Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a common and usually minor foot condition, but they can be very painful. They occur when the edge of a toenail, usually the big toe, grows into the skin. This can be caused by incorrect toenail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, toe trauma, or genetics. Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home with remedies such as soaking the toe and placing cotton or dental floss under the nail to separate it from the skin. However, if the pain is severe or the toe becomes infected, it is important to see a healthcare professional, who may recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the toenail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can remove an ingrown nail? | Healthcare professionals, podiatrists, or foot doctors |
| Where to remove an ingrown nail | At a clinic or hospital |
| Home remedies | Soak the toe in warm water with Epsom salt, apply a wet compress, place cotton or dental floss under the toenail, apply petroleum jelly, use a nonprescription pain reliever |
| When to seek professional help | When the toe becomes swollen and sore, there is pus or discharge, the pain is getting worse, or there are signs of infection |
| What to expect from a nail removal procedure | The procedure may involve injecting a numbing medicine, cutting away part or all of the toenail, removing part of the nail bed or growth center, and using sterilized equipment to reduce the risk of infection |
| Post-procedure care | Take a pain reliever, apply a wet compress, rest and elevate the toe, avoid activities that hurt the toe, do not swim or use a hot tub |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a doctor
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that can be very painful. They are caused by the edge of a toenail, usually the big toe, growing into the skin. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, there are times when you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
If your ingrown toenail is very painful, making it difficult to walk, or shows signs of infection, you should seek medical advice. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and soreness around the nail bed, as well as pus or discharge. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can spread through the toe and into the bone in rare cases. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect an infection.
Additionally, if your ingrown toenail is severe or advanced, it may be necessary to have it removed surgically. A procedure called nail avulsion involves removing part or all of the toenail to treat the ingrown nail. This minor surgery is often effective in treating ingrown nails and can be performed by a healthcare professional using sterile equipment to reduce the risk of infection. They may also remove part of the underlying nail bed and, in some cases, part of the growth center.
In some cases, a chemical can be used to kill the nail root, providing a permanent solution for recurring ingrown toenails. This may be recommended if the condition keeps occurring despite other treatments.
It is important to note that attempting to cut or remove an ingrown toenail at home can increase the risk of infection and make the problem worse. Therefore, if you are unsure about how to treat your ingrown toenail, it is always best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for advice.
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Surgical treatment
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition, where the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home, severe cases may require surgery.
If you have a severe case of an ingrown toenail, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. This is especially true if you have an infection, or if you have chronic ingrown toenails. Surgical treatment is generally safe and effective. Before the procedure, your doctor will numb your toe with a local anaesthetic. They may then use one of the following surgical techniques:
- Nail avulsion or nail avulsion and matricectomy: During this procedure, the doctor will cut away part or all of your toenail. If the condition keeps recurring, your doctor may perform permanent ingrown toenail removal by applying a chemical to kill the nail root.
- Wedge resection or wedge excision: This procedure involves removing a portion of the toenail to prevent it from digging into the skin. The doctor will also remove the underlying tissue in the corner that the toenail grows from.
After the procedure, it can take up to a year for your toenail to regrow. The nail that grows back will be thinner than before. To aid healing, patients are advised to apply antibiotic ointment daily and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Daily cleansing with warm water is encouraged, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least one week.
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Home remedies
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that usually resolves on its own. When they don't, many people treat them at home without much trouble. Here are some home remedies that can help relieve pain and promote the healing of an ingrown toenail:
Soaking
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves. Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.
Lifting the nail
Place cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge of the toenail after each soaking. This will help the nail grow above the skin edge.
Applying petroleum jelly
Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the tender area and bandage the toe.
Choosing sensible footwear
Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better.
Taking pain relievers
A nonprescription pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) may help ease the toe pain.
Using apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for many ailments, including ingrown toenails. It may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities, although scientific evidence on using it for ingrown nails is limited. To try this remedy, prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly.
Using sharp toenail clippers
The difference between fingernail and toenail clippers may seem negligible, but toenail clipper blades are wider and designed to cut straight across your nail, decreasing the likelihood of it penetrating the bordering skin. Keeping clean, sharp toenail clippers handy is the first step in preventing ingrown toenails.
If home remedies haven't helped your ingrown toenail, your healthcare provider may recommend partially or totally removing the nail.
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Preventative measures
Ingrown toenails are a common and usually harmless condition, but they can be very painful. They occur when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin, most often affecting the big toe. While ingrown toenails can be treated at home, they sometimes require medical attention.
Toenail Clipping Technique
The way you clip your toenails can significantly impact the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail. It is essential to use the correct type of clippers—opt for toenail clippers instead of fingernail clippers or scissors. Toenail clippers are designed to cut straight across the nail, reducing the risk of the nail growing into the surrounding skin. Cut your nails straight across, avoiding any tapering or rounding of the corners. Aim for a square shape and use a nail file to soften the edges, preventing sharp corners from catching on socks or shoes.
Additionally, avoid cutting your nails too short. Leaving a small bit of white nail showing at the edge helps protect the delicate skin around your nails. Cutting your nails too short or with uneven edges increases the risk of ingrowth as the nail grows out. When clipping, start from one side and work your way across in small, straight cuts. Avoid cutting the nail in one big snip, as this can lead to uneven edges.
Footwear
Tight or ill-fitting shoes can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails by putting excessive pressure on the toes. Choose comfortable shoes that provide ample room for your toes to move freely. Avoid high heels or narrow-toed shoes that cramp your feet. Open-toed shoes or sandals are a good option when dealing with an ingrown toenail, as they reduce pressure and allow the toe to heal.
Foot Hygiene
Practising good foot hygiene can help prevent ingrown toenails. Keep your feet clean and dry, especially the areas between your toes, to avoid sweat and dampness.
Early Intervention
Regularly check your feet for any signs of ingrown toenails or related issues. If you notice redness, swelling, or pain around a nail, make a doctor's appointment. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications and make treatment easier, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation.
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Symptoms and diagnosis
Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. This usually affects the big toe, resulting in pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and sometimes an infection. People with diabetes or poor blood flow to the feet are at a greater risk of complications from ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails can often be diagnosed at home based on symptoms and the appearance of the toe. The affected toe typically displays signs of inflammation, including redness, swelling, and tenderness. There may also be pus or discharge, indicating an infection. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it is important to seek medical attention.
If home remedies such as soaking the affected toe and lifting the nail with cotton or dental floss are ineffective, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. They can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination of the nail and surrounding skin. Healthcare providers may recommend similar home treatments but with the use of sterile and professional instruments. They may also prescribe corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking the toe.
In severe cases, a partial nail avulsion procedure may be necessary. This involves surgically removing part of the nail to separate it from the overlying skin and promote proper nail growth. This procedure is often recommended to prevent recurrence, as surgical approaches are more effective than non-surgical methods in the long term.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have an ingrown nail, you should visit a healthcare professional, such as your primary health care provider or a foot doctor (podiatrist). They may recommend lifting the nail, taping the nail, or removing part or all of the nail surgically.
Healthcare professionals do not recommend cutting ingrown nails at home. Attempting to do so may worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection.
To prevent ingrown nails, it is important to cut your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded or pointed shapes. It is also important to avoid cutting your toenails too short. Wearing well-fitting shoes can also help prevent ingrown nails.
