Liam Carter
Ingrown toenails are a common problem, often caused by improper nail cutting. The condition usually occurs when people cut their toenails too short or round the corners, causing the nail to grow into the skin. While ingrown toenails are typically harmless, they can become infected and cause pain, redness, swelling, and pus. If you suspect an infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper treatment. Home remedies such as soaking the affected area in warm water and using antibiotic ointment can provide temporary relief, but medical attention is necessary to address the infection and prevent further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of infection | Bacteria, fungus, ingrown toenail, callus, diabetes, nerve damage, weakened immune system |
| Symptoms | Pain, redness, swelling, discolouration, inflammation, soreness, pus |
| Treatment | Soak in warm water, use antibiotic cream, bandage, pain relievers, antifungal medication, surgery |
| Prevention | Cut nails straight across, avoid improper footwear, avoid walking barefoot in common areas |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingrown toenails: when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin
- Toenail fungus: often caused by walking barefoot in common areas
- Paronychia: a bacterial nail infection that can affect fingers or toes
- Pus build-up: a sign of infection that may require draining by a healthcare provider
- Treatment options: from soaking to antibiotics, there are various ways to treat an infected toenail
Ingrown toenails: when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin
Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe. It usually affects the big toe, but it can affect any toe. Ingrown toenails are often caused by incorrect toenail cutting techniques, such as cutting the nails too short or rounding the corners. If the toenail curves with the shape of the toe, it can grow into the skin. Other causes include ill-fitting shoes, tearing the corner of the nail, or trauma to the toe, such as banging it or getting stepped on.
People with diabetes, nerve damage, or poor blood circulation are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails and are more susceptible to complications. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV or those who have had organ transplants, are more prone to toe infections.
If you notice the early signs of an ingrown toenail, such as slight pain and the nail beginning to grow into the skin, you can try some home remedies to relieve the pain and prevent infection. Soaking the affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can help ease discomfort. After soaking, you can gently lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to prevent the nail from settling back into the skin. It is also recommended to apply an antibiotic cream to the irritated area twice a day to prevent infection.
However, if you notice any signs of infection, such as discharge, warmth, redness, swelling, or a bad smell, it is important to contact your doctor or healthcare provider. They may refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist) who can take appropriate steps to treat the condition. Treatment options may include lifting the nail and placing a splint or cotton underneath to separate it from the skin, or partially or completely removing the affected nail. In some cases, draining of pus or liquid buildup may also be necessary.
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Toenail fungus: often caused by walking barefoot in common areas
Toenail infections can be caused by bacteria or fungi. Paronychia is a bacterial nail infection that usually results from cuts in the cuticle or nail fold, or from ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails develop when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin, often due to incorrect trimming. Toenail fungus, on the other hand, is caused by a type of mold called a dermatophyte, which thrives in warm, moist, dark places.
Toenail fungus is often caused by walking barefoot in common areas such as public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. This is because these environments provide ideal conditions for the growth of fungi, and barefoot contact with contaminated surfaces can result in infection. Additionally, fungi can spread from person to person, increasing the risk of contracting toenail fungus in places where people frequently walk barefoot, such as gym showers or locker rooms.
To prevent toenail fungus, it is recommended to avoid going barefoot in communal areas and to wear footwear like flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms. Keeping your feet dry and thoroughly drying them after a shower can also help prevent fungal growth. If you have diabetes, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's foot care recommendations as you are more susceptible to infections.
If you suspect a bacterial infection, an antibiotic cream or pill can be used for treatment. Fungal infections, on the other hand, are treated with antifungal pills or creams, which can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. For ingrown toenails, your doctor may lift the nail and place a piece of cotton or a splint underneath to help the nail grow away from the skin. In some cases, part or all of the affected nail may need to be removed.
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Paronychia: a bacterial nail infection that can affect fingers or toes
Paronychia is a bacterial nail infection that can affect both the fingers and toes. It usually results from a Staph infection caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, although other bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, can also be the culprit. Bacteria enter the skin through cuts in the cuticle, broken skin, hangnails, or ingrown nails. Ingrown toenails, in particular, are a common issue, often occurring when people cut their nails too short or curve the corners of their nails, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. This can lead to redness, swelling, and pain, and if untreated, can result in a bacterial infection.
