Ingrown Toenail – OrthoInfo – AAOS

If you trim your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes, you may set the stage for an ingrown toenail. Like many people, when you trim your toenails, you may taper the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. But this technique may encourage your toenail to grow into the skin of your toe. The sides of the nail curl down and dig into your skin. An ingrown toenail may also happen if you wear shoes that are too tight or too short.

An ingrown toenail.

When you first have an ingrown toenail, it may be hard, swollen and tender. Later, it may get red and infected, and feel very sore. Ingrown toenails are a common, painful condition—particularly among teenagers. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but the problem more often affects the big toe. An ingrown nail occurs when the skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. Redness, pain and swelling at the corner of the nail may result and infection may soon follow. Sometimes a small amount of pus can be seen draining from the area.

Ingrown nails may develop for many reasons. Some cases are congenital—the nail is just too large for the toe. Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or having the toe stepped on, may also cause an ingrown nail. However, the most common cause is tight shoe wear or improper grooming and trimming of the nail.

The anatomy of a toenail.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Ingrown toenails should be treated as soon as they are recognized. If they are recognized early (before infection sets in), home care may prevent the need for further treatment:

• Soak the foot in warm water 3-4 times daily.
• Keep the foot dry during the rest of the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes. Consider wearing sandals until the condition clears up.
• You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
• If there is no improvement in 2-3 days, or if the condition worsens, call your doctor.

You may need to gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail from its embedded position and insert some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. Change this packing every day.

Surgical Treatment

If excessive inflammation, swelling, pain and discharge are present, the toenail is probably infected and should be treated by a physician (see left image below). You may need to take oral antibiotics and the nail may need to be partially or completely removed (see middle image below). The doctor can surgically remove a portion of the nail, a portion of the underlying nail bed, some of the adjacent soft tissues and even a part of the growth center (see right image below).

Possible treatment options for an ingrown toenail.

Surgery is effective in eliminating the nail edge from growing inward and cutting into the fleshy folds as the toenail grows forward. Permanent removal of the nail may be advised for children with chronic, recurrent infected ingrown toenails.

If you are in a lot of pain and/or the infection keeps coming back, your doctor may remove part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail avulsion). Your toe is injected with an anesthetic and your doctor uses scissors to cut away the ingrown part of the toenail, taking care not to disturb the nail bed. An exposed nail bed may be very painful. Removing your whole ingrown toenail (complete nail plate avulsion) increases the likelihood your toenail will come back deformed. It may take 3-4 months for your nail to regrow.

Unless the problem is congenital, the best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from trauma and to wear shoes and hosiery (socks) with adequate room for the toes. Nails should be cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without tapering or rounding the corners. Trim the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe. Keep the feet clean and dry at all times.

Proper and improper toenail trimming.

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10 Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling. Home remedies and medical treatments can help relieve symptoms and prevent future infections.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, especially for people who wear shoes that are too tight or don’t allow their feet to breathe.

Around 20 percent of people experience an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include pain and swelling of the toe. Sometimes, the nail may become infected.

There are many treatments for ingrown toenails, ranging from home remedies to surgery. In most cases, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. However, if the nail is infected or causing severe pain, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of your toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This may cause pain, redness, and swelling. The condition is very common in both men and women. Your big toe is most likely to be affected.

Common causes of ingrown toenails are:

• toenail trauma, such as stubbing your toe
• wearing shoes that are too tight
• cutting toenails too short
• cutting toenails at an angle
• poor foot hygiene
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• certain medications, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

To prevent infection, it’s important to treat ingrown toenails as soon as they occur. Mild cases may require minor treatment with home remedies. Serious cases may need surgical intervention.

The following treatments can help relieve pain and promote the healing of an ingrown toenail.

Soaking the affected foot may help reduce swelling and ease the pain. You can soak your foot in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time. Castile soap is a good option. Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.

Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for almost everything these days, including ingrown toenails. It’s believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities, although scientific evidence is limited.

To try this remedy, prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily. Dry your foot thoroughly after soaking.

Some experts recommend tucking small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of an ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing cotton under your nail may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application may help reduce this risk.

Using over-the-counter antiseptic ointment or cream can promote healing and help reduce the risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the affected toenail following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually up to three times daily.

