What are the main causes of ingrown toenails. How can you identify the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. What are the most effective treatments for ingrown toenails. When should you seek professional medical advice for an ingrown toenail. How can you prevent ingrown toenails from occurring.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: A Common Foot Problem

Ingrown toenails are a prevalent and often painful condition that affects many individuals, particularly teenagers. This issue occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and potential complications. While any toenail can become ingrown, the big toe is most commonly affected.

The anatomy of a toenail plays a crucial role in understanding this condition. The nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail, grows from the nail matrix at the base of the nail. When the nail plate’s edges curve downward and dig into the skin, an ingrown toenail develops.

Identifying the Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails:

• Improper nail trimming techniques
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes or tight hosiery
• Trauma to the toe
• Genetic predisposition
• Poor foot hygiene

One of the most common causes is improper nail trimming. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Additionally, wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can put pressure on the toes, forcing the nail to grow inward.

Can trauma cause ingrown toenails?

Yes, trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or having it stepped on, can lead to ingrown toenails. The injury may alter the nail’s growth pattern or damage the surrounding skin, creating an environment conducive to ingrown nail development.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Identifying an ingrown toenail early is crucial for effective treatment. The symptoms typically progress in stages:

1. Initial stage: The affected area may be hard, swollen, and tender.
2. Progressive stage: Redness and increased pain develop.
3. Advanced stage: Infection may set in, accompanied by severe soreness and possible pus drainage.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

• Pain when pressure is applied to the toe
• Inflammation of the skin at the nail’s edge
• Fluid buildup (edema) around the affected area
• Overgrowth of skin (hypertrophy) near the ingrown nail
• Bleeding in severe cases

How quickly do ingrown toenail symptoms develop?

The progression of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience rapid onset of pain and swelling, while others might notice a gradual worsening over days or weeks. Prompt attention to early signs can prevent the condition from advancing to more severe stages.

Effective Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

If caught early, ingrown toenails can often be treated at home. Here are some effective remedies:

• Warm water soaks: Soak the affected foot in warm water 3-4 times daily for 15-20 minutes.
• Proper foot hygiene: Keep the foot clean and dry between soaks to prevent infection.
• Comfortable footwear: Wear shoes with adequate toe room or opt for open-toed sandals until the condition improves.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort.
• Gentle nail lifting: Carefully lift the edge of the ingrown nail and insert a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss to encourage proper growth.

Is it safe to attempt home treatment for all ingrown toenails?

While home remedies can be effective for mild cases, it’s important to exercise caution. If you have diabetes, circulation problems, or signs of infection, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before attempting self-treatment. Additionally, if symptoms don’t improve after 2-3 days of home care, medical attention may be necessary.

Professional Medical Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

When home remedies are ineffective or the condition is severe, professional medical treatment may be required. Healthcare providers can offer several interventions:

• Partial nail avulsion: Removal of the ingrown portion of the nail
• Complete nail plate avulsion: Removal of the entire nail (less common)
• Matricectomy: Removal of part of the nail bed to prevent regrowth
• Antibiotics: Prescribed for infected ingrown toenails

These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia and can provide long-term relief from chronic ingrown toenails.

What is the recovery time after surgical treatment for ingrown toenails?

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure. For partial nail avulsion, most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, although complete healing may take several weeks. Full nail regrowth after complete avulsion can take 3-4 months. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails: Best Practices

Prevention is key when it comes to ingrown toenails. Here are some best practices to reduce your risk:

• Proper nail trimming: Cut nails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners
• Appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with adequate toe room
• Good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry
• Regular inspection: Check your feet regularly for early signs of ingrown nails
• Protective measures: Use protective footwear in high-risk environments

How often should toenails be trimmed to prevent ingrown nails?

The frequency of toenail trimming varies among individuals, but generally, trimming every 6-8 weeks is sufficient. The key is to maintain a consistent length that prevents the nail from growing too long while avoiding cutting it too short. Always use clean, sharp nail clippers and trim straight across, leaving the nail slightly longer than the tip of the toe.

When to Seek Professional Help for Ingrown Toenails

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention:

• Persistent pain or worsening symptoms despite home treatment
• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• Recurrent ingrown toenails
• Ingrown toenails in individuals with diabetes or circulation problems
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities

Early intervention by a healthcare professional can prevent complications and provide faster relief.

What specialists treat ingrown toenails?

Several types of healthcare providers can treat ingrown toenails:

• Podiatrists: Specialists in foot and ankle care
• Orthopedic surgeons: Specialists in musculoskeletal conditions
• Primary care physicians: Can treat mild cases and refer to specialists if needed
• Dermatologists: May treat ingrown toenails, especially if skin conditions are involved

The choice of specialist often depends on the severity of the condition and any underlying health issues.

Understanding the Impact of Ingrown Toenails on Daily Life

Ingrown toenails can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort and limiting activities. The pain associated with this condition can make walking difficult and impact one’s ability to wear certain types of shoes. In some cases, it may interfere with work or sports participation.

Moreover, the psychological impact shouldn’t be overlooked. Chronic pain and concerns about appearance can lead to stress and anxiety. Understanding these potential effects underscores the importance of prompt treatment and prevention strategies.

Can ingrown toenails lead to long-term complications if left untreated?

Yes, untreated ingrown toenails can result in several long-term complications:

• Chronic infection: Persistent bacterial growth can lead to ongoing health issues
• Tissue damage: Prolonged inflammation may cause permanent changes to surrounding tissue
• Nail deformity: Repeated infections or improper treatment can alter nail growth patterns
• Bone infection: In severe cases, infection can spread to underlying bone structures

These potential complications highlight the need for timely and appropriate treatment of ingrown toenails.

Innovations in Ingrown Toenail Treatment

As medical technology advances, new approaches to treating ingrown toenails are emerging. Some innovative treatments include:

• Laser therapy: Using targeted laser energy to destroy the nail matrix and prevent regrowth
• Chemical matricectomy: Applying phenol or other chemicals to selectively destroy nail-forming cells
• Specialized nail braces: Custom-fitted devices that help train the nail to grow properly
• Advanced wound care products: Promoting faster healing after surgical interventions

These newer treatments aim to provide more effective, less invasive options for managing ingrown toenails, particularly in cases of chronic recurrence.

How do laser treatments compare to traditional surgical methods for ingrown toenails?

Laser treatments for ingrown toenails offer several potential advantages over traditional surgical methods:

• Reduced pain during and after the procedure
• Shorter recovery time
• Lower risk of infection
• Minimal scarring
• Higher precision in targeting specific areas

However, laser treatments may not be suitable for all cases and are generally more expensive than traditional methods. The choice between laser and conventional surgery depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Living with Chronic Ingrown Toenails: Management Strategies

For individuals prone to recurrent ingrown toenails, developing a long-term management strategy is crucial. This may involve a combination of preventive measures, lifestyle adjustments, and regular podiatric care. Some effective strategies include:

• Custom orthotics: Specially designed shoe inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot
• Regular professional nail care: Periodic visits to a podiatrist for proper nail trimming and maintenance
• Footwear modifications: Choosing shoes with ample toe room and avoiding high heels
• Nail softening treatments: Using urea-based creams to keep nails more pliable
• Stress reduction techniques: Managing overall health to promote better circulation and healing

By implementing these strategies, many individuals can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of ingrown toenail occurrences.

Can dietary changes help prevent ingrown toenails?

While diet isn’t a direct cause of ingrown toenails, certain nutritional factors can influence nail health and overall foot condition:

• Adequate protein intake supports healthy nail growth
• Biotin (Vitamin B7) strengthens nails and may prevent brittleness
• Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation
• Zinc contributes to nail tissue repair and growth
• Staying hydrated promotes overall skin and nail health

A balanced diet rich in these nutrients can contribute to stronger, more resilient nails that are less prone to becoming ingrown. However, dietary changes alone are not a substitute for proper nail care and hygiene practices.

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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Ingrown toenail – Illnesses & conditions

An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.

The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.

Other possible symptoms include:

• pain if pressure is placed on the toe
• inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
• a build-up of fluid (oedema) in the area surrounding the toe
• an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hypertrophy)
• bleeding
• white or yellow pus coming from the affected area

When to get professional advice

What causes ingrown toenails?

A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including:

• badly cut toenails – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin
• wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it’s pressed on to your toenail
• sweaty feet – if the skin around your toenails is soft, it’s easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it
• injury – for example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop
• natural shape of the nail – the sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail

A fungal nail infection can cause your toenail to thicken or widen.

