Conditions
It is a painful condition in which the side of the toenail appears to grow into the skin, or the side of the toenail grows over the ridge of the nail.
Many people suffer from ingrown toenails: it is one of the conditions most frequently treated by podiatrists.
It is a painful condition in which the side of the toenail appears to grow into the skin, or the side of the toenail grows over the ridge of the nail. Inflammation is a common side effect.
People with diabetes or circulatory problems are at an increased risk of complications.
Causes of ingrown toenails
Possibly causes include:
- Wearing shoes that squash your toes. Wearing tight socks or stockings and running in badly-fitting shoes may also increase your risk.
- Curly toes or very large toes are also associated with a higher risk.
- An injury to the nail or the skin may cause the edge of the nail to push into the skin.
- Trimming your nails incorrectly - cutting your toenails too short or not straight across.
- Thickening of the toenails.
Ingrown toenails are more common in older people and people whose toenails curve downward.
Signs and symptoms
- Red and painful swelling on both sides of the nail.
- Pain or tenderness in the swollen area. or
- Infection of the toe.
Treatment of ingrown toenails
If an ingrown toenail is uninfected, the following home treatment is advised:
- Soak the feet in warm soapy water for approximately 15 minutes, three times a day.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Apply an antiseptic solution to the area.
- You can put a small piece of cotton wool underneath the toe to help prop it up.
- Bandage the toe.
- Wear open shoes that do not press on the toe.
Also speak to your pharmacist to find out more about over-the-counter remedies that can be used to soften the tissue around the nail, encouraging the nail to grow normally again.
If there is swelling, pain and inflammation, you should see a podiatrist. Untreated ingrown toenails could lead to bone infections. Diabetics in particular should see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
A podiatrist can cut the toenail using a scalpel and take steps to treat the infection.
In some cases this may not work, and the infected toenail will return in a few weeks.
In such cases a small portion of the nail and nail bed may be removed (the part of the nail that actually grows), preventing it from growing back into the problem area.
Sometimes a chemical solution is used to achieve the same end.
In severe cases, an infected nail may have to be removed.
Prevention of ingrown toenails
Preventing ingrown toenails is usually not difficult, unless they are genetically inherited.
The following will help avoid ingrown toenails:
- Wear shoes that fit comfortably and do not squash your toes.
- Trim nails in a straight line, and keep them at a moderate length. Take care not to cut them too short.