Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can be a painful and irritating condition, especially affecting the big toe. While anyone can experience an ingrown toenail, some factors increase the risk.

 

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails:

  • Pain or tenderness around the toe
  • Redness and swelling
  • Hardened skin surrounding the affected area
  • In severe cases, pus or discharge from the wound, fever, throbbing pain, and bleeding around the toenail.

 

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

  • Improper Toenail Cutting: Cutting your toenails too short or at an angle can encourage the nail edges to dig into the skin.
  • Tight-fitting Shoes: Shoes that crowd your toes can put pressure on the nail bed, causing ingrown toenails.
  • Trauma: Stubbing your toe or other injuries can damage the nail and increase the risk of ingrowth.
  • Natural Nail Shape: Some people have naturally curved or fan-shaped toenails that are more prone to ingrowing.
  • Other Factors: Sweaty feet, wearing tights that crowd your toes, and picking at the corners of your toenails can also contribute to ingrown toenails.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails:

Home Remedies (For mild, uninfected cases):

  • Warm Soaks: Soaking your feet in warm saltwater (1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water) for 10-15 minutes, 1-2 times daily, can reduce swelling and discomfort.

 

  • Filing: Gently filing the sharp edges of the ingrown nail can provide temporary relief.

 

  • Footwear: Wear loose-fitting shoes and avoid pointed toes to minimise pressure on the affected toe.

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Podiatry Treatment (For severe or recurring cases):

EFFICACY

A podiatrist can offer long-term solutions depending on the severity and recurrence of the ingrown toenail. Here are some common procedures performed under local anesthesia:

Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA):

Removal of the ingrown nail wedge and sterilization of the nail matrix to prevent regrowth in that specific area.


Total Nail Avulsion (TNA):

Complete removal of the affected toenail and sterilisation of the nail bed using a chemical called phenol to prevent future growth entirely.


Wedge Resection:

Removal of a small portion of skin and nail to alleviate pressure without damaging or sterilising the nail matrix.

Benefits of Podiatry Treatment:

Long-Term Solution:

Procedures like PNA with phenolization offer a high success rate (over 97%) in preventing recurrence.


Minimally Invasive:

Performed under local anesthesia, these procedures are relatively painless with a quick recovery time.


Return to Daily Activities:

Most patients can resume work the next day, provided they wear open-toed shoes for a few days.

 

Remember:

Early intervention is key. If you suspect an ingrown toenail, consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery.