What are the common causes of ingrown toenails. How can you recognize the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. What are the most effective treatment options for ingrown toenails, both at home and from medical professionals. How can you prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the future.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: A Common Foot Problem

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can cause significant discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. While ingrown toenails can affect both men and women of all ages, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

The National Health Services (NHS) suggests that individuals with sweaty feet, such as teenagers, may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Additionally, older adults face an increased risk due to the natural thickening of toenails that occurs with age. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown toenails is crucial for maintaining proper foot health and preventing potential complications.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails: From Improper Trimming to Genetic Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. Identifying these causes is essential for both prevention and effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

• Incorrect toenail trimming techniques
• Naturally curved or irregular toenail shape
• Ill-fitting footwear that puts pressure on the toes
• Toenail injuries
• Poor posture
• Inadequate foot hygiene
• Genetic predisposition

Improper toenail trimming is a leading cause of ingrown toenails. Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. To prevent this, always cut your toenails straight across and avoid angling the sides of the nail.

Footwear plays a significant role in toenail health. Shoes, socks, or stockings that are too tight or narrow can put excessive pressure on the toes, forcing the nail to grow abnormally. Opting for properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room can help prevent ingrown toenails.

High-Risk Activities for Ingrown Toenails

Certain activities, particularly those involving repetitive foot use or impact, can increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails. These include:

1. Ballet
2. Football
3. Kickboxing
4. Soccer

These activities often involve repeated kicking or prolonged pressure on the feet, which can lead to toenail damage and increase the likelihood of ingrown nails. If you participate in these activities regularly, pay extra attention to your foot care routine and consider protective measures to minimize the risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Recognizing the Symptoms: From Early Signs to Advanced Stages

Ingrown toenails typically progress through various stages, with symptoms worsening over time if left untreated. Recognizing the early signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of complications. The symptoms of ingrown toenails can be categorized into early and advanced stages:

Early-Stage Symptoms

• Tenderness, swelling, or hardening of the skin adjacent to the nail
• Pain when pressure is applied to the toe
• Fluid buildup around the affected area

Advanced-Stage Symptoms

• Redness and swelling of the skin
• Increased pain and discomfort
• Bleeding
• Pus discharge
• Overgrowth of skin around the toenail

Can ingrown toenails lead to infections? Yes, if left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to more severe symptoms and potential complications. Signs of infection include warmth, pus, redness, and swelling in the affected area. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Diagnosing Ingrown Toenails: When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

In most cases, a healthcare provider can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination of the affected toe. However, in some instances, additional diagnostic measures may be necessary to assess the severity of the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if:

• You have diabetes or poor circulation
• Home remedies fail to improve symptoms after a few days
• You experience severe pain or difficulty walking
• There are signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or increasing redness

In cases where infection is suspected or the nail has grown deep into the surrounding skin, your doctor may recommend an X-ray. This imaging technique can reveal the extent of nail growth into the skin and help determine if the ingrown nail resulted from an injury.

Home Remedies: Effective Treatments for Mild Cases

For mild cases of ingrown toenails without signs of infection, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing. These treatments are generally safe and effective when applied correctly:

1. Warm water soaks: Immerse your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times daily. This helps reduce inflammation and softens the skin around the nail.
2. Cotton ball technique: After soaking, gently push the skin away from the nail edge using a cotton ball soaked in olive oil. This can help the nail grow above the skin edge.
3. Over-the-counter pain relief: Use acetaminophen or other approved pain relievers to manage discomfort.
4. Topical antibiotics: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to prevent infection.
5. Proper footwear: Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that don’t put pressure on your toes.

How long should you try home remedies before seeking medical attention? It’s generally recommended to try home treatments for a few days to a few weeks. If symptoms worsen or persist, or if you develop signs of infection, discontinue home treatments and consult a healthcare professional.

Medical Interventions: When Professional Treatment is Necessary

In cases where home remedies are ineffective or an infection has developed, medical intervention may be necessary. Healthcare professionals can offer several treatment options for ingrown toenails, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical procedures:

Conservative Treatments

• Lifting the nail: A doctor may carefully lift the ingrown edge of the nail and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to help the nail grow above the skin edge.
• Taping: The toe may be taped to pull the skin away from the nail edge.
• Prescription medications: In cases of infection, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

Surgical Treatments

For severe or recurring cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. The two main types of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails are:

1. Partial nail removal: This procedure involves removing only the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. It’s typically performed under local anesthesia and has a high success rate in preventing future ingrown toenails.
2. Complete nail removal: In rare cases, the entire nail may need to be removed. This is usually reserved for severe, recurring cases or when there’s significant nail deformity.

