Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that occurs when the toenail grows into the skin beside the nail. This can happen when the toenail is cut too short, or when the toenail is tapered, causing it to curve with the shape of the toe. Ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home by wearing sandals, soaking the toe in warm water, and keeping the area clean. However, in severe cases, a doctor may need to remove part or all of the toenail surgically. This procedure is known as a nail avulsion and can help prevent the nail from growing inward and cutting into the skin. It is important to note that attempting to remove an ingrown toenail at home can be risky and may lead to further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingrown toenail causes | Tight-fitting footwear, improper trimming of the nails, trimming toenails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes |
| Ingrown toenail prevention | Protect feet from trauma, wear shoes and socks with adequate room for toes, cut toenails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners, trim nails no shorter than the edge of the toe |
| Ingrown toenail treatment | Soak feet in warm, soapy water 3-4 times a day for 10-20 minutes, place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under the toenail, apply corticosteroid cream, tape the nail, take antibiotics, perform surgery |
| Ingrown toenail surgery types | Wedge resection, toenail removal, surgery on the tip of the toe, matrixectomy |
| Post-surgery care | Keep a bandage around the wound until it heals, avoid swimming or using a hot tub until advised otherwise, apply a wet compress for a few days, rest and elevate the toe for 12-24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies for ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can usually be resolved at home. However, they can be painful, and home remedies are not always effective. If you are in severe pain or your mobility is limited, or if you suspect an infection, seek medical attention from a podiatrist.
Soak your feet in warm water with a mild, gentle soap for up to 20 minutes. This softens the skin and nail, reducing inflammation and discomfort. You can also add a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar, which has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and can help with inflammation. Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking.
Apply an ointment to the affected area. Antibiotic ointments can help prevent infection and promote healthy nail growth. You can also apply a petroleum jelly or gel, which can provide pain relief. Cover the area with a bandage after applying the ointment.
Use Epsom salts in your foot soak. Epsom salts are particularly effective in reducing inflammation and aiding nail healing.
Choose comfortable, well-fitted shoes with plenty of room for your toes. This can help relieve irritation and prevent the condition from worsening. Avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes, which can put pressure on the affected area.
Wear breathable socks to help manage your ingrown toenail and prevent symptoms from worsening. Non-breathable socks can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.
Invest in sharp toenail clippers to cut straight across your nail. This decreases the likelihood of the nail penetrating the bordering skin. Avoid cutting your toenails too short, as this increases the risk of the nail growing into the exposed skin.
Use a toe protector or brace, which provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors come as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. Toe braces are thin composite devices that hold the toe in place and shield the skin as a new nail grows back.
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Surgical procedures for ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are usually treatable without surgery. However, in severe cases, especially when the nail has become infected, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor procedure that involves removing all or part of the toenail. The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the affected toe. Some doctors may also offer a sedative or twilight anaesthesia.
There are several surgical procedures to treat an ingrown toenail. A podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon can advise on the best option. The most common surgeries for ingrown toenails include:
- Wedge resection/wedge excision/partial nail avulsion: The doctor removes a portion of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. This procedure may also involve the use of bipolar diathermy on the nail bed.
- Toenail removal/complete nail plate avulsion: The doctor removes the entire toenail. Removing the whole nail increases the risk of the nail growing back deformed, which may lead to future ingrown toenails.
- Surgery on the tip of the toe: If other surgeries are unsuitable or have failed, the doctor may reshape the soft tissue at the tip of the toe.
After surgery, it is important to keep the wound bandaged until it heals, and to wear loose-fitting shoes for the first two weeks. Infection may develop in the toe during the first few weeks after surgery, so it is important to see a doctor if there are any signs of infection.
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Preventing ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common and usually minor foot problem, but they can be very painful. They occur when the nail grows into the soft skin of the toe, causing redness, swelling, and pain. While ingrown toenails are usually not a serious health problem, they can become infected, so it's important to take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips to prevent ingrown toenails:
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Keep the skin surrounding your toenails dry. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to avoid sweat and dampness. Good foot hygiene helps to prevent bacteria and fungal infections.
