Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a common and usually harmless condition, but they can be painful and uncomfortable. They occur when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin, most often affecting the big toe. Ingrown toenails can be caused by incorrect trimming, tight-fitting shoes, toe injuries, or thick or curved toenails. Treatment options range from home remedies such as soaking the affected area in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment, to surgical procedures such as partial or complete nail avulsion, where part or all of the nail is removed. Proper nail care and footwear choices can help prevent ingrown toenails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Cutting toenails too short, toenail curving with the shape of the toe, incorrect footwear, toe trauma, toe shape, nail infection, etc. |
| Symptoms | Soreness, swelling, redness, warmth, liquid or pus coming out of the toe, discoloration, etc. |
| Treatment | Soaking the toe in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, trimming toenails straight across, surgery, etc. |
| Prevention | Protecting the feet from trauma, wearing proper footwear, cutting toenails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners, keeping feet clean and dry, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Soak the toe and separate the nail from the skin with cotton, dental floss or a splint
- Surgical toenail removal, also known as nail avulsion
- Preventative measures: cut toenails straight and wear comfortable shoes
- Treat infections with antibiotics and apply petroleum jelly
- See a doctor if the infection keeps returning
Soak the toe and separate the nail from the skin with cotton, dental floss or a splint
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that develops when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. This usually affects the big toe, but it can happen to any toe. It often occurs when people cut their toenails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes, or when the toenail is cut with rounded corners, causing it to curve with the shape of the toe and grow into the skin.
To treat an ingrown toenail at home, you can try the following steps:
Soak the toe
Soak your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily. This helps to soften the skin and reduce inflammation and discomfort. Ensure that your foot is dry for the rest of the day.
Separate the nail from the skin
After soaking, gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail and place a small piece of cotton, waxed dental floss, or a splint under the nail, separating it from the overlying skin. Change the material daily or use cotton coated with a fixing solution (collodion) to minimise the need for daily replacement.
Apply ointment and bandage
Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or an antibiotic ointment to the tender area and bandage the toe.
Choose comfortable footwear
Wear open-toed shoes or sandals to prevent pressure and further irritation to the affected toe.
Take pain relievers
If needed, take a non-prescription pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) to help ease the toe pain.
It is important to note that if you observe signs of infection, such as inflammation, swelling, pain, discharge, or redness, seek professional medical advice. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different treatment approach or perform a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the affected toenail.
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Surgical toenail removal, also known as nail avulsion
Partial nail avulsion involves the removal of one or both sides of the infected nail. During this procedure, the toe is injected with an anaesthetic, and a scalpel blade or nail splitter is used to cut proximally and create a smooth, straight edge. The free lateral nail is then grasped and removed, exposing the lateral nail bed and matrix for ablation. This type of avulsion is typically recommended for individuals with persistent infections or pain caused by ingrown toenails.
On the other hand, total nail avulsion, or complete nail plate avulsion, involves the complete removal of the toenail. This procedure is generally advised for children with chronic, recurrent infected ingrown toenails. While it increases the likelihood of the toenail growing back deformed, it offers a permanent solution to the problem.
Following the nail avulsion procedure, patients are advised to take pain relievers as needed and apply a wet compress for a few days until the swelling subsides. Keeping the toe elevated for 12 to 24 hours is also recommended. Additionally, soaking the toe in warm water daily and applying antibiotic ointment until healing is complete can aid in the recovery process.
Surgical toenail removal is an effective solution for individuals suffering from chronic ingrown toenails, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a podiatrist to determine the best course of treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can advise on the most suitable approach based on the severity and specific circumstances of the condition.
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Preventative measures: cut toenails straight and wear comfortable shoes
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner of the toenail grows down into the skin. This can happen when people cut their toenails too short or round the corners, causing the nail to curve with the shape of the toe and grow into the skin.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut toenails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners. Nails should be trimmed with a clean, sharp nail clipper, ensuring that the corners are not tucked down into the skin. It is also crucial to avoid ripping or tearing toenails when cutting them.
Additionally, wearing comfortable and properly fitting shoes is essential. Shoes that are too tight or too short can push the skin over the nail, forcing it to grow into the skin. Therefore, choosing footwear that provides adequate room for the toes can help prevent ingrown toenails.
By following these simple measures of cutting toenails straight and wearing comfortable shoes, you can effectively reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails and maintain healthy and problem-free feet.
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Treat infections with antibiotics and apply petroleum jelly
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. In some cases, the skin can grow over the nail edge. This can lead to bacterial infections, causing further complications.
If you notice redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or discharge around the affected area, it is likely that your ingrown toenail has become infected. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent it from returning. They may also perform a minor procedure to drain any pus that has built up.
After treating the infection, your healthcare provider may suggest partially or completely removing the ingrown toenail to prevent it from growing inward again. This procedure, known as nail avulsion, involves injecting a numbing agent into your toe before cutting away the affected portion of the nail. In some cases, they may also remove part of the underlying tissue to prevent the ingrown toenail from reoccurring.
Following the nail removal procedure, it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the tender area and bandage the toe. Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial for proper healing. You should also avoid activities that may cause trauma to the toe and choose sensible, open-toed footwear until it has healed completely.
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See a doctor if the infection keeps returning
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that usually affects the big toe, but can occur in any toe. It is caused by incorrect toenail trimming, improper footwear, tearing of the nail corner, toe trauma, or the shape of the toe. The condition can be treated at home by placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail and applying petroleum jelly. However, if the infection keeps returning, it is important to see a doctor for further treatment options.
If you experience recurring infections, your doctor may recommend a partial nail avulsion procedure. This involves injecting your toe with an anesthetic and carefully cutting away the ingrown portion of the nail. The goal is to prevent the nail from growing inward and causing further issues. The procedure typically takes a few months for the nail to regrow completely.
In more severe or chronic cases, permanent ingrown toenail removal may be suggested. This involves killing the nail root with a chemical to prevent that part of the nail from growing back. This method is often considered for individuals with recurring infections, especially in children who experience chronic ingrown toenails.
Additionally, if you have a condition that affects blood flow to your feet, such as diabetes, it is crucial to seek medical attention for ingrown toenails. Poor blood flow can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Regular foot care exams are recommended for individuals with such conditions to monitor and treat ingrown toenails effectively.
It is important to note that ingrown toenails can usually be prevented by practicing good foot care. This includes cutting toenails straight across without tapering the corners, wearing properly fitted shoes, and protecting the feet from trauma. By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing ingrown toenails and the associated infections.
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