These ointments can include:

• neomycin (Neosporin)
• bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)
• mupirocin (Bactroban)

Be sure to bandage the toenail after application.

Shoes and socks that are too tight can crowd your toes. Improper footwear is a leading cause of ingrown toenails. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from developing or worsening, wear shoes and socks or hosiery that fit but still leave ample space in the toe bed. During the healing process, avoid shoes or wear sandals as much as possible to limit pressure on your toenails.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve ingrown toenail pain. Side effects are unusual unless you take more than the daily recommended amount of 2 325 milligram (mg) tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours and don’t take it with alcohol.

If swelling is present, ibuprofen (Advil) may be a better option because it relieves both pain and swelling. Some common side effects of ibuprofen include abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Take all over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor.

A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. Some brands of toe protectors, such as Dr. Scholl’s, come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails for easy trimming. Use the treatment as directed until the ingrown toenail is gone.

Toe braces are thin composite devices that hold the toe in place and shield the skin from as a new nail grows back. They help treat and prevent ingrown toenails. You can find toe braces online and in some pharmacies.

Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for a severe ingrown toenail infection that doesn’t respond to other remedies and treatments. Oral antibiotics help reduce pain and swelling while also fighting infection.

Some signs of infection may include:

• increased redness
• throbbing pain
• increased swelling
• pus
• warmth in the affected toe and its surrounding area
• foul odor

Some antibiotics used to treat infected ingrown toenails are ampicillin (Omnipen), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag), and vancomycin (Vancocin).

If an ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home remedies, partial or full removal of the nail may be necessary. Using a local anesthetic, a doctor may remove part of the nail’s border, the underlying nail bed, or part of the middle growth plate.

In severe, recurring cases, the doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail. This is the last resort and a potentially painful solution that may increase your risk of infection. It also increases the risk of a misshapen toenail as it grows back.

Minor foot problems like ingrown toenails may cause serious complications in some people. See the doctor if you have an ingrown toenail and you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, or you have a compromised immune system.

You should also see a doctor if:

• pain and swelling are severe
• home remedies don’t improve the condition
• you have an allergic skin reaction to a home remedy
• you have questions about how to care for an ingrown toenail

Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious. They should improve within a week or so without causing permanent damage with the proper home care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause severe pain and infection that could spread to deeper layers of skin.

It’s common for ingrown toenails to recur, especially if you don’t take steps to prevent them.

Prevention tips

• Move around carefully to avoid toenail trauma.
• Trim your toenails straight across, no shorter than the tip of your toe.
• If your job increases your risk of toenail injury, wear protective footgear.

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Ingrown toenails can be painful, but they’re usually easy to treat at home. Wearing proper-fitting shoes, trimming your nails straight across, and soaking your feet can help prevent ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails usually heal without causing permanent damage. But, sometimes, they can lead to serious complications. See your doctor if you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk for complications, such as diabetes.

Ingrown toenail treatment at home

If at an early stage an ingrown nail is often seen only by a podologist, then in the future the problem is already obvious – swelling, redness, bruising, aching pain when walking appears. The nail roller noticeably thickens. Urgent medical attention is required.

Causes

The main causes of the disease:

• use of uncomfortable shoes that squeeze the toes and prevent normal growth of the nail plates;
• tight socks made of synthetic fabrics;
• errors in the work of a pedicure master or an inaccurately trimmed nail;
• plate deformation;
• fungal infection of the plate;
• impaired circulation;
• finger injury;
• genetic inheritance;
• physiological features.

The most vulnerable place for the appearance of an ingrown toenail is the big toes.

Main stages of development of onychrocryptosis

The disease proceeds in several stages:

1. When walking in tight shoes or when squeezing a toe, discomfort and pain occur. Pronounced inflammatory effect at the first stage.
2. Swelling and slight reddening of the skin folds appear in the affected area. The pain when squeezed becomes acute, the tissues begin to become inflamed.
3. The damaged area becomes very inflamed, pus begins to flow. Side bolsters in deep red. Temperature rise is possible. Severe pain becomes constant.
4. The skin on the damaged area thickens, the deformation of the nail fold begins. The pain becomes acute, the inability to walk in shoes.