Treating ingrown toenails

Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected, so it’s important that you:

• keep your feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water
• change your socks regularly
• cut your toenails straight across to stop them digging into the surrounding skin
• gently push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud (this may be easier after using a small amount of olive oil to soften the skin)
• wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

Surgery may be recommended if your toenail doesn’t improve. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may involve removing part or all of your toenail.

Partial nail avulsion

Partial nail avulsion removes part of your toenail and is the most commonly used operation for treating ingrown toenails. It’s about 98% effective.

A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.

A course of antibiotics may be prescribed if your nail is infected, and any pus will be drained away.

Total nail avulsion

Total nail avulsion completely removes your toenail. This may be necessary if your nail is thick and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe. After your toenail has been removed, you’ll have an indentation where your nail used to be. However, it’s perfectly safe for you not to have a toenail.

After surgery

After toenail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a sterile bandage. This will help stem any bleeding and prevent infection. Rest your foot and keep it raised for 1 to 2 days after the operation.

To help reduce the pain, you may need to take a painkiller, such as paracetamol, and wear soft or open-toed shoes for the first few days after surgery.

Preventing ingrown toenails

Taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems such as ingrown toenails. It’s important to cut your toenails properly (straight across, not at an angle or down the edges).

Wash your feet every day, dry them thoroughly and use foot moisturiser. You can also use a foot file or pumice stone to remove hard or dead skin.

Wearing shoes that fit properly will help to ensure your feet remain healthy. You should also change your socks (or tights) every day.

Visit your GP or a podiatrist as soon as possible if you develop problems with your feet.

Ingrown nail – stages of the disease, methods of treatment

16.02.2021

There will be no doubt that this is a serious and not at all trifling problem only for those who know firsthand what excruciating pain occurs if the case is neglected.

Approximately 10% of the country’s population suffers from an ailment – an ingrown nail, in other words, onychocryptosis. Typically, the toenail grows into the soft surrounding tissue.

How does a nail work?

A horn formation (plate) is called a nail. The nail is located in the nail bed. At the root of the nail is a matrix – due to it, the nail grows. If the matrix is ​​damaged, then the nail will grow incorrectly or stop growing altogether. On the sides of the nail are skin folds, they are called the nail roller.

Causes of onychocryptosis

• genetic predisposition,
• overweight,
• wearing tight shoes,
• shoes with heels,
• incorrect pedicure,
• diabetes,
• vascular disease of the lower extremities,
• fungal diseases,
• non-observance of personal hygiene,
• injury

Most often, an ingrown toenail occurs in young people. They try, during a pedicure, to round off the corners of the nail plate as much as possible, thereby disrupting the natural growth of the plate, it begins to grow into the soft tissue.

Stages of the disease

• The first stage is redness around the nail, swelling and slight discomfort when walking.
• The second stage – part of the nail cuts into the skin, swelling occurs. A person experiences obvious pain and not only when walking.
• The third stage – in addition to pain in the focus of inflammation, purulent discharge appears. The nail thickens. The so-called “wild meat” appears – tissue grows.
• Fourth stage – soft tissue granulation occurs. The disease becomes chronic. Difficult to treat.

Consequences

If an ingrown toenail is not treated promptly, complications can occur. Inflammation can go to the bone (ostiomyelitis), up to gangrene and amputation of the toes.

At risk are people with diabetes, the elderly.

Prophylaxis

First of all, it is necessary to cut the nails correctly, the cut should be even (parallel to the nail roller), when carrying out a pedicure, it is necessary to hold the legs in a warm bath, and follow the rules of hygiene daily. Wear loose, comfortable shoes.

Conservative treatment

If the stage of the disease is first or second, then nail softeners are recommended. Orthopedic inserts, staples, springs, plates are also recommended. Devices are fixed on the nail in order to correct the deformation of the nail. The procedure is painless. Delivers a minimum of inconvenience. The use of cosmetic varnish is allowed. It is recommended to wear the devices for 3-4 months.

With fungal diseases, appropriate medications will help.

Laser treatment

Gentle, painless method. As a rule, the nail plate is not completely removed. Remove only the ingrown part of the nail. Also, the infected tissue is cleared by the laser, preventing the process of further inflammation.

Radio wave treatment

No less popular method than all the others. When using it, the immune properties of the skin and tissues increase. No bleeding, no scarring.

