Caleb Foster
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe. This can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or cutting toenails incorrectly. Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home by soaking the toe in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment. However, if the problem persists or becomes infected, it may be necessary to see a healthcare provider for professional treatment. In severe cases, a partial or complete nail avulsion procedure may be required to remove part or all of the affected toenail. During this procedure, the toe is numbed with anaesthesia before cutting away the ingrown portion of the nail.
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What You'll Learn
Soak the toe in warm water and apply antibiotic ointment
Soaking the toe in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment is a recommended home remedy for treating an ingrown toenail. This condition occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. It is usually not a health risk, but it can be painful.
To treat an ingrown toenail, start by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes. You can also add Epsom salts to the water, which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. After soaking, dry your toe thoroughly with a clean towel. Once it is completely dry, you can apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help relieve pain and prevent infection. You can then loosely bandage your toe.
If your ingrown toenail does not improve with this home treatment, or if it becomes infected, you should see a podiatrist or other foot care specialist. They may recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail, which is usually a simple and effective treatment.
In addition to soaking and applying ointment, other home remedies for ingrown toenails include lifting the nail and placing cotton or dental floss underneath it to separate it from the skin. This can help the nail grow above the skin edge, usually within 2 to 12 weeks.
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Place cotton, dental floss or a splint under the nail
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that develops when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. It can be painful and unpleasant, but there are ways to treat it at home. If home remedies don't work, a healthcare provider may recommend lifting the nail and placing cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it.
To place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under the nail, start by gathering your tools: cotton rounds, balls, or wisps, or unwaxed dental floss, a pair of disinfected tweezers, and a toenail lifter. Soak your foot in a mixture of cool to warm water and Epsom salt for 15-30 minutes, at least twice daily. This softens the toenail and helps prevent infection.
After soaking, use the tweezers to gently lift the corner of the ingrown toenail and work the cotton or dental floss under the nail. If desired, you can apply an antiseptic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the cotton or floss before inserting it. Do not force the cotton or floss under the nail if the nail bed looks swollen or red.
If using a splint, a gutter splint can be affixed to the ingrown nail. A sterilized vinyl intravenous drip infusion tube, slit from top to bottom with one end cut diagonally, can be used as a gutter splint and inserted smoothly under the nail.
Be sure to replace the material daily to reduce the risk of infection. With this method, the nail should grow above the skin edge in 2 to 12 weeks.
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Partial nail avulsion
During the procedure, the toe is numbed with a local anaesthetic. Then, a small strip of nail is removed from the affected side of the nail plate, along with the corresponding piece of matrix (root). A chemical called phenol is then applied to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. This ensures that the nail is slightly narrower, providing a good cosmetic result.
The procedure is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes, and painless. Patients can walk right after and often do not need painkillers. Healing typically takes between 2 to 5 weeks, and the nail can take a few months to regrow. During this time, patients can resume normal daily activities and engage in sports, except for the first three days. However, excessive weight-bearing activity should be avoided for the remainder of the day.
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Total nail avulsion
During the procedure, your provider will inject a numbing medicine (anaesthetic) into your toe to prevent pain. Then, they will cut away and remove the entire toenail. The procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes and causes very little post-operative discomfort. However, you may still take painkillers if discomfort arises.
After the procedure, it is recommended to rest and avoid activity for the rest of the day to minimize pain and ensure good healing. You should keep your foot elevated and the large dressing on your toe dry until the first re-dressing. It is normal for the wound to weep a light yellow discharge and for the area where the nail was removed to be inflamed or blistered. After three to fourteen days, there is usually an increase in discharge, so it may look worse before it gets better. This is a normal part of the healing process due to the chemicals used. On average, it takes ten to twelve weeks for the toe to fully heal.
In rare cases, the nail may grow back after a total nail avulsion. If this occurs, your provider can perform permanent ingrown toenail removal with the assistance of a chemical to kill the nail root.
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Preventative measures
Toenail Trimming
When trimming your toenails, it is important to cut them straight across, avoiding rounding the corners. This keeps them on track to grow in the proper direction, away from the skin. Also, be sure not to cut them too short. Leaving some length at the end ensures they continue to grow correctly. Use toenail clippers, not fingernail clippers or scissors, and be careful not to create sharp edges or rough spots, as these can catch on socks or shoes. If you have diabetes, poor blood flow to your toes, or are unsure about trimming your nails, consider visiting a podiatrist for assistance.
Footwear
Choose shoes that fit properly and have a roomy toe box, allowing your toes to rest flat and move comfortably. Avoid narrow or pointed-toe boxes, as they can squeeze your toes and cause toenail issues. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can both lead to ingrown toenails. Ensure your socks are the correct size, too, as these can also restrict your toes if too small. Opt for breathable footwear made from natural materials to reduce moisture buildup.
Foot Hygiene and Care
Practice good foot hygiene by cleaning your feet daily with mild soap and water. Keep your feet and nails dry, especially after they have healed from a procedure, as this prevents infections and promotes healing. Avoid soaking your feet for prolonged periods, as this can soften the skin and make it more susceptible to ingrown nails. Inspect your feet regularly for any signs of ingrown toenails or other problems. Look for redness, swelling, or tenderness around the toenail, and consult a podiatrist if you notice any abnormalities.
Weight and Posture
Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, as excess weight can put added pressure on your toes and feet, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails. Additionally, consider the impact of your posture. The way you walk, sit, or position your feet while lounging or sleeping may affect the health of your toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown toenail is a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. This can happen when toenails are cut by rounding or tapering the corners.
Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home by soaking the affected area in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment. It is also recommended to cut your toenails straight across, wash and thoroughly dry your feet, and use a foot moisturiser. If the ingrown toenail is a recurring issue, you should see a healthcare provider.
For mild cases, healthcare providers can use the same techniques as above but with sterile and more professional instrumentation. For more severe cases, a partial nail avulsion may be performed, where the toenail is numbed with anaesthetic and the ingrown portion is cut away. In very severe cases, a total nail avulsion may be performed, where the entire toenail is removed.
