Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, usually affecting the big toe. They occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often due to improper nail trimming or ill-fitting shoes. While mild cases can be treated at home, severe or infected ingrown toenails require medical attention. Cutting an ingrown toenail can be risky and should be done with caution to avoid further complications. Here are some steps to properly cut and prevent ingrown toenails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting technique | Cut nails straight across, avoiding pointed or rounded corners. |
| Nail length | Avoid cutting nails too short; leave at least 1-2 mm of white nail showing. |
| Tools | Use clippers or scissors designed for toenails. |
| Hygiene | Disinfect tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide before and after use. |
| Soaking | Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt, essential oils, or vinegar to soften nails and reduce pain and swelling. |
| Filing | Gently file or scrape dead skin at the sides of the nail. |
| Cotton or floss | Use with caution; may increase infection risk or add pressure. |
| Medication | Over-the-counter painkillers, antibiotic ointments, and antifungal creams can be used to manage pain and infection. |
| Medical advice | Seek professional advice for severe or infected ingrown nails; minor surgeries are often required. |
| Prevention | Wear properly fitting shoes and socks to avoid pressure on the toes. |
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What You'll Learn
When to cut at home vs. when to see a doctor
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, typically affecting the big toe. They occur when the toenail grows into the skin beside it. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, there are certain instances when you should seek professional medical advice.
When to cut at home:
If you have a mildly ingrown nail, you can try the following steps:
- Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salt, tea tree oil, or disinfecting essential oils to the foot bath.
- Gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail.
- Use a nail file or cuticle stick to gently scrape away any dead skin cells from the sides of the nail.
- If the nail hasn't grown into the skin, you can try to encourage it to unroll using your fingernail or a cuticle stick.
- Cut your toenail straight across, leaving at least 1 to 2 millimetres of the white nail end.
- Use tweezers to place a tiny piece of cotton or gauze between the nail and your skin to relieve pressure and create space.
- Cut away the visible nail corner to relieve pain.
- Cleanse the area with tea tree oil or another disinfectant.
When to see a doctor:
If your ingrown toenail is severe, very painful, or showing any signs of infection, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. Do not attempt to cut a severely ingrown nail at home, as it can increase the risk of infection and make the condition worse.
Additionally, if you have diabetes, circulation problems, or numbness in your toes, skip home remedies and consult a clinician or foot specialist immediately.
In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required to treat an ingrown toenail. A healthcare professional will use sterilised equipment to trim or remove part or all of the nail, and may inject a numbing solution to alleviate pain.
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How to cut
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, typically affecting the big toe. They occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it or when the nail pierces the skin due to trauma. While you can treat a mildly ingrown nail at home, it is important to seek medical attention if the nail is infected or causing severe pain.
If you have a mildly ingrown nail that is not infected, you can try the following steps to cut it:
- Disinfect all nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle sticks, and other pedicure tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and let them dry.
- Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salt, tea tree oil, or other disinfecting essential oils to the footbath.
- Dry your foot and toes thoroughly with a soft towel.
- Gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail to loosen it.
- Gently scrape the skin at the sides of the nail with a nail file or cuticle stick to remove any dead skin cells.
- Cut your toenail straight across with toenail clippers, leaving at least 1 to 2 millimetres of the white nail end. Avoid cutting the nail too short or rounding the corners.
- Use tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it's ingrown to create space between the nail and the skin.
- Cut the visible nail corner or the ingrown spur to relieve pressure and pain. Precision toenail clippers or toenail nippers may be the easiest to use for this step.
- Cleanse the area with tea tree oil or another disinfectant.
It is important to note that attempting to cut an ingrown nail can increase the risk of infection, especially if the nail is deeply embedded in the skin. Therefore, it is always recommended to seek professional medical advice and treatment for ingrown toenails, especially if they are causing severe pain or show signs of infection.
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How to prevent ingrown nails
Ingrown toenails are a common and frustrating condition, but they are preventable. The following steps can help prevent ingrown toenails:
Soak your nails before cutting
Soak your nails in warm water before cutting them. This will make your nails softer and easier to cut. Alternatively, cut your nails after a shower or bath.