Trim Toenails Correctly
Trim your toenails straight across, not in a rounded shape, and avoid cutting them too short. Toenails should be even with the tips of your toes. Cutting them too short or rounding the corners can cause the nail to grow into the skin. Use toenail clippers, not fingernail clippers or scissors, as toenail clipper blades are wider and designed to cut straight across your nail, reducing the likelihood of it penetrating the bordering skin. Also, ensure you clean your nail clippers before use.
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes
Wear shoes that fit correctly and have a good-sized toe box that allows your toes to rest flat and move around freely. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, as they can compress the toenails, making them more likely to pierce the skin.
Soak and Treat the Nail
If you have a mild ingrown toenail, you can soak your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or apply a warm, moist compress until the nail is flexible. Then, gently lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it to separate it from the skin. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and promote healing.
Seek Medical Help
If home remedies are not effective, or if your toe becomes red, tender, or oozes pus, see your doctor or a podiatrist. They may be able to lift the nail, trim or remove the ingrown portion, or recommend a minor surgical procedure to prevent recurrence.
By following these steps, you can help prevent ingrown toenails and maintain healthy feet.
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Causes of ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition, causing pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and sometimes infection. They usually affect the big toe. While ingrown toenails are often easily treatable at home, they can lead to complications for those with diabetes or conditions that cause poor blood flow to the feet.
There are several causes of ingrown toenails. Firstly, improper nail care habits can encourage ingrown toenails. Cutting toenails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes, or rounding the corners can cause the nail to grow into the skin. Instead, it is recommended to trim toenails straight across, keeping them even with the tips of the toes.
Secondly, wearing shoes that are too tight or too short in length can cause toenails to grow into the surrounding tissue. Shoes that place too much pressure on the toes or pinch them can lead to ingrown toenails. Therefore, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes that provide adequate room for the toes.
Thirdly, trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or banging the toe, can result in an ingrown toenail. Toe injuries can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue. Protecting the toes with proper footwear during activities that may put them at risk of injury can help prevent this.
Finally, in some cases, the shape of the toe itself can contribute to ingrown toenails. For instance, individuals born with a nail that is disproportionately large for their toe may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Additionally, the natural growth of the tissue around the nail border can cause the nail to become ingrown.
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Aftercare for toenail removal
After undergoing toenail surgery, proper aftercare is essential to ensure your toenail heals correctly, reduce the risk of infection, and minimise discomfort. Here are some detailed instructions for aftercare following toenail removal:
Rest and Elevation
After surgery, it is crucial to rest and avoid putting any pressure on the affected foot. Elevate your foot above heart level for 12 to24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and promote healing. This can be done by lying down with your foot propped up on pillows.
Pain Management
Some discomfort is normal after toenail surgery. You can take a pain reliever as needed. Applying a wet compress for a few minutes a day for the first few days can also help reduce swelling.
Cleaning the Wound
Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Once your podiatrist advises it is safe to do so, gently clean the area with a saline solution or warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, soaps, or ointments unless prescribed. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze.
Moisturising the Surrounding Skin
Avoid applying any creams or ointments directly to the surgical site. However, it is important to keep the surrounding skin moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser around the area to maintain skin softness.
Signs of Infection
Although toenail surgery is generally safe, remain vigilant for signs of infection. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection that do not improve with treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend your scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. During these visits, your healthcare provider will assess the surgical site, remove any remaining sutures, and address any concerns.
Gradual Return to Activity
Gradually resume your normal activities. Avoid strenuous exercise, running, or heavy lifting for at least one to two weeks, or until your healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so. Listen to your body and refrain from activities that cause discomfort.
Footwear Choices
During the recovery period, wear appropriate footwear that offers support and protection to your healing toe. Choose shoes with a wide toe box to avoid pressure on the surgical site. Avoid tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes until your toe has fully healed.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the skin beside the nail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as it may indicate an infection.
Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home by wearing open-toed shoes or sandals, soaking the toe in warm water, and keeping the area clean. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can help with pain management. If the condition is severe or shows signs of infection, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Healthcare professionals may recommend lifting the nail to separate it from the skin, or in more severe cases, perform a partial or complete nail avulsion (removal of the nail).
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by protecting the feet from trauma, wearing comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes, and cutting toenails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners. Keeping your feet clean and dry can also help prevent ingrown toenails.
