Liam Carter
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can develop when the corner of your toenail grows into the skin around your nail bed. This can occur when people cut their toenails by rounding the corners. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so it may take 8 to 18 months for a toenail to grow out completely. Ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home, but severe cases may require a minor surgical procedure called nail avulsion to remove part or all of the affected toenail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Ingrown toenail is a foot condition that develops when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin around the nail bed. |
| Symptoms | Redness, swelling, hardness, and a warm or hot sensation around the affected toe. |
| Causes | Toenail curving with the shape of the toe, wearing ill-fitting shoes, severe nerve damage in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation, and nail infections. |
| Treatment | Cutting the toenail straight across to prevent curving, surgical nail avulsion (partial or complete), and permanent ingrown toenail removal using a chemical to kill the nail root. |
| Prevention | Practicing good foot care, such as keeping toenails trimmed straight across and avoiding ill-fitting shoes. |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown toenail symptoms
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh or skin around the nail bed. While ingrown toenails are typically not serious, they can become infected and cause severe complications in people with diabetes or circulation problems.
- Pain, redness, and swelling around the toenail.
- Inflamed skin and warmth or heat in the affected area.
- Liquid or pus discharge from the wound around the toe, indicating a possible infection.
- Darkening or discolouration of the affected area.
- Scarring of the nail fold.
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to examine your toe for these symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home by soaking the nail and cutting it straight across. However, if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider or podiatrist for proper care.
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Toenail fungus
If you notice an ingrown toenail, which is when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, it is important to take action to relieve pain and prevent infection. Soak the affected foot in warm saltwater 2-3 times a day for 20 minutes at a time. You can make saltwater by adding 1-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to a bucket of warm water or bathtub. You can also use regular table salt. To prevent the nail from growing back into the skin, place a piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail. Apply an antibiotic cream to the irritated area twice a day to prevent infection.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as discharge, warmth, or a bad smell, contact your doctor. They may refer you to a podiatrist, who can remove the corner of the nail and drain any pus or liquid that has built up. In rare cases, the whole nail may need to be removed.
While there is no treatment that instantly kills toenail fungus, there are several options that provide rapid and effective results. Laser therapy is one of the fastest ways to target fungal nail infections. This FDA-approved procedure uses concentrated light to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus without damaging the surrounding skin. Prescription medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole attack the fungus from within, gradually clearing the infection as the new nail grows. While these drugs are effective, they can have side effects and require a prescription. Topical medications such as efinaconazole 10% solution and tavaborole 5% solution are also available by prescription and are applied directly to the nail once a day for 48 weeks.
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Toenail separation
Onycholysis is the medical term for toenail separation, or when a toenail detaches from the nail bed. It is often the result of an injury to the nail, but it can also be caused by fungi, yeast, or bacterial growth.
Treatment for toenail separation may involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out. It is important to keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off of your nail beds. As the affected portion of the nail grows out, you will be able to clip off the lifted nail. Overall, the goal of treatment is to help a new nail grow. Toenails are slow to grow and can take anywhere from 8 to 18 months to grow completely out.
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Toenail trimming
- Use the proper nail-cutting tool, such as nail clippers or manicure scissors designed specifically for cutting nails. Avoid using regular scissors or knives.
- Have separate nail clippers for your fingers and toes, as toenails are broader and thicker and require a larger clipper.
- Cut your toenails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and sometimes lead to infection.
- Cut your toenails before you shower when they are dry to get a cleaner cut and reduce the risk of bending or tearing. However, if you have very thick toenails, cutting them after a shower may be easier.
- Do not cut your toenails too short, as this can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Leaving them too long can also cause them to catch on something and tear.
- Wash your feet regularly and keep your toenails clean and dry to prevent fungal infections.
- Wear shoes that fit well and avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can cause nail trauma and separation.
By following these steps, you can effectively trim your toenails and maintain proper foot care to prevent issues such as onycholysis and ingrown toenails.
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Toenail injuries
Another common toenail injury is a subungual hematoma, which occurs when there is blood trapped under the nail due to trauma. This can be caused by a blow to the nail or by closing the toe in a door. Treatment for a subungual hematoma involves relieving pressure by draining the blood. If the hematoma is small, this can sometimes be done at home by heating a needle and creating a small hole in the nail for the blood to drain. However, if the blood covers more than half of the nail area, it is recommended to seek medical attention to evaluate for potential fractures or tissue tears.
To prevent toenail injuries, it is important to practice proper nail care and wear properly sized shoes. Keeping toenails trimmed and avoiding biting or cutting the nails too aggressively can reduce the risk of injury. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate room in the toe box can help prevent toenail trauma caused by repeated friction or pressure. For individuals with conditions that affect healing or circulation, such as neuropathy or diabetes, it is especially important to seek medical evaluation for any toenail injuries to prevent potential complications.
In some cases, toenail injuries may result in the loss of the nail. Toenails can take a significant amount of time to regrow, typically between 12 to 18 months. Injured nails may also exhibit cosmetic changes, such as grooves, ridges, or misshapen shapes. To promote healing and protect the toe during the regrowth process, it is recommended to keep the nail bed clean and dry, cover it with a bandage, and wear properly sized shoes to prevent further irritation.
Overall, while some toenail injuries can be managed at home, it is important to seek medical attention for more severe injuries or when underlying conditions are present. Proper nail care, footwear, and prompt treatment can help reduce the impact of toenail injuries and promote optimal healing.
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Frequently asked questions
The medical term for toenails growing into the nail bed is onycholysis.
Symptoms of onycholysis include discoloration (grey, green, purple, white or yellow) in your nails and nail beds, dents or pits in your nails, crumbling nails, and hemorrhages underneath your nails.
Onycholysis can be caused by injury to the nail, fungal infections, yeast growth, nail trauma, or an allergic reaction.
Treatment for onycholysis includes cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, taking antifungal medications, and discontinuing the use of certain nail products. Keeping your nails short and wearing clean socks can also help prevent onycholysis.
