Caleb Foster
Pincer nails are a common but troublesome condition where nails curve inward, digging into the skin and causing pain and discomfort. While they can sometimes be inherited, they are most often caused by years of wearing tight shoes. The good news is that there are many ways to treat pincer nails, from diligent home treatments to conditioning treatments, protective devices, medication, and surgery. In this article, we will explore the various options available to help you manage and treat pincer nails effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A nail deformity that causes over-curvature in the nail. |
| Causes | Years of wearing tight shoes, bone spur under the toenail, autoimmune disease, family history, certain medications, and injuries. |
| Symptoms | Curved appearance, lateral edges sloping inward, pain, swelling, and infection. |
| Prevention | Avoid tight socks and shoes, wear proper-fitting shoes, trim nails straight across, and soak nails before cutting. |
| Treatment | Non-invasive braces, medication (e.g. Tazarotene), surgery, KD Device (an FDA-approved clip), orthotics, and home treatments (e.g. filing, softening with petroleum jelly, chemical exfoliation, hydration). |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent ingrown toenails
Pincer nails are a nail deformity that causes the nail to curve inward and thicken. This condition can be hereditary or acquired through years of wearing tight shoes, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions. If you have pincer nails, you are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails, which can lead to pain, redness, inflammation, and infection. Here are some ways to prevent ingrown toenails:
Keep your toenails properly trimmed
As your toenails don't grow very fast, you only need to trim them once or twice a month. It is recommended to trim your toenails straight across, leaving a thin strip of white at the tips. This helps to prevent both ingrown toenails and pincer nails. If sharp corners are left behind, use a file to smooth the edges. Avoid cutting your toenails too short, as this can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Soak your toenails before cutting
Soaking your toenails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before trimming can make the process easier and reduce the likelihood of shattering. You can add Epsom salt and bath beads to make it a spa-like experience.
Use appropriate footwear
Wearing tight shoes, such as high heels or pointy-toed shoes, can squeeze your toes together and contribute to the development of pincer nails. Therefore, it is essential to choose proper-fitting shoes that do not cram your toes. Going barefoot when possible can also help decrease the chances of developing ingrown toenails.
Consult a podiatrist
If you have pincer nails, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist, especially if you experience pain or frequent infections. They can provide treatment options, such as non-invasive braces, medication, or surgery, to correct the curve and relieve symptoms.
Monitor your nail health
Pincer nails can develop slowly over time, so it is important to monitor your nail health and be aware of any changes. If left untreated, pincer nails can lead to chronic inflammation, recurrent infections, or open sores, affecting your daily life and ability to walk or wear shoes.
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Trimming techniques to avoid
Pincer nails are a nail deformity that causes over-curvature in the nail, which can lead to ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection. Therefore, it is important to avoid trimming techniques that can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Avoid trimming the free end of the nail too short. It is recommended to let the free end grow out a little bit to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Do not clip your nails at a sharp right angle. Trimming your nails in this way will make it easier for the nail to pierce and grow into the skin, leading to an ingrown toenail.
- Refrain from over-trimming or cutting the corners of your nails too short. This can cause stress cracks and weaken the nail, making it more susceptible to breaking and curving inward.
- Avoid cutting your nails in a way that leaves sharp or jagged edges. These edges can dig into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potentially leading to an ingrown toenail.
- Do not cut your nails in a curved shape. Cutting them to follow the natural curve of the nail plate can increase the risk of ingrown toenails as it may encourage the nail to curve inward further. Instead, try to cut them straight across, which can help prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
In addition to these trimming techniques to avoid, it is important to address the underlying causes of pincer nails, such as wearing tight socks and shoes, to help prevent the condition from worsening or recurring. Proper nail care and cutting techniques can help manage pincer nails and reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
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Treatment options
Pincer nails are a nail deformity that causes over-curvature in the nail. Treatment options for pincer nails range from non-invasive braces and medication to surgery. Here are some detailed treatment options:
Non-invasive braces
Non-invasive braces, such as the KD Device, are a simple and effective way to treat pincer nails. The KD Device is an FDA-approved clip that is placed on the toenail to straighten the nail at the root. This procedure can be performed in a doctor's office and does not require the removal or destruction of the nail root or matrix. It involves making a small incision on both sides of the toe to free the nail root or matrix from the bone, and then placing the KD Device over the nail to splint it in its new corrected position. The stitches are removed after two weeks, and the clip is left on for approximately another week before being removed, leaving the nail fixed.
Medication
When the nail is just starting to curve and become ingrown, a topical medicine called Tazarotene can help thin and straighten it. A podiatrist may also prescribe an antifungal medication if the pincer nails are caused by onychomycosis.
Orthotics
A podiatrist can fit you with a special orthotic to slowly straighten your nail plates. Once the nail plate is straightened, it will be less likely to develop into an ingrown toenail.
Surgery
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat pincer nails. One surgical option is to remove the nail matrix or root. Another surgical procedure involves cutting off both sides of the nail, similar to an ingrown toenail treatment. However, with severely pincered nails, a large piece of the toenail must be removed, resulting in a very narrow nail that may be cosmetically unpleasing to some patients.
Home treatments
There are also several home treatment options that can help redirect pincer nail growth to a normal shape:
- Gently filing thick rigid edges with an emery board to round and thin them without cutting corners.
- Softening the undersides and edges by massaging in petroleum jelly to add flexibility.
- Chemically exfoliating and thinning nail layers by applying a urea cream containing alpha-hydroxy acid to promote the growth of smooth new cells.
- Hydrating brittle nails using glycerin treatments overnight under cotton gloves to slowly improve texture.
- Applying a thin layer of nail glue (such as denture adhesive) to the bottom of nails to allow attachment to the nail bed and lift pressure off the skin.
- Using proper cutting techniques, such as trimming toenails straight across and leaving a thin strip of white at the tips, and using a file to smooth sharp corners.
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Home remedies
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity that can be painful and increase the risk of infection. They occur when the nail plate curves inward, pinching the surrounding skin. While pincer nails can develop slowly over time, they can be treated at home with diligent care. Here are some home remedies to help correct and relieve pincer nails:
Identify the Cause
First, try to identify the cause of your pincer nails. Pincer nails can be caused by various factors, including genetics, tight shoes, improper toenail cutting, certain chronic health conditions, or medications. Look at your older relatives' nails to check for a family history of curved nail growth. If you wear tight shoes frequently, switch to proper-fitting shoes that provide adequate toe space and reduce pressure on the nails.
Soak and Trim
Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before trimming them. You can also add Epsom salt or antibacterial soap to the water to help soften the nails and prevent infection. After soaking, use a fine-grit nail file or a nail drill to gently grind and thin the thick, rigid edges of the nails. Be careful not to use a coarse grit file, as it can damage your nails. Trim your nails straight across, leaving a thin white strip at the tips to avoid ingrown nails and pincer nails.
Moisturize and Treat
Apply petroleum jelly to the undersides and edges of your nails to soften and add flexibility. Reapply it twice daily for best results. You can also chemically exfoliate and thin the nail layers by using a urea cream containing alpha-hydroxy acid. This will promote the growth of smooth new cells. Additionally, use hydrating treatments like glycerin or cuticle oil with lavender, which has antifungal properties, to improve the texture of brittle nails.
Nail Glue and Flossing
Apply a thin layer of nail glue or denture adhesive to the bottom of your nails, allowing them to attach to the nail bed and relieve pressure on the skin. Finish by sliding floss under the nail to lift any debris and ensure cleanliness.
Preventative Measures
To prevent pincer nails from recurring, adopt proper cutting techniques and trim your nails regularly. Leave a thin white strip at the tips of your toenails instead of cutting them too short. Going barefoot as often as possible can also help reduce the likelihood of ingrown and pincer nails.
While these home remedies can help, it is important to monitor your nails' progress and seek professional advice from a podiatrist or medical doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
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When to seek medical help
Pincer nails can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage, but with the right approach, they can be effectively treated. It is important to know when to seek medical help for this condition to prevent further complications and alleviate discomfort.
Firstly, it is advised to seek professional care at the first sign of abnormal nail changes. Pincer nails can develop slowly over time, and early diagnosis is crucial for prompt treatment. If you notice the sides of your toenails growing inward, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. Left untreated, pincer nails can worsen and cause further issues.
If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or pain, consulting a foot care specialist or podiatrist is recommended. They can provide treatment options to correct the nail curvature and relieve symptoms. Pincer nails can cause the skin to become red, tender, and swollen, and increase the risk of infection. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
In some cases, pincer nails may require surgical procedures to correct the nail shape. If conservative treatments such as proper nail trimming, footwear adjustments, moisturization, and orthotic devices are ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Partial or full nail removal can be performed to treat severe cases of pincer nails.
Additionally, underlying medical conditions, such as fungal infections, psoriasis, or peripheral vascular disease, can contribute to the development of pincer nails. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to seek medical advice and manage them effectively to reduce the risk of pincer nails and other nail deformities.
Overall, seeking medical help for pincer nails is important to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of further complications. While some cases may be managed with at-home care and proper nail hygiene, more severe instances will require professional intervention to alleviate discomfort and restore the normal appearance of the nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Pincer nails are a nail deformity that causes over-curvature in the nail. They can be painful as they dig into the delicate skin of the toe.
Pincer nails can be hereditary, with some people inheriting a tendency for curved, thicker nail growth. They can also be caused by external factors such as years of wearing tight shoes, injuries, or a bone spur under the toenail.
There are various treatment options available, ranging from non-invasive methods to surgery. Non-invasive treatments include conditioning treatments, protective devices, and medication. Surgery is an option for severe cases.
Yes, you can cut pincer nails at home, but it is important to use the correct cutting technique to avoid ingrown toenails. Trim your nails straight across, leaving a thin strip of white at the tips. If sharp corners are left, use a file to smooth the edges.
If you experience pain, swelling, or infection due to ingrown toenails, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have diabetes or circulation issues, it is important to see a doctor as ingrown toenails can lead to dangerous infections.
