How can you recognize the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. What are the most effective home remedies for treating ingrown toenails. When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail. What are the professional treatment options available for severe cases of ingrown toenails. How can you prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the future.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Risk Factors

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and potential complications. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can impact any toe. Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails:

• Improper nail trimming techniques
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes
• Trauma to the toe
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

Are certain individuals more prone to developing ingrown toenails? People with naturally curved nails, those who engage in activities that put pressure on their toes (like running or dancing), and individuals with poor foot hygiene may be at a higher risk. Additionally, older adults and individuals with reduced flexibility may find it challenging to maintain proper toenail care, increasing their susceptibility to ingrown nails.

Recognizing the Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Identifying an ingrown toenail early can help prevent complications and facilitate faster healing. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness along the nail margins
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Warmth in the surrounding skin
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
• Visible nail growth into the surrounding skin

Can an ingrown toenail cause fever or chills? In severe cases where infection has set in, you may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or general malaise. These symptoms indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Differentiating Between Mild and Severe Cases

Not all ingrown toenails are created equal. Mild cases may present with minimal discomfort and can often be managed at home, while severe cases can lead to significant pain and potential complications. Here’s how to distinguish between the two:

Mild cases typically involve:

• Slight tenderness along the nail edge
• Minimal redness and swelling
• No signs of infection or pus

Severe cases may include:

• Intense pain that interferes with daily activities
• Significant swelling and redness extending beyond the immediate nail area
• Presence of pus or other signs of infection
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

Effective Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

For mild cases of ingrown toenails, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing:

1. Warm water soaks: Immerse the affected foot in warm, salty water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily. This helps soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
2. Proper nail trimming: Cut toenails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners.
3. Comfortable footwear: Opt for shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the affected area.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation.
5. Gentle massage: Carefully massage the affected area to promote blood flow and reduce swelling.

Is it safe to attempt “bathroom surgery” on an ingrown toenail? It’s strongly advised against attempting to cut or dig out an ingrown toenail at home. This can lead to further injury, infection, and complications. Always seek professional help for proper treatment if home remedies don’t provide relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for an Ingrown Toenail

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical care. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or spreading redness
• Recurring ingrown toenails
• Ingrown toenails in conjunction with diabetes or poor circulation

Do all ingrown toenails require surgical intervention? Not necessarily. Many cases can be resolved with conservative treatments administered by a podiatrist or physician. However, persistent or severe cases may require minor surgical procedures to provide long-term relief.

Professional Treatment Options for Severe Ingrown Toenails

When home remedies and conservative treatments fail to resolve an ingrown toenail, medical professionals may recommend more advanced interventions:

Partial Nail Avulsion

This procedure involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia. It provides immediate relief and allows the nail to regrow properly.

Complete Nail Avulsion

In severe or recurring cases, the entire nail may be removed to allow for proper regrowth.

Matrixectomy

This procedure involves removing part of the nail matrix (the tissue responsible for nail growth) to prevent regrowth of the problematic portion of the nail.

Are these procedures painful? While the idea of nail surgery may sound intimidating, these procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during the process. Recovery is generally quick, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails: Essential Tips

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. Here are some key strategies to reduce your risk:

• Proper nail trimming: Cut nails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners.
• Appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with adequate toe room and avoid high heels that compress the toes.
• Good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth.
• Regular foot checks: Inspect your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues.
• Professional care: Consider regular visits to a podiatrist for proper nail and foot care.

Can certain lifestyle changes help prevent ingrown toenails? Absolutely. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trauma to the toes, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes can significantly reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for complications from ingrown toenails and require special attention:

Diabetics

People with diabetes are more prone to foot problems and may have reduced sensation in their feet. Any foot injury, including an ingrown toenail, can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Athletes

Those who participate in high-impact sports or activities that put pressure on the toes are at increased risk for ingrown toenails. Proper foot care and appropriate footwear are crucial for prevention.

