What are the main reasons for ingrown toenails. How can you identify the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. What are the most effective treatments for ingrown toenails. How can you prevent ingrown toenails from occurring.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Risk Factors

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful nail disorder that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. While any toe can be affected, the condition is most frequently observed in the big toe. To effectively manage and prevent ingrown toenails, it’s crucial to understand their underlying causes and risk factors.

Top 5 Causes of Ingrown Toenails

1. Improper nail trimming techniques
2. Genetic predisposition
3. Trauma or injury to the toe
4. Ill-fitting footwear
5. Poor foot hygiene

Is improper nail trimming really the leading cause of ingrown toenails? Indeed, cutting your toenails too short or at an angle instead of straight across is one of the most common reasons for developing this condition. When nails are trimmed incorrectly, it allows the edges to grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and inflammation.

Can genetics play a role in the development of ingrown toenails? Surprisingly, yes. Some individuals are more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited nail shape or structure. If your parents or siblings frequently experience ingrown toenails, you may be at a higher risk as well.

How can trauma contribute to ingrown toenails? Injuries such as stubbing your toe or repetitive stress from activities like running can damage the nail or surrounding tissue, increasing the likelihood of an ingrown toenail developing. Athletes and those who engage in high-impact activities are particularly susceptible to this cause.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Identifying an ingrown toenail early can help prevent complications and ensure prompt treatment. But what are the telltale signs of this condition?

• Pain and tenderness along the side of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Warmth in the toe
• Pus or drainage if infection is present
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail? If you experience severe pain, signs of infection (such as pus or excessive redness), or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist promptly. These conditions can increase the risk of complications and require professional care.

Effective Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

Addressing ingrown toenails promptly can prevent further discomfort and potential complications. What are the most effective ways to treat this condition?

Conservative Home Treatments

• Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt
• Gently massaging the side of the nail fold
• Wearing comfortable, open-toed shoes
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers

Are home remedies always sufficient for treating ingrown toenails? While mild cases may respond well to conservative measures, more severe or recurring cases often require professional intervention.

Professional Medical Treatments

• Partial nail avulsion (removal of the ingrown portion)
• Matrixectomy (destruction of the nail root to prevent regrowth)
• Antibiotics for infected ingrown toenails
• Custom orthotics to address underlying foot structure issues

How does a podiatrist determine the best treatment approach? A thorough examination of the affected toe, along with consideration of the patient’s medical history and lifestyle factors, helps the podiatrist develop an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended for optimal results.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails: Essential Tips and Strategies

While treatment is important, prevention is key when it comes to ingrown toenails. What steps can you take to minimize your risk of developing this painful condition?

1. Trim nails properly: Cut straight across, not too short or rounded at the corners
2. Choose appropriate footwear: Opt for shoes with a wide toe box and avoid high heels
3. Practice good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly
4. Protect your feet: Wear protective shoes in high-risk environments
5. Address underlying conditions: Manage diabetes and circulation issues with your healthcare provider

How often should you trim your toenails to prevent ingrown nails? Aim to trim your nails every 6-8 weeks, or when they extend beyond the tip of your toe. This frequency allows for proper growth while minimizing the risk of ingrown nails.

The Role of Proper Footwear in Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Selecting the right shoes is crucial in preventing ingrown toenails and maintaining overall foot health. But what features should you look for in footwear?

• Adequate toe room: Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box
• Proper fit: Ensure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end
• Breathable materials: Opt for shoes made from leather or mesh to reduce moisture buildup
• Low heels: Limit high heel wear, as it can put excessive pressure on toes
• Activity-appropriate shoes: Use specialized footwear for sports and other activities

How can wearing the wrong shoes contribute to ingrown toenails? Tight or ill-fitting shoes can compress the toes, forcing the nails to grow abnormally and potentially into the surrounding skin. Additionally, shoes that don’t provide adequate support can alter your gait, leading to uneven pressure on your toes and increasing the risk of ingrown nails.

The Impact of Foot Hygiene on Ingrown Toenail Prevention

Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential not only for preventing ingrown toenails but also for overall foot health. What practices should you incorporate into your daily routine?

