Noah Sinclair
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home, severe cases may require medical attention. If an ingrown toenail does not improve with home remedies, such as soaking the affected area in warm water, partial or total nail removal may be necessary. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare professional and involves injecting a numbing solution, separating the nail from the skin, and lifting and removing the nail plate. It is important to consult a doctor before attempting to remove an ingrown toenail at home, as improper techniques can lead to serious complications and increase the risk of infection.
How to remove an impacted nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should remove an impacted nail | A doctor or healthcare professional |
| When to remove an impacted nail | When the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection |
| How to remove an impacted nail | Using sterilised equipment, a doctor will separate the nail from the skin, then insert a tool under the nail to lift and remove the nail plate. |
| Preventing regrowth | Applying a chemical solution that prevents regrowth, or surgically removing the nail matrix |
| Home remedies | Soaking the toe in warm water, adding Epsom salts, using antiseptic ointment, massaging the affected area, using apple cider vinegar, taping the nail, placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, applying petroleum jelly, wearing open-toed shoes or sandals, using a toe protector |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a doctor to examine or remove a damaged toenail
If you have a damaged toenail, it is always best to consult a doctor for examination and removal. While it may be tempting to remove it yourself, or wait for it to fall off, this could lead to serious complications and infections.
A doctor can perform a quick and safe procedure to remove the nail. They will use sanitized instruments in a sterile environment, reducing the risk of infection. The procedure only takes 15-20 minutes, but it can take up to 18 months for the toenail to fully regrow.
There are several reasons why toenails become damaged. Trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on your foot, can cause toenails to break or fall off. Toenails can also become damaged due to fungal infections, allergies to nail product ingredients, or complications from ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. This can be caused by trimming your nails incorrectly, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or having a larger nail compared to the size of your toe.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Abscess
- Redness
- Signs of infection
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Treatments for mild to severe cases
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the soft skin of the toe. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Mild cases of impacted nails can often be treated at home, while more severe cases may require medical intervention or surgery.
For mild cases of impacted nails, there are several home remedies that can be effective in treating the condition and preventing infection:
- Soaking the affected foot in warm soapy water or saltwater for 10 to 20 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day until the toe improves. Adding Epsom salts to the water may provide additional relief.
- Placing cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge of the nail after each soaking. This helps to separate the nail from the skin and promote proper nail growth.
- Applying petroleum jelly or an OTC topical antibiotic ointment to the tender area and bandaging the toe.
- Choosing sensible footwear, such as open-toed shoes or sandals, to reduce pressure on the toenail and prevent further irritation.
- Trimming toenails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short or rounding the corners, to prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
If home remedies are ineffective or the condition is more severe, medical treatment may be necessary. A healthcare provider can examine the nail and surrounding skin to determine the best course of action. Treatment options for more severe cases of impacted nails may include:
- Lifting the nail: For slightly ingrown nails, a healthcare provider may carefully lift the nail edge and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to separate it from the skin and promote proper nail growth.
- Partial nail removal: In more severe cases, a doctor may perform a minor surgical procedure to remove part of the nail border, the underlying nail bed, or a portion of the middle growth plate. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the toe during the procedure.
- Total nail removal: In rare and severe cases, a doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail. This is usually a last resort as it can be painful and increase the risk of infection and misshapen nail growth.
It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider if home remedies are ineffective or if there are signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or warmth in the affected area. Attempting to remove a damaged or ingrown toenail at home can lead to serious complications and is not recommended.
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Home remedies for ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails can be treated at home, severe cases may require medical attention. Here are some home remedies to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:
Soaking in Warm Water
Soaking your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes can help soften the ingrown toenail and the surrounding skin. This relieves pressure and offers some comfort. You can add a mild, gentle soap to the water to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to your warm water foot soak may help kill harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Epsom Salts
Adding Epsom salts to your warm water foot soak is suggested by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. It can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Antiseptic/Antibiotic Ointments
Applying an over-the-counter antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to the affected area can help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of infection. Ensure you dry your feet thoroughly after soaking before applying the ointment.
Proper Footwear and Toenail Trimming
Wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes and breathable socks can help relieve irritation and prevent the condition from worsening. Avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes that may compress your toes and increase the likelihood of the toenail piercing the skin. Additionally, trim your toenails straight across, avoiding tapering or cutting them too short, to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
While these home remedies can provide relief, it is important to seek professional medical advice if your symptoms worsen or persist. Ingrown toenails can usually be treated without surgery, but in severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary to prevent infection and permanent damage.
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When to seek medical help
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe, but can occur in any toe. It happens when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin around the nail. While it is usually not a serious health problem, it can become one if left untreated.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to monitor it for any signs of infection. Ingrown toenails can sometimes become infected, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or liquid discharge from the toe
- Warmth or heat in the affected toe
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or a podiatrist. They can examine your toe and determine the best course of treatment. Do not try to remove an ingrown toenail by yourself as it could lead to serious complications.
Additionally, if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your feet, such as poor blood circulation or severe nerve damage, it is important to seek medical help for an ingrown toenail. These conditions can increase your risk of developing complications from an ingrown toenail.
In some cases, an ingrown toenail may require surgical removal. This procedure, known as nail avulsion, involves removing part or all of the toenail under local anaesthesia. It is usually recommended if the ingrown toenail is severe or recurrent.
After a nail removal procedure, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for proper care. Keep the wound clean and dry, and elevate your foot to reduce swelling. Take pain relievers as needed and apply a wet compress for a few minutes a day until the swelling subsides. If the toe is not healing properly or you experience increased pain or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
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Surgical approaches to prevent recurrence
Surgical approaches are generally used in moderate to severe cases of ingrown toenails when non-surgical treatments have been ineffective.
One such surgical approach is a partial or complete nail avulsion, in which a doctor will inject a numbing medicine (anesthetic) into the affected toe before cutting away part or all of the toenail. This procedure can be performed unilaterally, partially bilaterally, or totally.
Matrixectomy, or matricectomy, is another surgical procedure that can be performed through surgical, chemical, or electrosurgical means to prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails. This procedure involves the ablation or destruction of the nail matrix, which is the germinative epithelium that forms the nail plate. The complete excision of the viable nail matrix results in the loss of the nail plate and prevents its regeneration.
During a matricectomy, it is important to ensure the complete removal of the lateral matrix horns to prevent the regrowth of the nail plate in the lateral nail horn area. The procedure can be performed using a scalpel excision or electrosurgical ablation, which involves the use of an electrode applied directly to the matrix tissue. Phenolization, or the use of phenol, is another technique with low recurrence rates and is often preferred.
Curettage, or the use of a curette for the removal of tissue, can also lower the rate of recurring nail spicules in the lateral nail horn area, resulting in higher cure rates and better treatment outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
An impacted nail is when the nail grows into the skin beside it. This is usually the big toe, but it can affect any toe.
You can soak your feet in warm water with added salt or apple cider vinegar. You can also try to lift the nail and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it to help the nail grow above the skin.
If the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, you should see a doctor. They may recommend removing part or all of the nail.