Elderly Individuals

Reduced flexibility and vision can make proper toenail care challenging for older adults. Regular professional foot care may be necessary to prevent ingrown toenails and other foot problems.

How often should high-risk individuals have their feet checked by a professional? For those with diabetes or other conditions that increase foot health risks, it’s recommended to have a professional foot examination at least once a year, or more frequently if advised by a healthcare provider.

The Role of Podiatrists in Managing Ingrown Toenails

Podiatrists play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ingrown toenails. These foot specialists can provide:

• Expert assessment of foot health and nail conditions
• Professional nail trimming and care
• Conservative treatments for mild to moderate ingrown toenails
• Surgical interventions for severe or recurring cases
• Customized advice on foot care and prevention strategies

When should you consider seeing a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail? If you’ve tried home remedies without success, have recurring ingrown toenails, or are at high risk for complications, consulting a podiatrist can provide expert care and prevent potential long-term issues.

Ingrown toenails, while common, can significantly impact daily life if left untreated. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and implementing preventive measures, most cases can be managed effectively. For persistent or severe cases, professional medical care ensures proper treatment and reduces the risk of complications. Remember, healthy feet are fundamental to overall well-being, and addressing foot problems promptly can prevent more serious issues down the road.

Ingrown toenail – NHS

An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.

Check if you have an ingrown toenail

You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe.

Your toe may be red, painful and swollen.

Credit:

ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/520431/view

Your toenail may curve into your toe.

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/266548/view

Your toe can also get infected.

Signs of an infected toe include:

• pus coming out of it
• you feel hot or shivery

How to treat an ingrown toenail at home

If you go to a GP with an ingrown toenail, they’ll usually suggest you try these things first.

Do

• soak your foot in warm, salty water to help soften the skin around your toe and reduce the chances of infection

• keep your foot dry for the rest of the day

• wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain

Don’t

• do not cut your toenail – leave it to grow out

• do not pick at your toe or toenail

• do not wear tight, pointy shoes

A pharmacist can help with an ingrown toenail

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• treatments to help ease the pain and prevent an infection
• whether you need to see a GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• treating your ingrown toenail at home is not helping
• your toe is painful and swollen with pus coming out of it
• you have a very high temperature or you feel hot or shivery
• you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Treatments for an ingrown toenail

A GP can:

• check your toe to see if it’s an ingrown toenail
• give you antibiotics if your toenail is infected

If you have a badly ingrown toenail, they may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).

Treatment from a foot specialist

A podiatrist may offer further treatments, such as:

• cutting away part of the nail
• removing the whole nail

You’ll have an injection of local anaesthetic to numb your toe when this is done.

Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.

How to prevent ingrown toenails

To help stop ingrown toenails:

• do not cut your toenails too short
• cut straight across the nail, not the edges
• do not wear shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly
• keep your feet clean and dry them thoroughly

Page last reviewed: 24 January 2022
Next review due: 24 January 2025

Recognising the signs of an ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin on one or both sides of the nail bed. It most commonly occurs in the big toe but can also affect smaller toes.

An ingrown toenail can have many symptoms, so how can you tell for sure if your sore toe is ingrown or just annoying?

Some of the main signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail. Pain will often be felt along one of the nail margins, where the nail may be growing into the skin
• Redness and warmth around your toenail
• Swelling of your toe around the nail
• Infection of the tissue around your toenail, which may be accompanied by a liquid or pus discharge

Ingrown toenails can be painful and frustrating. Fortunately, symptoms will usually resolve quickly with conservative treatment by a podiatrist and proper nail cutting. If the problem is recurring and does not respond to conservative podiatry treatment, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended.

If ingrown toenail surgery is recommended for you, you don’t need to see a doctor for this procedure. Ingrown toenail surgery can be performed with a local anaesthetic by your podiatrist. At Entire Podiatry, all our podiatrists are qualified to perform this surgery in one of our fully equipped clinics.

If you are experiencing toe pain or would like further advice regarding your symptoms, contact us on 1800-4-ENTIRE to make an appointment at your nearest clinic location in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast.