Paronychia can also be caused by irritation from water or chemicals, trauma to the nail bed or cuticle, and certain medications, including retinoids, anti-cancer drugs, HIV medications, and some antibiotics. In some cases, a fungal infection may accompany the bacterial infection, with candida being a common cause of fungal toenail infections.
The condition typically resolves with treatment, which may include antibiotics or antifungal medications, depending on the type of infection. Soaking the infected area in warm water several times a day can help draw out pus and relieve pain and pressure. It is important to keep the area clean and dry, and if pus is present, a healthcare provider may need to drain it.
While paronychia usually does not cause serious health problems, it can lead to chronic infections or, in rare cases, progress deeper into the finger or toe, potentially affecting the underlying bone. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist, especially if there is a fever or red streaks on the skin radiating from the infected area, as these could indicate a more severe infection.
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Pus build-up: a sign of infection that may require draining by a healthcare provider
Pus is a thick, milky fluid that oozes from a wound that isn't healing properly. It is a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells. It is usually opaque and white, yellow, or brown in colour, but can also be green or pink. Pus build-up, or purulent drainage, is a sign of infection.
Pus build-up under or around the nail bed is a symptom of an infected toenail. An infected toenail can be caused by cutting the nail too short, cutting the cuticle, an ingrown toenail, fungal infection, or trauma to the nail bed. Ingrown toenails are a common cause of infected toenails and occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. This can happen when toenails are cut with rounded corners.
If pus has built up around the nail bed and isn't draining on its own, a healthcare provider may need to drain the pus. This involves making a small cut after cleaning the area, and placing a bandage over the cut. The provider may also use absorbent dressings and bandages to balance the moisture around the wound and keep the skin healthy. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the infection.
It is important not to attempt to cut an ingrown toenail at home, as this may worsen the condition. If symptoms do not improve with home remedies, it is important to see a healthcare provider.
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Treatment options: from soaking to antibiotics, there are various ways to treat an infected toenail
If you have an infected toenail, it is important to determine the cause of the infection. Toenail infections are often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some common causes of toenail infections include:
- Cutting the nail too short or cutting the cuticle.
- Walking barefoot in common areas, such as gym showers or locker rooms.
- Having a weakened immune system due to certain conditions, such as HIV, or organ transplants.
- Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage and reduce the body's ability to fight off infections.
Soaking
Soaking the infected toenail in warm water and salt for about 15 minutes, three to four times a day, can help to draw out pus, reduce swelling, and ease pain. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly after soaking.
Antibiotics
If the infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills or cream to clear it up. In some cases, they might pack antibiotic-soaked gauze under the nail to eliminate the infection and promote healthy nail growth.
Antifungal medication
Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungal pills or creams, which can be bought over the counter or with a prescription.
Ingrown toenail treatment
For ingrown toenails, a common cause of infection, your doctor may attempt to lift the nail and place a piece of cotton or a splint underneath to separate it from the skin. If this does not work, they may trim or cut off the affected part of the nail. In severe or recurring cases, surgery may be necessary.
Drainage
If a pus-filled blister has formed, your doctor may need to drain it. They will clean the area, make a small cut to release the pus, and then bandage the area.
It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have an infected toenail, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, or if the infection does not clear up with home treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that begins to break through and grow into the soft skin of the toe. The big toe is most prone to ingrown toenails, but other toes can also be affected.
No, you should not cut your infected ingrown toenail. Attempting to cut an ingrown toenail can increase the risk of infection, as it can damage the skin and allow bacteria to enter. It is recommended to see a healthcare professional for advice on how to treat the issue.
There are several things you can do to treat an infected ingrown toenail at home, including:
- Soaking the toe in warm water and Epsom salt
- Gently massaging the foot and toenail to improve blood flow and speed up healing
- Applying an antibacterial or antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help with pain