1. Wash feet daily with soap and water, paying special attention to the areas between toes
2. Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes, to prevent fungal growth
3. Change socks daily, or more often if feet tend to sweat excessively
4. Use foot powder to keep feet dry and reduce friction
5. Moisturize feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, but avoid applying lotion between toes

How does poor foot hygiene contribute to ingrown toenails? Excessive moisture and bacteria can soften the skin around the nails, making it easier for the nail to penetrate and grow into the surrounding tissue. Additionally, poor hygiene can lead to fungal infections, which can distort nail growth and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.

When to Seek Professional Help for Ingrown Toenails

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical attention. But how do you know when it’s time to see a podiatrist?

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Signs of infection, such as pus, excessive redness, or fever
• Recurrent ingrown toenails despite preventive measures
• Underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation
• Inability to perform self-care due to limited mobility or poor eyesight

What can you expect during a podiatrist visit for an ingrown toenail? The podiatrist will examine your toe, assess the severity of the condition, and discuss your medical history. They may perform a minor in-office procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail or recommend other treatments based on your specific case. In some instances, they might suggest lifestyle changes or prescribe medications to prevent future occurrences.

The Importance of Timely Treatment

Why is prompt treatment of ingrown toenails crucial? Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications, including:

• Spreading infection
• Abscess formation
• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes
• In rare cases, bone infection (osteomyelitis)

How quickly can an ingrown toenail progress to a serious infection? While it varies depending on individual factors, an untreated ingrown toenail can develop into a significant infection within days to weeks. This risk is particularly high for individuals with compromised immune systems or poor circulation.

Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes and those who lead active lifestyles may be at higher risk for ingrown toenails due to increased foot stress and sweating. What additional precautions should these individuals take?

1. Choose sport-specific shoes that provide proper support and fit
2. Use moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry during activities
3. Allow shoes to dry completely between uses
4. Inspect feet regularly for signs of irritation or early ingrown nails
5. Consider using protective toe caps or taping techniques for high-risk activities

How can repetitive impact from sports contribute to ingrown toenails? The constant pressure and friction from running, jumping, and sudden stops can cause the toenail to be pushed into the surrounding skin. Over time, this repeated trauma can lead to the development of ingrown nails, particularly if combined with ill-fitting shoes or improper nail care.

Recovery and Return to Activity

For athletes dealing with ingrown toenails, proper recovery is crucial. What steps should be taken before returning to sports or intense physical activity?

• Follow all treatment recommendations from your podiatrist
• Allow adequate healing time before resuming high-impact activities
• Gradually increase activity level to avoid re-injury
• Use protective measures like taping or specialized padding during initial return
• Monitor the affected toe closely for any signs of recurrence

How long does it typically take for an athlete to return to full activity after treatment for an ingrown toenail? The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment performed. In general, athletes may need to wait anywhere from a few days to several weeks before returning to their sport. It’s crucial to follow the podiatrist’s guidance and listen to your body to prevent complications or re-injury.

The Connection Between Ingrown Toenails and Other Foot Conditions

Ingrown toenails rarely occur in isolation. They can be associated with or exacerbated by other foot conditions. What are some related issues to be aware of?

• Fungal nail infections
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetic foot problems

How can addressing these related conditions help prevent ingrown toenails? By treating underlying foot issues, you can often reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails. For example, managing a fungal infection can promote healthier nail growth, while addressing structural issues like bunions can alleviate pressure on the toes that might lead to ingrown nails.

Holistic Foot Care Approach

Taking a comprehensive approach to foot health can significantly reduce your risk of ingrown toenails and other foot problems. What elements should be included in a holistic foot care routine?

1. Regular foot inspections
2. Proper nail care and trimming
3. Moisturizing to maintain skin health
4. Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes
5. Addressing any foot pain or discomfort promptly
6. Maintaining overall health through diet and exercise
7. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, especially for high-risk individuals

How often should you perform a thorough foot inspection? It’s recommended to examine your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues. This practice allows you to catch potential problems early, including the initial signs of ingrown toenails, blisters, or other foot conditions.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for ingrown toenails, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy feet. Remember that while many cases can be managed at home, persistent or severe ingrown toenails warrant professional medical attention. With proper care and attention, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing this painful condition and enjoy healthy, comfortable feet.