Visit Us Today

Brisbane CBD

LEVEL 13, 97 CREEK ST
BRISBANE Q 4000

Phone: 07 3229 9959
Fax: 07 3053 3128

Toowong

4/621 CORONATION DRIVE
TOOWONG Q 4066

07 3462 0268
07 3053 3128

Chermside

SUITE 15, LEVEL 2
956 GYMPIE ROAD
CHERMSIDE Q 4032

07 3359 8836
07 3350 2822

Morayfield

UNIT 5C, MORAYFIELD GARDENS
197 MORAYFIELD ROAD
MORAYFIELD Q 4506

07 5490 8222
07 3053 3128

North Lakes

1051B/1 N LAKES DRIVE
NORTH LAKES
MANGO HILL Q 4509

07 3491 6099
07 3053 3128

Redcliffe

2 Dorall Street
KIPPA RING Q 4021

07 3889 5551
07 3053 3128

Strathpine

UNIT 1, 427 GYMPIE ROAD
STRATHPINE Q 4500

07 3881 3995
07 3053 3128

Logan

SHOP 1
1 WEMBLEY ROAD
LOGAN CENTRAL Q 4114

07 3299 2222
07 3053 3128

Robina

EASY T MEDICAL CENTRE
42 SCOTTSDALE DRIVE
ROBINA Q 4226

07 5503 6399
07 5575 8906

Mobile Podiatry

Entire Podiatry can provide mobile podiatry services in the comfort of your own home, at hospitals, nursing homes, for those who find it difficult to travel to a local clinic, or for anyone who does not want to visit a clinic at this time.

To book a mobile podiatry visit, please contact us on 1800 4 ENTIRE (1800 4 368 473) or fill in the enquiry form below.

Enquire Now

Profilo preparation – articles of the L-Med clinic

Profilo preparation – articles of the L-Med clinic

Font size

Background and font color

Images

Text reading

Regular site version

During all this time

2023

2022

2021

2020

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Cycle disorders

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Treatment of uterine erosion

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

April 27, 2023

Endometriosis treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Urinary incontinence treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Treatment of uterine fibroids

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

April 27, 2023

Infertility treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 12, 2023

Size matters: I want to lose weight, but I can’t. What to do?

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

March 30, 2023

“Upgrade” after childbirth: top 5 most “uncomfortable” questions that women are embarrassed to talk about

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

March 15, 2023

Anti-rating: top 5 “female” diseases

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

February 28, 2023

The best gift is the right one! On the eve of March 8, the L’MED clinic gives advantageous offers

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

Treatment of varicose veins in Tula. Laser or “the old fashioned way”?

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

November 30, 2022

Treatment of varicose veins in Tula: real help or “business in white coats”?

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

November 15, 2022

Treatment of varicose veins in Tula: a useful guide on how to choose a clinic
Ultrasound of veins saves lives!

Cosmetic clinic articles

February 22, 2021

Phlebology

Articles of the cosmetology clinic

February 11, 2020

Renaissance

Cosmetic clinic articles

Benefits of endosurgical operations

Cosmetic clinic articles

Aptos methods: remove the traces of time!

Cosmetic clinic articles

PROMOTION! All March 2012 diagnostics by our leading gynecologists!

Cosmetic clinic articles

In the New Year – with an updated appearance!

X

We are participating in the competition.
Your opinion is important to us!

Vote

Profilo preparation – articles of the L-Med clinic

Profilo preparation – articles of the L-Med clinic

Font size

Background and font color

Images

Reading text

Regular version of the site

During all this time

2023

2022

2021

2020

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Cycle disorders

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Treatment of uterine erosion

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

April 27, 2023

Endometriosis treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Urinary incontinence treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 27, 2023

Treatment of uterine fibroids

Articles of the multidisciplinary clinic

April 27, 2023

Infertility treatment

Multidisciplinary clinic articles

April 12, 2023

Size matters: I want to lose weight, but I can’t.