With onychrocryptosis, treatment is required, it is best to contact a podology center or a beauty center where a podiatrist works.

At the first stage, the treatment will be quick – follow the doctor’s recommendations. When the first pain sensations appear and there are suspicions of an ingrown nail, it is recommended to treat the reddened area with antiseptic preparations 2 times a day. Avoid tight shoes and thick synthetic socks. Light cotton socks and regular hygiene are important components of treatment and prevention. Antiseptic drugs will prevent the development of the inflammatory process. The nail plate will grow back, return to its original position and will not cause discomfort.

Ingrown toenail risk group

The presence of onychrocryptosis can be a serious problem for patients with diabetes. The specificity of this serious disease is a violation of tissue trophism. The damaged area quickly attaches other infections. The inflammatory process proceeds faster, with serious consequences. An ingrown toenail often causes gangrene. Onychrocryptosis in the presence of diabetes is treated exclusively by a podiatrist.

How and what to treat at home

We strongly discourage self-treatment. Treatment is the task of the podiatrist. Consider the tools and techniques that are used at home, as well as the possible consequences.

One of the most common methods of treating pathology are ointments. In the initial stages, use:

• Levomekol;
• Iichthyol ointment;
• Uroderm;
• Vishnevsky ointment;
• Ointment based on calendula.

Levomekol is evenly distributed over the surface of the bandage with a layer of small thickness. The impregnated bandage is applied to the affected area and the finger is bandaged. In advanced cases, it is recommended to inject levomekol into the affected area of ​​the skin with a syringe. For painlessness, the ointment is heated to the temperature of the human body.

When using ichthyol ointment, you must make sure that there is no allergic reaction to this drug. The remedy is applied at night. The ointment is applied to a bandage or gauze, applied to the affected area and bandaged. Additionally, the finger is wrapped in cling film. The result of the treatment comes no earlier than a week later.

The main active ingredient of Uroderm is urea, which effectively softens the skin and nail plate. The ointment is applied to the area between the skin roller and the nail plate for several days. After a few days of treatment, the deformed edge of the nail can be removed without difficulty.

Vishnevsky’s ointment is intended for disinfection of the affected area. As a result of the application, inflammation is removed and pain disappears.

Ointment based on calendula can be prepared independently. This will require melted pork fat and 50 g of finely chopped calendula flower. The fat is heated, a medicinal plant is added to it and the composition is brought to a boil. On low heat, the ointment boils for 20 minutes, after which it is cooled at room temperature. Used for dressing at night.

Therapeutic baths and compressors are an effective remedy for ingrown nails in the early stages of the disease. Well removes the inflammatory process and softens the pain of a salt bath. Hot water is drawn into a container convenient for the procedure so that it covers the foot. Add a few tablespoons of ordinary table salt, mix and lower the leg. The duration of the procedure is at least 20 minutes.

A soapy bath steams the nail plate well. The recipe is simple – a bar of soap is dissolved in hot water, the foot is immersed in the bath for 20 minutes. The steamed nail becomes soft, you can lift it up, put a small piece of cotton under it and set the plate in the right direction.

An alternative to these baths is a milk compress. It is enough to dip a bandage into boiled milk. The impregnated tissue is applied to the affected area and fixed on top with cling film. A cotton sock is worn over the top. The nail plate will soften in 3-4 hours and it will be possible to cut off the corner that grows into the tissue.

You can wash the affected area with propolis tincture. The procedure is carried out several times a day. At night, a compress with this tincture is recommended. In a few days, the inflammation is removed and the plate can be corrected. Chamomile baths soften nails well. To do this, you need to make an infusion: pour 6 tablespoons of flowers into 2 liters of boiling water and insist for 1.5-2 hours. A bath with chamomile is taken for 15 minutes.

At night, a plantain compress is also made. You will need two fresh leaves of plants: one of them is finely chopped, applied to the affected nail, and the second is wrapped with a finger. Apply a bandage and leave until the morning.

Ingrown toenail treatment: radical methods

The radical solution is surgical.

Running cases lead to the appearance of pus, poorly stopped bleeding. Self-treatment in these conditions becomes unproductive. Complications cannot be ignored, they cause general blood poisoning, gangrene, amputation of the finger.

