Caleb Foster
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin around the nail bed. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Several factors can cause ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, toe injuries, and repetitive activities. While ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe, they can occur on any toe. People with certain conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor blood circulation, are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails and associated complications. Early treatment and proper nail care are essential to prevent infection and alleviate discomfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A toenail is ingrown when one or both sides of the nail begin to grow into the skin next to it |
| Causes | Cutting toenails too short, incorrect shape when cutting, tearing the corner of the nail, toe trauma, improper footwear, repeated activity, diabetes, nerve damage, nail infections, nail disorders |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, discolouration, warmth, discharge, bad smell |
| Treatment | Soaking in warm saltwater, placing cotton under the nail, applying antibiotic cream, surgery, draining pus |
| Prevention | Cutting toenails straight, wearing proper-fitting shoes, avoiding harsh chemicals, keeping feet clean and dry, trimming nails frequently |
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What You'll Learn
Trimming toenails incorrectly
Toenails that are cut too short or rounded are more likely to grow into the skin. Cutting toenails in this way can cause the skin on the sides to cover the corners of the nail, resulting in the nail growing back into the skin. Nails that are ripped or torn rather than cut can also become ingrown because they don't have clear corners. As they grow, a new corner grows under the skin and gets stuck.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides. This helps to ensure that toenails grow forward as they should. Curved edges provide more opportunity for nails to grow into the skin. A very slight amount of roundness at the corners is okay, but the white area at the tips of the nails should never be fully removed. If you don't leave at least a small slice of it remaining, you are cutting your nails too short and risking painful damage to your nail bed. A good range is about 1-2 mm of white.
It is also important to use the correct tools for trimming toenails. Fingernail clippers are generally smaller and have less cutting power, and they produce a more curved cut. This tends to be fine for smaller, thinner fingernails, but using them on thicker, larger toenails can cause trouble. Toenail clippers are generally better suited for trimming toenails, and it is important to keep them clean by wiping them down regularly with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any germs or fungus.
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Poorly fitting shoes
If your shoes are too small, they can cause your toenails to grow into the soft skin. In addition, shoes that are too tight can increase the risk of toenail fungus, which can lead to an infection. Fungi thrive in dark, damp environments, so wearing the same sweaty shoes every day can create the perfect environment for fungal growth.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes that do not place pressure on your toes or pinch them. It is also recommended to wear open shoes, such as sandals, until the problem resolves. When purchasing new shoes, prioritize the health of your feet over fashion.
If you have nerve damage in your feet, you may not be able to sense if your shoes are too tight. In this case, it is important to check your feet regularly for signs of ingrown toenails or other foot problems.
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Toe injuries
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut toenails straight across and not too short, avoiding rounding the corners. Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate room for the toes is also essential. For those with diabetes or poor blood circulation, checking the feet daily for any signs of ingrown toenails or other issues is crucial.
If you notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, early treatment can often be managed at home without a doctor's visit. Soaking the affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can help ease discomfort. Placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the corner of the nail growing into the skin can help prevent the nail from settling further into the skin. Applying antibiotic cream to the irritated area twice a day can also help prevent infection.
However, if the pain persists or worsens, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist. In some cases, a small surgical procedure may be necessary to remove part or all of the affected nail. Ingrown toenails, if left untreated, can lead to serious infections that spread to the underlying bones. Therefore, proper care and timely treatment of toe injuries, such as ingrown toenails, are essential for maintaining foot health.
Another toe injury that can occur is nail trauma, such as banging your toe or having it stepped on. This can cause the nail to fall off, and if it does, the new nail that grows back may become ingrown. Repeated toe injuries can also lead to retronychia, a condition where the nail plate grows into the nail fold. This condition can cause pain, inflammation, and discolouration of the nail. To prevent retronychia, it is important to avoid activities that injure the nail and wear shoes with ample space for the toes to reduce pressure on the toenail.
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Repeated activities
To prevent ingrown toenails caused by repeated activities, it is important to wear properly fitted shoes that have plenty of room for air movement and cushioning against the friction between the toenails and the shoe. Natural fiber socks can also help to absorb sweat and allow the feet to breathe. Additionally, trimming toenails straight across and long enough so that the corners do not tuck down into the skin can help to prevent ingrown toenails.
If you already have an ingrown toenail, there are several home treatments you can try. Soaking your affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can help to ease discomfort. You can also try placing a piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail that is growing into the skin to relieve pressure and prevent the nail from settling back into the skin. Applying antibiotic cream to the irritated area twice a day can also help to prevent infection.
If the ingrown toenail does not improve or seems to be getting worse, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist. They may need to remove the corner of the nail or perform a small surgery to remove a larger section of the nail or, in rare cases, the whole nail. Following the doctor's directions after surgery will help to prevent infection and reduce the likelihood of the ingrown nail recurring.
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Diabetes and poor blood flow
Toenails grow into the skin due to several reasons, including incorrect trimming, ill-fitting shoes, toe injuries, and the shape of the toe. Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe but can occur in any toe. While it typically does not pose a health risk, it can become infected and require medical attention.
Diabetes can cause changes in the circulatory system, impacting blood flow to the lower legs and feet. High blood sugar levels lead to alterations in the cells lining the capillaries, hindering adequate blood flow to these regions. As a result, cells and tissues may become damaged due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This reduced blood flow, known as diabetic foot syndrome, can result in toenail changes such as discoloration, thickening, and texture alterations.
Toenail complications in people with diabetes warrant concern due to the potential for rapid changes and pathologies that can lead to skin breakdown, foot ulcerations, and infections. Discoloration, such as yellowing of the nails, is often an early sign of diabetic toenail changes. Additionally, thickening of the nail plate without deformity, known as onychauxis, can occur. This condition can make nail maintenance challenging and may result in deformities like a Ram's Horn, where the nail grows into the soft tissue along the sides.
To prevent and manage diabetic toenail issues, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial. Daily foot care, including inspecting and caring for the feet, is essential. Proper footwear that fits well and is broken in gradually can help protect the feet and toenails. Consulting a healthcare provider at the first sign of toenail changes or other symptoms, such as sores, swelling, or loss of sensation in the feet, is vital for early intervention and reducing the risk of serious complications.
In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the affected nail and allow for the growth of a new, healthier nail. Antifungal medications may also be prescribed to resolve fungal infections and promote clear nail growth. Overall, addressing diabetes-related toenail changes requires time and perseverance, along with close adherence to the medical care plan for diabetes management.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails grow into the skin when the corners of a nail grow into the skin next to it. This can be caused by cutting your toenails too short, incorrect trimming, wearing ill-fitting shoes, toe injuries, and repeating certain activities.
To prevent your toenails from growing into your skin, cut your toenails straight across and long enough so the corners are not tucked down into the skin. Wear shoes that fit properly and have plenty of room for air movement.
If you notice a slight pain and see that your nail is starting to grow into the skin, try soaking your affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day, to ease discomfort. You can also place a piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail that is growing into the skin.
If the pain continues or seems to be getting worse, call your doctor right away. If an infection sets in, ingrown toenails can be serious and almost always need care by a doctor or nurse. Signs of infection include discharge, warmth, or a bad smell.
