Noah Sinclair
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Treatment for ingrown toenails ranges from home remedies, such as soaking the foot in warm water and placing cotton under the nail, to surgical removal of part or the entire nail. The amount of the toenail removed depends on the severity of the condition and the specific treatment method used. In this article, we will explore the different treatment options for ingrown toenails and discuss how much of the nail is typically removed during each procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingrown toenail treatment | Soaking in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, taping the nail, lifting the nail, trimming the nail, surgery |
| Symptoms | Pain, redness, soreness, swelling, warmth, liquid or pus, discolouration |
| Causes | Incorrectly cut toenails, improper footwear, tearing the corner of the nail, toe trauma, toe shape, nail infection, diabetes, circulation problems, thick or curved toenails |
| Prevention | Cutting nails straight across, wearing comfortable and open-toed shoes, avoiding tight shoes, not rounding corners of nails |
| Surgery type | Nail avulsion, Wedge excision, Nail-bed ablation |
| Surgery details | Removing part or all of the toenail, destroying the nail bed, applying a chemical to prevent regrowth, bandaging the toe, elevating the foot, resting |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can often be treated at home. However, if home remedies do not help, it is important to see a healthcare professional.
- Soak your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salts or soapy water: Soaking your feet softens the skin and reduces inflammation and discomfort. Soak your foot for 10 to 20 minutes daily.
- Use clean, sharp toenail clippers to cut straight across the nail: Avoid cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners, as this increases the risk of the nail growing into the skin.
- Apply antibiotic ointment: Applying a petroleum gel or antibiotic ointment at the first sign of pain or redness can provide pain relief and prevent infection.
- Choose sensible footwear: Wear open-toed shoes or sandals to keep pressure off your toe. If you must wear closed-toe shoes, ensure they are wide enough to allow your toes to move freely.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease toe pain.
- Apply a wet compress: After a nail-removal procedure, applying a wet compress for a few minutes a day until the swelling goes down can help reduce inflammation.
- Elevate your toe: Rest and elevate your toe for 12 to 24 hours after a procedure to aid healing.
- Foot massage: Gently massage your foot and toenail to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and speed up healing.
- Keep your feet dry: Keeping the skin surrounding your toenails dry can help prevent ingrown toenails.
- Toe protectors: Use toe braces, sleeves, wraps, or caps to protect your toe while it heals.
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Partial nail removal
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the toenail grows and curves down into the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. In some cases, the toenail may break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
If you have an ingrown toenail, there are several home remedies you can try. These include soaking the affected toe in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and placing cotton or dental floss under the ingrown toenail to separate it from the skin. However, if home remedies do not provide relief, or if the ingrown toenail is severe (inflamed skin, pain, and pus), your healthcare provider may recommend a partial nail removal procedure.
After the procedure, your healthcare provider will bandage the toe and may apply a chemical to prevent nail regrowth. You will likely experience some pain once the anaesthesia wears off, and your doctor may recommend taking a pain reliever. It is important to keep the bandage clean and dry, and you may need to change the dressing after 12 to 24 hours. Your toe will take a few weeks to heal completely, and during this time, you should avoid running or vigorous exercise. It could take up to 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back fully.
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Full nail removal
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. This can be caused by incorrect toenail trimming, improper-fitting shoes, tearing of the nail, toe trauma, or the shape of the toe.
If home remedies have not helped with your ingrown toenail, a healthcare provider may recommend full nail removal. During this procedure, called complete nail plate avulsion, a doctor will inject a numbing medicine (anesthetic) into your toe and then cut away the entire toenail. Removing the whole nail makes it more likely that the nail will grow back misshapen or deformed, which can increase the risk of future ingrown toenails. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to regrow fully.
After a full nail removal procedure, you can take a pain reliever as needed. It might help to apply a wet compress for a few minutes a day for several days until the swelling has gone down. Rest and elevate the toe for 12 to 24 hours. Avoid activities that hurt your toe, and do not swim or use a hot tub until your healthcare provider advises it is okay to do so. You can shower the day after surgery. Call your healthcare provider if the toe is not healing properly.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend permanent ingrown toenail removal. This involves using a chemical to kill the nail root.
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Preventing regrowth
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin of the toe, typically the big toe. This can be caused by incorrect toenail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, tearing the corner of the nail, or trauma to the toe. Symptoms include pain, redness, soreness, swelling, and warmth.
If you have recurring issues with ingrown toenails, your healthcare provider may recommend removing part of the toenail or the entire nail. This procedure typically involves numbing the toe and trimming the ingrown portion of the nail. In some cases, the underlying tissue (nail bed) may also be removed to prevent that part of the nail from growing back.
To prevent regrowth after an ingrown toenail removal procedure, it is essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for aftercare. Here are some general guidelines to prevent regrowth and promote healing:
- Change the dressing: Follow your provider's instructions for changing the dressing. This typically involves removing the initial dressing and soaking your foot in warm water before applying a new dressing.
- Keep the toe elevated: For the first few hours after surgery, keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Rest: On the day of the surgery, rest and avoid strenuous activities. You can typically return to work or school the next day.
- Avoid vigorous exercise: Refrain from running or vigorous exercise for at least two weeks after the surgery to allow the toe to heal properly.
- Apply antibiotic ointment: Use an antibiotic ointment, such as Mycitracin Plus, twice daily until the wound is completely healed. This helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
- Soak the toe: Soak your foot in lukewarm water two to three times a day for 15 minutes. You can add Epsom salts to the water if desired.
- Proper nail trimming: Once your toenail starts growing out, cut it straight across, following the natural curve of the toe tip. Avoid cutting the corners down, leaving sharp edges, or picking at the nail.
- Choose comfortable footwear: Wear sandals or other low-heeled, open-toed shoes whenever possible. If you need to wear closed-toe shoes, ensure they are comfortable and allow enough room for your toes to move freely.
- Avoid certain activities: Avoid activities that may hurt your toe, such as stubbing or dropping objects on it. Also, refrain from swimming or using a hot tub until your healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so.
By following these guidelines and maintaining proper toenail care, you can help prevent the regrowth of ingrown toenails and promote healthy healing. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for specific instructions and recommendations tailored to your needs.
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Recovery and aftercare
Ingrown toenail removal surgery involves numbing the toe, cutting away the ingrown portion of the nail, and possibly removing the entire nail. In some cases, medications may be used to inhibit nail regrowth.
After the procedure, it is crucial to keep the wound clean. Use warm, soapy water to gently cleanse the toe, then pat it dry. Change the dressing once or twice daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Keep the wound covered for the first week, and you may leave it uncovered during the second week to promote airflow.
Soaking your foot in warm water or Epsom salt solutions can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. You can also take non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is recommended to rest and elevate the toe for 12 to 24 hours after surgery and avoid activities that hurt your toe. Do not swim or use a hot tub until your healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so.
To prevent future ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Choose sensible footwear that allows your toes to move freely. Wear open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better.
It is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment with a podiatrist a few days after the surgery or as advised by your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if the toe isn't healing properly or if the problem recurs.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, your doctor may recommend one of the following surgeries:
- Wedge resection: Removal of a portion of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin.
- Toenail removal: Removal of the entire toenail.
- Matrixectomy: Removal of the nail bed in addition to the nail.
If you have a partial toenail removal, your nail may grow back in approximately three to four months. If you had your toenail completely removed, regrowth can take up to 18 months.
To speed up recovery, you should:
- Soak your foot in warm water or Epsom salts every day.
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help with pain and swelling.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment twice daily or as often as a doctor recommends.
- Keep the wound bandaged and clean until it heals, which usually takes six to eight weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activity that puts pressure on the nail.
