Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin. This can happen when toenails are cut too short or rounded at the corners, causing the nail to curve with the shape of the toe. While ingrown toenails are usually not serious, they can become infected and cause pain, redness, swelling, and pus. Treatment options include soaking the foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and trimming the toenail. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the toenail. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to maintain proper foot hygiene, trim toenails straight across, and wear properly fitted shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Toenails that grow inward can be caused by incorrect trimming, ill-fitting shoes, toe trauma, fungal infections, or psoriasis. |
| Prevention | To prevent ingrown toenails, trim your nails straight across without cutting the edges inward and avoid tapering the corners. Keep your feet clean and dry, and trim your nails frequently. |
| Treatment | Soak the affected toe in lukewarm water two to three times a day for 15 minutes. Massage the skin at the side of the toenail, gently pushing it away from the nail. Apply antibiotic ointment. Use a toenail brace to correct the nail's curvature and prevent it from growing inward. |
| Severe Cases | In severe or recurrent cases, a partial or complete nail avulsion procedure may be necessary to remove part or all of the toenail. Permanent ingrown toenail removal can be achieved with a chemical to kill the nail root. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak the toenail in warm water and apply antibiotic ointment
An ingrown toenail is a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. This can happen when you cut your toenails by tapering the corners, or when your toenail curves with the shape of your toe. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe and can cause soreness, swelling, redness, and warmth. If the toenail breaks the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection.
To treat an ingrown toenail, it is recommended to soak the affected toenail in warm water. You can do this two to three times a day for 15 minutes each time. You can also add Epsom salts to the water, as this will create a warm soak that softens the nail and the surrounding skin. Soaking your toenail in warm water will not only soothe the affected area but also make nail trimming easier.
After soaking your toenail, dry your foot thoroughly with a clean towel. This step is crucial to prevent infection. Once your toenail and the surrounding area are completely dry, apply an antibiotic ointment to the nail and skin. Make sure to use an ointment that you know you are not allergic to, as you don't want to risk contact dermatitis on top of a painful ingrown toenail. The ointment will help reduce the chances of developing a fungal or bacterial infection and will also moisturize your toe.
In addition to soaking and applying ointment, it is recommended to wear sandals or other open-toed shoes whenever possible to allow your toe to heal. If you must wear closed-toe shoes, ensure that they are not too tight and that you have enough room to wiggle your toes freely.
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Cut toenails straight across, not rounded
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, particularly among adolescents, athletes, and people with nerve damage, poor circulation, or nail infections. They occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin, causing soreness, swelling, redness, and warmth. If the toenail breaks the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut toenails straight across, not rounded. Cutting toenails with rounded corners can cause the nail to curve with the shape of the toe, increasing the risk of the nail growing into the skin. Instead, toenails should be cut in a straight line that mimics the curving line of the toe tip. It is also important to avoid cutting nails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes, and to leave the nail a little long to prevent it from growing inward. Toenails should be trimmed regularly using a strong, sharp nail clipper, and it is best to cut dry nails as they are less prone to cracking.
If you have recurrent ingrown toenails, more extensive nail removal may be needed. A partial nail avulsion is a commonly performed procedure where a narrow vertical strip of nail on the affected side is cut and removed. The clinician may also apply a chemical to the nail matrix to prevent nail regrowth. This procedure is usually performed in a clinician's office after a local anesthetic is injected into the toe.
There are also some temporary solutions to relieve pain from ingrown toenails, such as soaking the foot in lukewarm water two to three times a day for 15 minutes and gently pushing the skin at the side of the toenail away from the nail. However, these methods do not address the underlying toenail curvature problem.
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Use a toenail brace to correct the nail's growth
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the corner of a toenail curves downward and grows into the skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. In severe cases, bacteria may enter through the broken skin, leading to an infection. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, recurrent cases may require partial nail removal or surgery.
