surgery, it is important to keep the wound bandaged and clean until it heals, which usually takes several weeks. You can speed up your recovery by soaking your foot in warm water or Epsom salts, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling, and applying antibiotic ointment if there is an infection. You should wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes for about two weeks after surgery and avoid strenuous activity during this time. Most people can return to normal activities after a few days.
While ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective, minor complications can occur. There is a small risk of the nail becoming ingrown again if the new nail grows in curved. Deeper damage to the nail bed during surgery can also cause poor healing and drainage. However, serious complications are rare, and surgery significantly reduces the risk of complications compared to leaving an ingrown toenail untreated.
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Healing time
Ingrown toenails are a common problem where the nail grows into the toe, usually the big toe. They can usually be treated at home and may even heal on their own as the nail grows out. Minor cases may not require any treatment at all.
However, ingrown toenails can also cause serious complications, especially if left untreated or if you have diabetes. If the toenail becomes infected, it can cause open sores and a loss of blood flow to the site of infection. Therefore, if your ingrown toenail is swollen, leaking pus or blood, feels hot to the touch, and is causing you pain or impairing your mobility, it is time to see a podiatrist.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider may need to perform surgery to remove part of your nail. This procedure is called nail avulsion. During a partial or complete nail avulsion, your provider will inject a numbing medicine (anaesthetic) into your toe and then cut away part or all of your toenail. It usually takes a few months for the nail to regrow, but it can take up to two years for the nail to fully grow back, depending on how much trauma the toe has suffered.
After a nail-removal procedure, you can take a nonprescription pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to ease any toe pain.
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Home treatment
Ingrown toenails are a common problem and usually not serious. Minor cases may not even require treatment and can heal on their own as the nail grows out. However, it can take a few months for the nail to regrow, and in some cases, it can take up to two years for the nail to fully grow back.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to practice good foot care and treat it promptly to prevent infection and other serious complications, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid tapering the corners when cutting your toenails. This can help prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
- Wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes. Avoid tight or ill-fitting footwear that can put pressure on the toes and nails.
- Soak your foot in warm water. This can help soften the nail and skin, making it easier for the nail to grow above the skin edge.
- Place cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail. This can help separate the nail from the skin and encourage the nail to grow above the skin. Change the cotton or floss regularly to keep it clean.
- Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help ease any pain or discomfort.
It is important to note that you should not try to cut or dig out an ingrown toenail at home, as this can increase the risk of infection and make it harder for your toe to heal. If your ingrown toenail does not improve after a few days of home treatment, or if you experience symptoms such as swelling, pus, or pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or a podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
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Preventative measures
Ingrown toenails are a common condition where the nail grows into the toe, usually affecting the big toe. While ingrown toenails typically aren't serious and can be treated at home, they can sometimes lead to severe complications, especially if left untreated or if you have diabetes. In such cases, medical intervention may be required, including surgical procedures like nail avulsion or chemical matricectomy, which can take a few months or even up to two years for a full recovery.
To prevent ingrown toenails and promote healing, it is essential to practice good foot care and personal hygiene. Here are some preventative measures to consider:
- Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your toenails straight across without tapering the corners. This helps prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
- Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry. Proper foot hygiene reduces the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, which can complicate ingrown toenails.
- Appropriate Footwear: Wear roomy and properly fitting shoes. Ill-fitting footwear can cause injury to the toe or nail, leading to ingrown toenails.
- Avoid Public Showers and Unsanitized Tools: Using public showers or visiting salons with unsanitized tools can increase the risk of infection and contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.
- Boost Immune System: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to ingrown toenail infections. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help strengthen your immune system and lower the risk of infections.
- Home Remedies: Try simple at-home treatments for 2–3 days. Soaking your feet in warm water or using cotton to separate the nail from the skin can help ease discomfort and promote healing.
- See a Doctor if Needed: If your ingrown toenail doesn't improve or is causing severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, consult a doctor or podiatrist. They can provide professional treatment options, such as corrective nail clipping or surgical procedures, to address the issue effectively.
Remember, while ingrown toenails often heal on their own or with simple home care, it's important to pay attention to any signs of infection or severe discomfort. Taking proactive measures to prevent and treat ingrown toenails can help ensure a quicker and healthier recovery.
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When to see a doctor
Ingrown toenails are typically not serious and can be treated at home with proper foot care. However, there are some instances where you should seek medical attention.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it is important to see a healthcare provider as you are at a higher risk of infection. Additionally, if you suspect that your ingrown toenail has become infected, it is important to seek medical attention. Signs of infection include swelling, pus or blood discharge, increased heat, pain, and impaired mobility. In these cases, your doctor may recommend partially or completely removing the nail surgically, which can help prevent the nail from growing inward again.
You should also see a doctor if your ingrown toenail does not improve with home remedies after 2 to 3 days. Ingrown toenails can sometimes become inflamed, very painful, and infected, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
It is recommended to see a podiatrist or a foot specialist if you are experiencing pain due to an ingrown toenail or any other foot or ankle condition. They can offer further treatments and perform corrective nail clipping or ingrown toenail surgery if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The healing time for an ingrown nail varies depending on the treatment and severity of the case. Mild cases may heal in a few days without treatment, while more severe cases could take a few weeks or months.
There are several home remedies that can be used to treat an ingrown nail, including:
- Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt or soap 3 to 4 times daily
- Keeping the foot clean and dry
- Placing a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin to separate them
- Applying an antibiotic ointment and covering the toe with a bandage
- Wearing comfortable shoes that don't squeeze the toes
- Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
It is recommended to see a doctor or podiatrist if home remedies or over-the-counter treatments have not helped, or if there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve problems in the legs or feet should also seek medical treatment.
Treatment options for an ingrown nail depend on the severity of the case. In mild cases, a healthcare provider may lift the nail and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to separate it from the skin and help the nail grow above the skin edge. This process can take 2 to 12 weeks. For more severe cases, surgery may be required to partially or completely remove the nail. The nail may take a few months to regrow, and permanent nail removal may be advised for chronic or recurrent cases.
