In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about ingrown toenails, including, what it
is, common symptoms, causes, treatments, as well as the prevention thereof.
What are ingrown toenails?
Ingrowing toenail or onychocryptosis is a condition in which the corner or side of the toenail
curves and grows into the flesh next to the nail. It can be very painful and most often causes
redness and swelling. This condition is common in both males and females and the big toe is
more likely to be affected.
Common Symptoms
Most ingrowing toenails do not cause any discomfort. If they are not attended to they can
become painful, particularly when tight shoes are worn. The pain can become excruciating
when the ingrown toenail becomes infected. The skin next to the nail becomes tender, swollen,
or hard. Pain in the toe, usually along the side where the toe is “ingrowing” and when pressure
is applied. The infection can develop pus which builds up around the toenail. All these problems
can cause:
- Toe Pain
- Cellulitis with redness of the nail bed and swollen red toe.
- Foul-Smelling Draining Pus
- Limping or unsteady gait
When to see a doctor
- When areas around the toenail are infected and oozing pus.
- When bleeding is present in the affected area.
- Where there is an overgrowth of skin around the toe.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Here are some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails:
- Improper trimming – Cutting your toenails too short, or trimming them incorrectly is one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails. When nails are very short, it encourages the skin at the sides of the nail to fold over it. Always be sure to cut your toenails straight across and not curved.
- Improper footwear – Crowding your feet into shoes that are too short or tight will make it easier for you to develop ingrown toenails.
- Trauma – Sometimes stubbing or jamming your toe, dropping something heavy on your toe, or participating in activities that put constant and repeated pressure on your toes (such as running, ballet, or sports) can cause ingrown toenails to develop.
- Poor Circulation – Adults with decreased arterial circulation run a higher risk of getting ingrown toenails. This is mainly seen in individuals who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or those who have a long history of tobacco abuse.
- Heredity – Many people inherit the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails from either one or both of their parents.
How can ingrown toenails be treated?
In some cases, you’ll be able to treat your ingrown toenail at home. However, if you don’t see any signs of improvement, you’ll need to consult with your doctor.
Here are some treatments that may help:
- Soak your toe – Soak the affected area in warm water and Epsom Salt or a mild detergent. After soaking it you can apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment and wrap your toe in a bandage.
- Lifting the nail fold – For a slightly ingrown nail (which has redness and pain but no pus) the edge of the ingrown toenail can be carefully lifted by:
- Using the “spiral technique”. Here Elastoplast adhesive tape is applied to retract the skin off the ingrowing nail. The tape is then firmly passed around the toe in loops to anchor the tape. This is repeated two or three times a week until the problem settles. The pads of the thumbs are used to stretch the nail fold.
- Lifting the edge of the ingrown nail and placing dental floss, cotton, or a splint under it. This will separate the nail from the overlying skin, thus, guiding the nail to grow above the skin edge.
- Partially removing the nail – In cases where the ingrown nail is too severe, your doctor may have to remove a wedge of the nail, under local anaesthetic.
Conclusion
Of course, it’s best to prevent ingrown toenails from the start by taking preventative measures such as wearing proper shoes, cutting your toenails across, and avoiding any trauma when possible.
However, we understand that this isn’t always possible, and therefore, would like to help you if you’re suffering from ingrown toenails.