5 Common Causes for Ingrown Toenails

• By Admin
• •
• 03 Dec, 2018
• •

An ingrown toenail is a common nail disorder. It is caused by the sides of the toenail digging into the soft skin and flesh tissue of your toe. When the skin breaks and develops a wound, bacteria can easily enter, making the area vulnerable to infections. This condition can cause severe pain, redness and inflammation.Any nail can become ingrown, but the condition is generally found in the big toe.

Timely Treatment and Care
Getting the proper care and timely treatment can help you avoid any further complications. The best resource for your toenail condition is your podiatrist. At Paul S. DeMarco, DPM we provide the best care and treatment methods you need to help you overcome your nail disorder.

Here are some of the top causes of ingrown toenails.

1. Irregular trim. One of the most common causes of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short or at an angle instead of straight across.
2. Genetic tendencies. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is hereditary.
3. Trauma. An ingrown toenail sometimes occurs as a result of a trauma. The stubbing of your toe or a repetitive activity such as running can cause severe stress to your toes.
4. Wrong footwear. Ingrown toenails can form as a result of wearing short shoes with narrow toe boxes and loose socks. Proper footwear can make a huge difference in avoiding many toe and nail disorders.
5. Poor foot hygiene. Ingrown toenails can occur as a result of poor foot hygiene which offers a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and fungus to spread.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of ingrown toenails, your best resource is your podiatrist. At Paul S. DeMarco, DPM we constantly strive to provide our patients with quality treatments and procedures. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Paul S. DeMarco and his team of highly trained professionals can provide you with the finest quality of foot and ankle care possible. Make an appointment today by calling our Somers Point office at 602-927-4894. We also serve Atlantic County and Cape May County in the New Jersey area.

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Ingrown Toenails – familydoctor.org

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail curls down and digs into the skin of your toe. It is most common for the big toenail to become ingrown, but it can happen to any toenail.

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, swelling, and pain on your toe around the nail.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Many things can cause ingrown toenails. One main cause is wearing shoes that do not fit well. Shoes that are too tight or too small can press on your toenail in unnatural ways. Improperly trimmed toenails are another main cause. Toenails that are peeled off at the edge or trimmed down at the corners are more likely to become ingrown.

An injury to your toe also can cause an ingrown toenail. People who have deformed or misshaped toenails have a higher risk of ingrown toenails.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

Your doctor can examine your toe and toenail. If your doctor determines that you have an ingrown toenail, they may order treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you get ingrown toenails often. People who have diabetes are at risk of complications from an ingrown toenail.

Can an ingrown toenail be prevented or avoided?

To avoid ingrown toenails, you should cut your nails straight across. The top of your nail should make a straight line. Do not pick at your nails or tear them at the corners. Wear shoes that fit correctly. Avoid high heels and tight-fitting shoes.

Ingrown toenail treatment

Mild ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Soak your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry your foot, then place part of a cotton ball under the corner of your nail. You can wet the cotton with water or a disinfectant. This should be changed at least once a day. Try to wear shoes, such as sandals, that do not rub the toenail. This can delay healing or cause irritation.

Contact your doctor if your ingrown toenail does not improve or gets worse. Watch for signs, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, and drainage. You may have an infection. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic either in pill or cream form.

Severe cases of an ingrown toenail may require surgery. This is a minor procedure that involves removing the part of the nail that is ingrown. Before surgery, the doctor will numb your toe by injecting it with medicine. First, they cut your toenail along the edge that is growing into your skin. Then, they pull out the piece of nail. The doctor may apply a small electrical charge or liquid solution to the exposed part of your nail bed. This is called ablation. It should keep the toenail from growing into your skin again. Not all people need ablation.

Follow these instructions after surgery to care for your toe. Call your doctor if the toenail is not healing.

• Soak your foot in warm water each day.
• Apply antibiotic cream to the site at least twice a day.
• Keep a bandage over the site until it heals.
• Take acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand name: Motrin) as needed for pain.
• Keep the wound clean and dry. It is okay to shower the day after surgery.
• Wear loose fitting shoes for the first 2 weeks.
• Avoid running or strenuous activity for the first 2 weeks.

Living with an ingrown toenail

It is important to get treatment if you have an infection. If you don’t, the infection can spread to the rest of your toe or into your bone.

Treatment—at home or from your doctor—helps treat symptoms and heal the nail. Once the nail is healed, practice guidelines to prevent future problems. If you do not practice good foot care, the problem is more likely to reoccur. If you have surgery, it can take 2 to 4 months for your nail to grow back.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is the cause of my ingrown toenail?
• What type of treatment will heal my toenail? Will I need surgery?
• Do I need an antibiotic?
• What kind of shoes should I wear?
• Can you show me how to trim my nails?
• What is my risk of the ingrown toenail coming back?

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Ingrown nail. Causes. Treatment.

Ingrown toenail. Causes. Treatment.

January 15, 2020

Ingrown toenail is a very common disease that can occur in almost every person. From the studies of various authors, it is known that both male and female patients, of all ages, of any profession and occupation, are susceptible to an ingrown nail. Ingrown nails occur mainly on the first (rarely on the second) toe of the lower extremities and are more often detected on the right foot. On the inside of the nail, ingrowth occurs 7-8 times more often and is more severe than on the outside.

An ingrown toenail can appear due to various provoking factors. However, the main reasons should be highlighted:

· Wearing the wrong footwear. So wearing tight or narrow shoes due to pressure on the corners of the fingers can cause the nail to grow into the nail fold. In addition, sweating in such a situation becomes a favorable condition for the fungal process.

Hereditary causes. When diagnosing this pathology in the next of kin, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the fingers even more carefully, since a predisposition to the disease is inherited.

Incorrectly done manicure. Not everyone knows how to cut their nails correctly. Meanwhile, excessive trimming of the edges of the nail causes trauma to the skin.

· Congenital deformities of the feet can also cause the nail plate to grow into the skin.

· Injury to the foot is a provoking factor for crashing.

· Fungal infection of the feet causes an increase in the number of layers in the nail. Further, the thick nail plate quickly grows into the skin roller.

The main symptoms of an ingrown toenail:

· sensation of discomfort and pain in the area of ​​incision;

development of inflammatory changes in the skin in the affected area;

occurrence of an unpleasant odor from the lower extremities;

· at a later date, a purulent discharge may appear in the pathological area.

In order not to think about what an ingrown nail is, the treatment of this disease and its complications, it is enough to follow a few simple rules.

Wear only loose and comfortable footwear.

· Promptly treat orthopedic diseases.

· Do not start the development of the fungal process of the foot.

Use the correct nail clipping technique.

Since the initial manifestations of the disease are treated with conservative methods, it is necessary to seek the help of specialists at the first symptoms.

Conservative methods.

Their main goal is to combat purulent-inflammatory processes and reduce the intensity of pain in the affected area of ​​the finger, prevent its injury and create conditions for the unhindered growth of the nail plate.

For this, lotions with antiseptic solutions, hot foot baths with potassium permanganate or anti-inflammatory infusions of plant origin (calendula), Levomikol, antimicrobials, such as Baneocin in the form of an ointment or powder, are used. All this is combined with the displacement of inflamed soft tissues hanging as a result of edema, the application of gauze rollers or / and bringing under the sharp edge of the nail plate (if possible) gauze strips or thin rollers soaked in an ointment or solution containing antiseptic components. In the process of treatment, it is necessary to correctly periodically cut the nail in compliance with antiseptic measures and use loose shoes.

The use of conservative treatment is justified only at the initial stages of the disease, as well as in cases where the patient refuses more radical methods or is unable to use them for any reason.

Orthopedic techniques

They are characterized by great variety and have been used in different versions for a long time. The principle of their action is the gradual extension and increase in the radius of curvature of the nail plate by changing the direction of tension.