The removal of one of the symptoms only postpones the visit to the doctor, complicates the treatment. It is not necessary to worsen the situation, a timely appeal to a specialist will allow you to do without long-term treatment.

When to contact a podologist

With the timely detection of pathology, the optimal course of treatment with the use of antiseptics is 4-5 days. If after this period the inflammation could not be removed, then it is necessary to contact a podiatrist. In the absence of a specialized specialist, make an appointment with a surgeon.

In the clinic, an ingrown nail is removed with specially prepared surgical instruments. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to relieve pain.

The podiatrist rarely uses radical methods of treatment. At the disposal of a specialist of this profile there are special plates and staples, with the help of which the nail plate rises and the direction of growth changes. The recovery process lasts at least 2 weeks, but pain disappears after the first visit to the doctor. In advanced conditions, plates and staples are installed for up to 2-3 months.

The use of folk methods and antiseptics only temporarily relieves symptoms and facilitates the course of the disease. Eliminating the ingrown nail, remove the source of infection, improve the quality of life. Contact podiatrists at Ola Beauty Centers.

How to cure an ingrown toenail to avoid removal

Ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is a common pathological condition that anyone can experience. It is important to notice the problem in time and treat it as soon as possible.

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We’ll share 10 ways to help prevent and treat ingrown toenails in the early stages, and tell you when to see a doctor.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

The editors warn readers against self-treatment and do not recommend self-diagnosis, prescribing medications and procedures. For any signs of malaise, contact your doctor.

Ingrown toenail causes

An ingrown toenail is a condition where the corner of the nail curves and grows into the skin. This leads to swelling, redness, and pain. The most common causes include:

• nail injury or bruised finger;
• tight shoes;
• improper nail cutting technique.

In order not to start the situation and get an infection, it is important to start treating the ingrown nail right away. If the damage is not serious, then home procedures can be dispensed with. But in advanced cases, surgery may be required.

10 Ingrown Toenail Remedies

Warm Soapy Baths

This treatment will help relieve pain and swelling. Baths are best done three times a day for 20 minutes. You can add medicinal bath salts or essential oils.

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Place cotton or floss under the ingrown nail angle

One of the largest medical research centers, the Mayo Clinic recommends placing small pieces of cotton or waxed floss under the ingrown nail angle to encourage proper nail growth. However, not all experts support this recommendation. Some of them believe that such manipulations will only increase the pain and increase the growth of harmful bacteria.

Wear comfortable shoes and socks

Shoes that are too tight will deform the toes and feet in general, which is the main cause of ingrown toenails.

To prevent this, wear comfortable and good quality shoes and socks. Inside the boot, the toes should be relaxed and should not rest against the toe. Shoes should not put pressure on your toes in any way, so choose your size carefully when buying a new pair.

Use protector

There are special protectors against ingrown nails. They are usually made from plastic. They create a kind of shock-absorbing barrier for an ingrown toenail. The protector can be in the form of a ring or a cap that is put on the finger. It works more effectively when paired with therapeutic gels.

Apple cider vinegar baths

Apple cider vinegar is widely used for medicinal purposes, including ingrown toenails. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties.

To prepare the bath, you will need a bowl of warm water and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. It is recommended to do the procedure once a day for 20 minutes.

Antibiotic ointment

Specialty antibiotic ointments and creams are available at the pharmacy without a prescription to help speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of infection. The main thing is to use the tool strictly according to the instructions.

Painkillers

If you need to relieve pain or reduce swelling, you can take any painkiller that you can buy at a pharmacy without a prescription.

Toe Retainer

There are special nail retainers that are usually made of composite material and are attached to the toes. They help protect the skin and lift the edge of the ingrown nail as it grows.

See your doctor for oral antibiotics

If your ingrown toenail has caused an infection, you may need oral antibiotics that your doctor can prescribe. With an infection, there may be increased redness, throbbing pain, swelling, purulent discharge, fever in the affected area.

Nail removal

If the nail cannot be cured, it may need to be removed partially or completely. The usual operation is performed under local anesthesia. The doctor removes part of the edge of the nail or the underlying nail bed.