What you need to know about Ingrown Toenails

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What Are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This often affects the big toe, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

1. Improper Nail Trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to dig into the skin.
2. Tight Footwear – Shoes that squeeze the toes can push the nail into the skin. 
3. Toe Injury – Stubbing your toe or repeated trauma (like from sports) can trigger ingrown nails.
4. Genetics – Some people naturally have curved nails that are more prone to ingrowing.
5. Poor Foot Hygiene – Excess moisture and fungal infections can increase risk.
6. Other Medical Conditions – Diabetes, obesity, and circulatory problems can make ingrown toenails more likely.
    

Typical signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Warmth in the affected area
• Infection, sometimes with pus or drainage
• Thickened or hard skin around the nail
   

Home Treatment Options:

1. Soak Your Foot – Soak in warm water for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily to reduce swelling.
2. Keep Feet Clean and Dry – Prevent infection by maintaining hygiene.
3. Lift the Nail – Carefully place cotton or dental floss under the nail edge to relieve pressure.
4. Pain Relief – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes – Avoid tight shoes; open-toed shoes help the nail heal.
   Avoid cutting deeply into the nail yourself, as this can worsen the problem.

When to See a Podiatrist

• The nail becomes severely red, swollen, or painful
• There is pus or signs of infection
• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or immune issues
• Home treatment doesn’t improve symptoms within a few days
   

Medical Treatments

1. Partial Nail Removal (Partial Nail Avulsion) – Removing only the ingrown section of the nail.
2. Total Nail Removal (Total Nail Avulsion) – In severe or recurring cases.
3. Chemical or Surgical Matrixectomy – Prevents the nail from regrowing into the skin.
4. Antibiotics – If there’s an infection.
    

These procedures are usually done under local anesthesia and are effective in preventing recurrence. For more information on Ingrown Toenail surgery follow the link > Ingrown Toenail Treatment - Loveyourfeetpodiatry 

Key Takeaways

• Ingrown toenails are common, mostly affecting the big toe.
• Early care can prevent infection and complication
• Persistent or severe cases require professional treatment.
• Proper nail care and footwear are the best ways to prevent recurrence.