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Ingrown Toenails

Explanation

An ingrown toenail occurs when one of the nails — often the big toenail — grows into the skin and soft tissue on the sides of the nail itself. This causes redness, swelling, and pain that may be worse when you are wearing shoes, which put pressure on the nail. The area may also become infected.

Ingrown nails may be caused by cutting toenails improperly, wearing poorly fitting shoes or injuring the nail bed (often sports-related). They may also run in your family.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain, which can become intolerable, especially when an infection occurs. The area may also be red and have a discharge or pus. The edge of the nail may be growing into the surrounding skin, called the nail fold.

Expected Duration

Ingrown toenails sometimes correct themselves as they grow out, but more advanced cases may require surgical correction.

Prevention

You can do a great deal to prevent the formation of ingrown toenails:

1. Cut your toenails properly, straight across so that the corner of the nail is visible above the skin. Otherwise you are inviting the nail to grow downward and into the surrounding flesh. Use toenail clippers designed for this purpose.
2. Wear properly fitting shoes that don't crowd or push your toes together.
3. Keep your feet clean with regular bathing, and keep them dry by wearing cotton socks and using foot powder if necessary. This is especially important for people whose feet sweat a lot.

If you are elderly, have diabetes or have other conditions that compromise your circulation, be especially careful about how you cut your nails and manage your foot health.

Treatment

In the early stages of an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in warm water with antibacterial soap or a few tablespoons of salt dissolved into it. Dry your foot and apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing. Do not cut your nail. For the next few days wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes. When the nail grows out, cut it straight across.

More advanced ingrown toenails require the attention of a health professional. The doctor will remove the portion of the nail that is ingrown and may lance infected areas (cut them open with a special instrument) to allow the pus to drain. When ingrown toenails are a continuous problem, the doctor may perform a minor surgical procedure called an ingrown nail correction.. In this procedure a small part of the toenail is removed back to the part of the nail that begins to curve downward. A medicine will be applied that will prevent the nail edge from growing improperly again.

When To Call A Professional

Contact your doctor or foot care specialist if your ingrown nail hasn't grown out in a reasonable period of time, if you are in a lot of pain or if you notice an infection. If you have diabetes or another health problem that compromises your circulation, contact your doctor right away.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ingrown toenails is excellent. Once you learn the proper technique for cutting your nails, you may never suffer an ingrown nail again. If your nail requires surgery, results are usually excellent and result in a straight-growing nail.

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