Cut nails straight across
Always trim your toenails straight across. Avoid tapering or rounding the corners to match the shape of your toe. Cutting nails in this way can cause the nail to grow into the skin. Leave the corners long enough so they are not tucked down into the skin.
Don't cut nails too short
Avoid cutting your toenails too short. If you cut them too short, the pressure from your shoes on your toes may direct the nail to grow into the tissue.
Wear properly fitting shoes
Wear shoes that fit correctly. They shouldn't be too loose or too tight around your toes. Shoes that are too tight can cause the nail to grow into the skin. Choose shoes with a good-sized toe box that allows your toes to rest flat and move around freely.
Keep your feet dry
Keep your feet dry after soaking or washing them. Dry your feet and toes thoroughly to avoid sweat or dampness.
Practice good foot hygiene
Keep your nail trimmers clean before use. Avoid ripping or tearing your nails. If you have diabetes or a condition that affects your feet, follow your healthcare provider's foot care recommendations.
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Soaking and medication
Soaking your ingrown toenail in warm water is a recommended home remedy. You can add Epsom salt, vinegar, tea tree oil, or other disinfecting essential oils to the footbath. Soaking the affected area will help to soften the nail and skin, and it can also help with pain and swelling.
After soaking, dry your foot and toes thoroughly with a soft towel. You can then gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. You can also gently scrape the skin at the sides of the nail with a nail file or cuticle stick to remove any dead skin cells.
If you have a fungal nail infection, you may need to take antifungal medication or apply a medicated cream to clear it up. A doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid ointment to apply after each soaking for up to two weeks. Antibiotic ointments can also be used to reduce the risk of infection.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with pain relief. These medications can help relieve the pain that comes from an infected toe, and ibuprofen can also help with swelling.
If you have recurrent ingrown toenails, more extensive nail removal may be needed. A health care provider may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended, where a narrow vertical strip of nail is cut and removed.
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What causes ingrown nails
Ingrown nails are a common foot problem, with two in ten people seeking medical help for this condition. While any nail has the potential to become ingrown, this usually affects the big toe. Ingrown nails can be caused by several factors, including:
Improper nail trimming
Improperly cutting your toenails is a common cause of ingrown nails. Cutting your nails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes, can increase the risk of the nail becoming ingrown as it regrows. It is recommended to trim toenails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners.
Tight or ill-fitting shoes
Tight or ill-fitting shoes can place too much pressure on the toes, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue. Wearing shoes and socks with adequate room for the toes can help prevent this issue.
Trauma to the toenail
Ingrown nails can also be caused by repeated trauma to the toenail, such as banging your toe or getting stepped on. Certain athletic activities, especially those involving running or kicking, can contribute to this.
Medical conditions
Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing ingrown nails. Diabetes can cause poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet, leading to complications with ingrown toenails. Other conditions that affect the shape of the toes or nails, such as deformed fingers or toes, can also contribute to ingrown nails.
Genetics
In some cases, genetics may play a role in ingrown nails. A condition causing deformed fingers or toes can lead to ingrown nails. Additionally, individuals with a family history of ingrown nails may be more susceptible.
It is important to address ingrown nails promptly to prevent infection and other complications. Proper nail care, wearing appropriate footwear, and seeking medical advice when needed can help manage and prevent this condition.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you do not cut an ingrown nail at home. If the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, you should seek medical advice. If you do choose to cut an ingrown nail at home, you should cut straight across, leaving 1-2mm of white nail showing. Do not cut the nail too short or round the corners.
To prevent ingrown nails, you should cut your toenails straight across, leaving the corners straight or very slightly sloped. You should also avoid ill-fitting shoes, socks, stockings, or bedsheets that may cause pressure on your toes.
If your ingrown nail is infected, you should seek medical attention. A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics, drain pus, or perform surgery. Before your appointment, you can soak the affected area in warm water and apply antibiotic ointment to help reduce pain, swelling, and infection.