As a result of this, the edges of the ingrown nail are lifted and separated from the tissues of the nail fold, which helps to reduce pressure on them and reduce the degree of ingrown. Pre-rigid areas of the nail are treated with a softening compound.

Custom made metal springs or staples, identical to brackets, are used for orthopedic treatment. In recent years, correction of the ingrown nail with plates has been quite often used.

Flat leaf springs made of polymer materials are adapted to the curvature of the nail by means of a drill and glued to it with their entire surface using a special adhesive. On top of such plates, it is possible to apply nail polish. They are changed once a month. The entire treatment process takes 3-4 months.

Recurrence of the disease is also possible after orthopedic treatment.

Surgical treatment.

Depending on the degree of nail plate ingrowth, the course of the disease (infection, discharge of pus, etc.), the first case of the disease or relapse, one of the methods of surgical treatment is selected.

· Resection (partial removal of the nail). Part of the nail plate that has grown into the skin is removed. The operation is performed under local infiltration anesthesia on an outpatient basis. There are two types of resection: marginal wedge resection and selective resection of the matrix (growth zone). Without removal of the matrix, relapses very often occur, repeated surgical interventions are necessary.

· Avulsion operation (complete removal of the nail). The operation consists in complete excision (tearing off) of the nail plate without damaging the soft tissues along the edge of the nail bed. Therefore, over time, the nail grows back. It is carried out most often with the development of an infectious-inflammatory process. This type of surgical treatment of onychocryptosis is traumatic, after which frequent relapses are noted.

· Vandenbos operation (removal of skin at the base of the nail). The operation is performed under local anesthesia, consists in removing the skin along the edge of the nail and does not affect the nail plate. After surgery, relapses are very rare. But such a surgical intervention is traumatic, after which the healing period is quite long.

Syme operation (complete removal of the nail matrix). This type of surgical intervention consists in the removal of the nail matrix, skin flap transplantation and partial osteotomy of the phalanx. This technique is outdated and practically not used today.

Surgery is the most effective way to treat this disease. Conservative methods are able to eliminate the problem only at the very initial stages and are used in combination with the operation. With a timely visit to the doctor, the correct operation and compliance with the necessary recommendations, the risk of recurrence remains quite low.

Ingrown nail – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Ingrown nail is a rather painful and unpleasant disease that occurs frequently, especially in summer.

What is an ingrown nail

An ingrown nail (onychocryptosis) is an ingrowth of the nail plate into the lateral edge of the nail fold, accompanied by pain.

This disease occurs in people regardless of age or gender. The most common location for an ingrown toenail is on the inside of the first toe. Most often, people notice the problem in the spring or summer, which is a consequence of wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes.

The nail grows due to the division of germ cells that move the nail plate forward.

A complete change of the nail occurs within 3 months, while in women it occurs more slowly than in men, in childhood the growth rate of nails is more intense than in adults.

The convex shape of the nail also has a certain meaning: it muffles the mechanical effect and distributes it to the side rollers. They, in turn, absorb the load, so when their integrity occurs, it harms the protective structures.

What causes an ingrown toenail

There are several causes of the disease. Let’s talk about the main ones

1. Wrong cutting of nails. In the case when the nail is cut very deeply, there is a risk of infection and the development of an inflammatory process. The nail, which is cut to the very base, may begin to grow into the side ridges in order to fix more firmly on the nail bed. Therefore, when cutting the nail, it is necessary that it protrudes at least 1 mm.
2. Tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails. When the shoes are so uncomfortable that they put a lot of pressure on the fingers, the foot is in an unnatural position for a long time (heels, high instep), the nail is deformed. This is due to three pressure points:
   • Skin on the nail.
   • Shoe sides.
   • Shoe top.

   All this provokes the bending of the nail in a semicircle, which, in turn, provokes pain.

3. Genetic predisposition to excessive soft tissue growth.
4. Overweight or pregnancy. The load on the lower extremities is very large, as a result of which nails can also grow.
5. Administering chemical or radiation therapy.

