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Ingrown Toenail
The Ultimate Guide
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. It most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Ingrown toenails are a frequent issue that can range from mild discomfort to severe infection, particularly if left untreated. While they can affect people of all ages, ingrown toenails are especially common in teenagers, athletes, and individuals with diabetes or other conditions that impair circulation.
Symptoms and Causes
The main symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain and tenderness along the edge of the nail, which typically worsens when pressure is applied. The skin around the nail may become red, swollen, and hard. In more severe cases, the area may become infected, leading to additional symptoms such as pus, increased swelling, and a throbbing sensation. If the infection spreads, it can cause fever and increased pain.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by several factors. One of the most common causes is improper nail trimming, such as cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges, which encourages the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. Additionally, trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or repetitive impact from activities like running, can lead to the nail growing abnormally. Some people may have a natural tendency toward ingrown toenails due to the shape of their nails or the curvature of their nail beds.
Management and treatment
The management and treatment of ingrown toenails depend on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, self-care measures may be sufficient, while more severe or recurrent cases may require professional treatment.
Self-Care Measures:
In the early stages, soaking the affected foot in warm water several times a day can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. After soaking, gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath it can help guide the nail to grow outward instead of into the skin. Wearing comfortable shoes with plenty of room in the toe box, or open-toed sandals, can also reduce pressure on the affected toe.
Foot Specialist Intervention:
If the ingrown toenail is more advanced or not improving with self-care, a visit to a Foot Specialist is recommended. A podiatrist may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail to relieve discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening. In cases where infection is present, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Partial or Full Nail Removal:
For chronic or severe ingrown toenails, a Foot Specialist may recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the nail. Partial nail avulsion involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail along with a section of the nail bed to prevent regrowth in the problem area. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed, particularly if the condition keeps recurring. After surgery, the nail can regrow, but it may take several months and may not appear exactly as it did before.
Preventative Measures:
Preventing ingrown toenails involves proper foot care, including trimming toenails straight across without rounding the edges and avoiding cutting them too short. Wearing properly fitting shoes with enough room for the toes is also crucial in preventing pressure on the nails. For individuals prone to ingrown toenails, regular visits to a Foot Specialist for nail care and advice can help prevent recurrence.Proper management of ingrown toenails is important not only for relieving discomfort but also for preventing complications, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. Early intervention and appropriate foot care can significantly reduce the risk of more serious problems.