One option for treating ingrown toenails at home is to use a toenail brace, such as the CurveCorrect or Onyfix system. Toenail braces are thin, reinforced strips that are fastened to the surface of the toenail. They act like a spring, gently straightening and lifting each side of the toenail, reducing its pressure against the skin. This process is painless and occurs gradually over a period of weeks.
To apply a toenail brace, follow these steps:
- Ensure your toenail is completely clean and free of contaminants such as nail polish, ointment, bandage adhesive, or dirt. Use soap and water to clean the entire toenail, including the ingrown area. A fine brush can help reach into the nail fold where contaminants may collect.
- Prepare the bonding surface by filing the toenail to remove ridges and high spots. This minimizes gaps underneath the brace.
- Dip a cotton swab into the solvent and wipe the entire surface of your toenail.
- Apply a small puddle of adhesive to one end of the toenail brace. The adhesive should be as wide as the brace and as deep as its thickness. Be careful not to let the adhesive touch any other part of your body, as it will bond immediately.
- Position the first end of the brace (the adhesive end) on the side of the toenail most affected. Hold it motionless for 30 seconds, then release and allow the adhesive to cure for an additional 2 minutes.
- Bend the second end of the brace to the opposite side of your toenail, adjusting it to the correct length. Ideally, it should reach the edge of the toenail.
- Allow the brace to remain in place for 4-5 months. You may experience mild discomfort or a pulling sensation during the first few days. If you experience pain or bruising, remove the brace immediately.
It is important to note that the use of a toenail brace may not be suitable for all types of nails. CurveCorrect, for example, is specifically designed for toenails two through five and may be too strong for other nails, such as thin or children's toenails. Always read the instructions carefully and seek alternative medical advice if needed.
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Avoid tight-fitting shoes
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, especially among teenagers, where the toenail grows into the skin around the nail bed. This can cause redness, pain, swelling, and infection. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, they sometimes require medical attention.
Tight-fitting shoes are a common cause of ingrown toenails. When the toes are squeezed together, the skin on the sides of the nail can grow over the edges of the nail, or the nail itself can grow into the skin. This is especially likely if the toenail is cut too short or rounded at the corners, as this encourages inward growth. Therefore, it is important to wear shoes that are comfortable and allow adequate room for the toes to move freely. Sandals or other low-heeled open-toed shoes are a good option, as they reduce pressure on the toes and allow the toenails to grow outward. When wearing closed-toe shoes, ensure that the toe box is roomy enough for the toes to lie flat.
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can also cause trauma to the toenail, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on it. This can result in a subungual haematoma, or a collection of pooled blood under the nail bed. In addition, tight shoes can increase the risk of infection by causing cuts on the skin around the toenails. Therefore, it is important to choose proper footwear that reduces pressure on the toes and supports the natural correction of curved toenails.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is recommended to cut the nails straight across without rounding the corners. This promotes outward growth and reduces pressure on the sides of the nails. It is also important to leave the nail slightly longer to prevent it from growing into the skin. Additionally, thick socks can be worn to cushion the toenails and reduce friction between the nails and the shoes.
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Consult a doctor for severe or recurring cases
In severe or recurring cases of ingrown toenails, it is important to consult a doctor or a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist or dermatologist. Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and may require professional treatment. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to infection and other complications.
If conservative home treatments, such as soaking the foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and gently lifting the ingrown nail, do not provide relief, it may be necessary to partially or completely remove the affected toenail. This procedure, known as nail avulsion, involves injecting a numbing medicine (anesthetic) into the toe before cutting away part or all of the toenail. Recurrent ingrown toenails may also be treated with laser or chemical therapy to provide long-term relief.
It is recommended to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, such as redness, pain, swelling, or pus. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, circulation problems, or numbness in the toes should be cautious and consult a doctor before attempting home treatments. Ingrown toenails can be a common problem for people with these conditions, and proper medical care is crucial to prevent further complications.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be required for long-term correction of ingrown toenails. This is especially true for severe or recurring cases that do not respond to other treatments. Consulting a doctor will help determine the most appropriate course of action and ensure the best possible care for the patient's condition.
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