Surgical treatment

The most radical. The ingrown edge of the nail, the nail bed and part of the nail root dry out. Either a wedge-shaped resection of the nail plate or a selective resection of the nail matrix is ​​performed. In advanced cases, the nail is completely removed. The disadvantage of this procedure is that the nail plate is restored within six months.

ingrown nail

Ingrown nail problems. Prevention and treatment in Novosibirsk

With the advent of spring, many fashionistas can’t wait to change their winter boots for frivolous sandals, because they really want to demonstrate well-groomed toenails in open shoes! What girl and woman will refuse attractive summer shoes with spicy stilettos Shoe designers, given the whims of modern fashionistas, probably do not suspect that their elegant creations can cause unbearable suffering from an ingrown toenail. How to avoid it and what to do if you are faced with the problem of an ingrown nail, told Yuri Leonidovich Starkov , head of the department of outpatient surgery at the Central Scientific and Medical Center on Titov, surgeon of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences.

Model shoes do not cause unpleasant symptoms for all women – usually those who have a foot and first toe are not subject to bone deformity are lucky, but there are not very many such lucky women. Additional factors aggravate the situation: valgus deformity of the 1st finger, flat feet (transverse and longitudinal), overweight (including during pregnancy).

What to do, where is the exit? What should be done to prevent the development of an ingrown toenail? First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of the disease, namely:

Onychomycosis

The fact is that nail fungus destroys the connection between the inner edge of the nail plate and the nail bed. In this case, the nail plate corroded by the fungus is deformed and cuts into the periungual ridges.

Exit: Consultation and treatment with a dermatologist.

Unresolved bone pathology of the foot:

Foot deformity (congenital or acquired): flat feet, especially transverse, clubfoot, valgus deformity of the first toe, which contributes to improper distribution of weight on the toes when walking.
The main biomechanical cause of forefoot overload is excessive pronation, a constant companion of flat-valgus and “pseudo-sex” feet. This is a condition when the edge of the nail plate falls between the hammer (sole of the foot) and the anvil (shoes), constantly injuring the soft tissues of the nail phalanx, which leads to the development of an ingrown nail.

Output:

• use of thumb valgus correctors,
• wearing orthopedic shoes,
• application of orthopedic insoles.

Constant wearing of narrow, uncomfortable shoes with high heels, which leads to a shift in the center of gravity and overload of the forefoot foot section. 1 cm heel – 10% load on the forefoot.

8 cm heel – 80% of the load on the forefoot, which contributes to the formation of transverse flat feet, deformation of the toes, and, as a rule, the development of an ingrown toenail.

Exit: Do not abuse the constant wearing of dress shoes with high heels.

Technically incorrect and low-quality pedicure

Promotes the development of local inflammation, the growth of granulation tissue (“wild meat”), secondary bacterial colonization and ultimately leads to the appearance of infectious complications, up to osteomyelitis of the nail phalanx.

Overweight

If the nail plate is overweight, there is no chance for proper growth, and when walking, it will certainly injure the periungual ridge, which is one of the reasons for the development of an ingrown nail.

Exit: to fight the cause, namely, excess weight, because it is dangerous for a number of concomitant diseases (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, etc.).

Pedicure

It is no secret that many chemicals used in some beauty salons (acetone, formaldehyde, xylene, etc.) when performing pedicures and nail extensions cause depletion of the nail plate and its detachment from the actual nail bed. This very often becomes a trigger for future complications. A detached and deformed nail plate rarely restores its structure in the future, and sometimes loses its connection with the nail bed forever, which significantly affects the beauty of the nails.

Exit: take care of yourself and do not abuse salon procedures where aggressive chemicals are used.

Household injury of fingers

As a result of trauma, onychoblasts (growth cells) migrate in different directions of the soft tissues of the nail phalanx, thereby provoking uncontrolled growth of the matrix (nail root) and the nail plate.

Exit: In case of injury, seek surgical care in a timely manner, without waiting for complications in the form of an ugly deformity from a newly growing nail plate.

There are many ways to treat an ingrown toenail:

1. Conservative.
2. Operational.

The choice of a specific method is largely determined by the stage of the disease at which the pathological process is located. It is very important to understand that conservative treatments are effective only in the early stages of the disease. But if the ingrown nail is accompanied by pain and inflammation, especially in combination with suppuration, it is urgent to consult a surgeon.

CNMT has developed and implemented a method for treating ingrown toenails, which can significantly improve the quality of human life and forget about this disease forever.