Isla Bennett
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can be painful and, in some cases, lead to infection. While there are home remedies such as soaking the affected area in warm water, and over-the-counter medications to help with the pain, ingrown toenails often require medical attention. Minor surgeries are an effective treatment for ingrown nails, and a podiatrist or doctor will be able to advise on the best course of treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting technique | Cut nails straight across, not in a rounded or pointed shape |
| Nail length | Avoid cutting nails too short; leave 1-2mm of white at the end |
| Tools | Use scissors or clippers designed for toenails |
| Home treatment | Soak the toe in warm water, apply antibiotic ointment, use over-the-counter pain medication |
| Medical treatment | Partial nail removal, application of phenol to prevent regrowth, minor surgery |
| Prevention | Wear well-fitting shoes, avoid tight socks or stockings, cut nails properly |
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What You'll Learn
When to cut at home and when to seek medical help
Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home without a doctor's visit. Soaking the affected toe in warm water or saltwater can help to ease discomfort and prevent infection. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can also help with pain relief.
However, it is important to know when to seek medical help. If the ingrown toenail is very painful, inflamed, or shows signs of infection, such as discharge, warmth, or a bad smell, it is recommended to see a healthcare professional. Repeatedly cutting the nail too short can increase the risk of ingrown toenails and make the problem worse over time. Therefore, if the ingrown toenail is caused by external factors, such as ill-fitting shoes or repeated activities, it is important to address these issues to prevent recurrence.
In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to remove part or all of the toenail, especially if the ingrown toenail is a recurring problem. This procedure is often performed by a podiatrist or dermatologist and may involve the use of local anaesthesia. After the procedure, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for proper care to prevent infection and reduce the likelihood of the ingrown nail returning.
While it is generally not recommended to cut an ingrown nail at home, some sources suggest that it may be possible to trim a slightly ingrown nail. However, this should only be attempted if the ingrown toenail is mild, and one should be cautious not to cut the nail too short or rounded at the corners, as this can increase the risk of the nail growing into the skin. If you are unsure or if the pain is severe, it is always best to seek professional advice.
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How to cut to prevent ingrown nails
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can be painful and, in some cases, lead to infection. While there are various causes, including diabetes, genetics, and ill-fitting shoes, cutting your toenails incorrectly is one of the most common reasons for this issue. Here are some tips on how to cut your nails to prevent ingrown toenails:
Cut Nails Straight Across
Avoid cutting your toenails in a rounded or pointed shape. Instead, trim them straight across. Rounded or pointed shapes create misshapen edges that may grow into the skin. Leave the corners long enough so that they lie loosely against your skin. This helps prevent the nail from growing into the skin as it grows out.
Don't Cut Nails Too Short
Avoid cutting your toenails too short. The nail should not be significantly shorter than your toe. Cutting your nails too short increases the risk of the nail growing into an unusual shape and becoming ingrown. Always try to leave a minimum of 1-2 mm of white at the end of your toenail.
Choose the Right Tools
Use scissors or clippers specifically designed for toenails. These tools are designed to cut thicker toenails effectively, helping you achieve a straight cut.
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes
Ill-fitting shoes can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can pinch your toes and force the nail to grow into the skin. Shoes that are too large can also be a problem, as they can cause your foot to slide and slam your toenail into the front of the shoe, leading to irritation and potential ingrowth.
Seek Professional Advice
If you have recurrent ingrown toenails or are unsure how to cut your nails properly, consult a healthcare professional or a podiatrist. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options to help prevent ingrown toenails.
Remember, if you experience pain, swelling, or signs of infection, such as discharge, warmth, or a bad smell, seek medical advice promptly.
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Soaking and ointments
Soaking the affected toe in warm water is a recommended home remedy for treating ingrown toenails. You can add Epsom salt to the water, or use regular table salt. Soak your foot for 20 minutes at a time, 2–3 times a day, to ease discomfort. After each soak, dry your foot thoroughly.
You can also apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area after soaking. Your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid ointment to apply after each soaking for up to two weeks. If you are not making any progress after a few days, or if the nail becomes infected, you should see a podiatrist or other foot care specialist.
It is important to note that cutting an ingrown toenail is not recommended by healthcare professionals. If the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, it is important to seek medical advice. Repeatedly cutting an ingrown toenail or cutting it too short can increase the risk of future ingrown nails.
Some sources recommend placing cotton or dental floss under the ingrown portion of the toenail to relieve pressure. However, this may not relieve pain and may increase the risk of infection.
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Lifting the nail
Soak your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salts or soapy sudsy water. This softens the skin and reduces inflammation and discomfort. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes at a time. You can also add apple cider vinegar to the water, which may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities.
Massage the skin at the side of the toenail (the nail fold), gently pushing it away from the nail. Be careful not to force the skin back further than it will go.
Cut the toenail straight across, starting at the toenail edges. Do not cut the toenail from the middle or round the corners down. Cut your toenails so that they are no shorter than the tip of your toe.
Place a piece of cotton between the nail and the skin to prevent it from growing back into the skin. This will help to lift the nail off the skin, so it can grow outwardly.
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Partial and full nail removal
Partial Nail Removal
For a severely ingrown toenail, a healthcare professional may remove part of the toenail. The procedure involves numbing the toe and trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail. It can take 2 to 4 months for the toenail to grow back. The doctor may also remove part of the underlying nail bed and, in some cases, part of the growth center.
A common procedure called a partial nail avulsion involves cutting and removing a narrow vertical strip of the nail from the edge to the base. A chemical called phenol may be applied to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth, which can leave the nail slightly narrower. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic in a clinician's office.
Full Nail Removal
If the ingrown toenail recurs, a more extensive nail removal may be required. The doctor may perform a small surgery to remove a larger section of the nail or, in rare cases, the entire nail. A local anesthetic will be administered for this procedure.
It is important to note that attempting to cut an ingrown nail at home is not recommended by healthcare professionals. Cutting the nail repeatedly or too short can worsen the condition and increase the risk of future ingrown nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You should not cut a nail that is ingrown. Cutting an ingrown nail can increase the risk of infection and make the ingrowing worse. If you are experiencing an ingrown nail, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
You can try soaking your foot in warm water or saltwater for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help with the pain.
Ingrown nails are often caused by cutting toenails too short, or with rounded or pointed corners. This can cause the skin on the sides to cover the corners of the nail, leading to the nail growing back into the skin. Ill-fitting shoes can also cause ingrown nails, as they can push the toes together or against the front of the shoe.
You should see a doctor or podiatrist if your ingrown nail is very painful, inflamed, showing signs of infection, or not improving after a few days. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the nail.