Finger injuries, both on the legs and on the hands, an inflammatory process, pedicure, which is carried out in violation of sanitary standards, can also provoke the appearance of ingrowing nails.

Ingrown toenail symptoms

• Redness of the skin where the nail begins to penetrate the soft tissue of the finger.
• Pain.
• Swelling, puffiness.
• Discharge of pus and blood from skin irritation when infection occurs.
• Curvature of the nail, tarnishing of the nail plate.

Stages of development of an ingrown nail

Mild stage: the problem begins with reddening of the skin around the nail, followed by swelling and discomfort, especially if pressure is applied to the nail or inflamed skin. But visually, changes in the nail plate are not yet visible.

Moderate stage: if the current situation is allowed to take its course, then the next stage will be the appearance of bloody discharge, sometimes accompanied by the release of pus. The skin is edematous, the nail plate is dull.

Severe stage: further development of the disease is accompanied by bone tissue involvement. Ingrown becomes chronic, its treatment is possible only through surgical intervention. The volume of the phalanx increases due to the defeat of the nail folds.

Diagnostic methods

The surgeon, before making a diagnosis, takes an anamnesis, finds out what preceded the ingrown nail, what symptoms are observed, how long they last. Special attention is paid to issues of heredity.

Next, an examination of the inflamed area of ​​the skin is carried out, the doctor may prescribe such examinations as a complete blood count to exclude the development of an inflammatory process, diabetes mellitus. In addition, if the degree of damage is advanced, then an x-ray is prescribed to determine how deep the ingrown nail has occurred. Only in the complex of the above methods, a decision is made on further treatment.

Ingrown toenail treatments

• Treatment of ingrown toenails

If the problem was identified at the initial stage, then conservative treatment is applied. It consists in correcting the shape of the nail with the help of special plates, tubes or cotton turundas. The plates are made individually for each client, with preliminary measurements of the nail. The nail, as a result of wearing the plate, should change its shape and, in the future, grow so as not to injure the nail folds. This method is quite time consuming and not always effective. In addition, its significant drawback is that the disease can recur if the causes leading to the ingrown nail are ignored.

In the case when the problem is detected at an advanced stage, then a surgical method of treatment is used: marginal resection of the nail plate with a growth zone. The surgeon removes the part of the nail that has grown into the skin along its entire length. Not only the visible segment is subject to removal, but also the one that is under the skin. The manipulation takes place under local anesthesia and takes several minutes.

The first day it is necessary to adhere to bed rest, the minimum load on the leg. With severe pain, it is recommended to take analgesics in the doses recommended by the doctor. From the second day, the patient can live a normal life, but avoids strong physical exertion. Dressings are carried out first every day, after 4-5 days – 1 time in 2 days until complete healing.

• Ingrown toenail treatment

As with the foot, fingernail problems can be treated conservatively or with surgery. If you detect the onset of the disease in time, you can even try to fix it yourself by placing a cotton turunda or a small lump of bandage under the growing corner of the nail, lifting the nail. If the factor that provoked the ingrowth does not affect it, then there is a chance that the nail will change its shape and the problem will be solved.

In the event that the above method does not help, then the ingrown toenail is treated operatively under local anesthesia.

It is strictly forbidden to engage in amateur activities, to try to remove the nail at home. Thus, you can not only not remove the existing problem, but also acquire a new one, infecting the wound.

Disease Prevention

Good nail care is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent ingrown toenails. Before you start trimming your nails, you need to make baths with sea salt and lemon juice. This will not only soften the skin and nail for further procedures, but also have a beneficial effect on the skin and the condition of the nails. Thus, the likelihood of injuring the nail and the skin around it is significantly reduced.

The next important point in prevention is careful cutting of nails. You can not cut your nails too much, to the very base. It is necessary to leave a margin of 1-2 millimeters. The movements of the scissors should be smooth so as not to injure the nail folds. If the sharp edge of the nail remains somewhere, it must be carefully processed with a nail file to avoid skin injuries.

In order to avoid ingrown toenails, it is important to carefully choose shoes: they should not be too narrow, pressing on the toes and deforming the foot.