What is the success rate of partial nail removal for ingrown toenails? According to the NHS, partial nail removal is 98% effective in preventing future ingrown toenails, making it a highly successful treatment option for chronic cases.

Prevention Strategies: Maintaining Healthy Toenails

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. By adopting proper foot care habits and making smart footwear choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful condition. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

• Proper nail trimming: Cut toenails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Keep nails at a moderate length – not too short or too long.
• Choose appropriate footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide enough room for your toes. Avoid high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes.
• Practice good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry. Change socks regularly, especially if your feet tend to sweat.
• Protect your feet: If you participate in activities that put your toes at risk, wear protective footwear or use toe guards.
• Address foot abnormalities: If you have naturally curved toenails or other foot issues, consult a podiatrist for specialized care and advice.

How often should you trim your toenails to prevent ingrown nails? It’s generally recommended to trim your toenails every 6-8 weeks, or as needed to maintain a comfortable length without allowing them to become too long.

Long-Term Management: Caring for Your Feet After Treatment

After successfully treating an ingrown toenail, it’s crucial to implement long-term management strategies to prevent recurrence and maintain overall foot health. Consider the following tips for ongoing foot care:

1. Regular inspections: Examine your feet and toenails regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or nail changes.
2. Moisturize: Keep the skin around your toenails moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to ingrown nails.
3. Proper footwear rotation: Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely between uses and reduce pressure on specific areas of your feet.
4. Nail care routine: Establish a consistent nail care routine, including regular trimming and filing of rough edges.
5. Address underlying conditions: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or other health issues affecting your feet, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.

By implementing these prevention strategies and maintaining good foot care habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails in the future and enjoy healthier, more comfortable feet.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown toenails is essential for maintaining proper foot health. By recognizing early signs, implementing effective home remedies, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can effectively manage this common foot condition and prevent potential complications. Remember that prevention is key, and adopting good foot care habits can go a long way in keeping your toenails healthy and pain-free.

Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. Your big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail.

If a toenail grows back into the skin around the nail bed, it’s known as an ingrown toenail. These can be painful and can become infected.

You can treat ingrown toenails at home. However, they can cause complications that might require medical treatment. Your risk of complications is higher if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation.

Ingrown toenails occur in both men and women. According to the National Health Services (NHS), ingrown toenails may be more common in people with sweaty feet, such as teenagers. Older people may also be at higher risk because toenails thicken with age.

Many things can cause an ingrown toenail, including:

• cutting toenails incorrectly (Cut straight across, since angling the sides of the nail can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.)
• irregular, curved toenails
• footwear that places a lot of pressure on the big toes, such as socks and stockings that are too tight or shoes that are too tight, narrow, or flat for your feet
• toenail injury, including stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or kicking a ball repeatedly
• poor posture
• improper foot hygiene, such as not keeping your feet clean or dry
• genetic predisposition

Using your feet extensively during athletic activities can make you especially prone to getting ingrown toenails. Activities in which you repeatedly kick an object or put pressure on your feet for long periods of time can cause toenail damage and increase your risk of ingrown toenails. These activities include:

• ballet
• football
• kickboxing
• soccer

Ingrown toenails can be painful, and they usually worsen in stages.

Early-stage symptoms include:

• skin next to the nail becoming tender, swollen, or hard
• pain when pressure is placed on the toe
• fluid building up around the toe

If your toe becomes infected, symptoms may include:

• red, swollen skin
• pain
• bleeding
• oozing pus
• overgrowth of skin around the toe

Treat your ingrown toenail as soon as possible to avoid worsening symptoms.

Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose your toe with a physical exam. If your toe seems infected, you might need an X-ray to show how deep the nail has grown into the skin. An X-ray can also reveal if your ingrown nail was caused by injury.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Ingrown toenails that aren’t infected can normally be treated at home. However, if your toenail has pierced the skin, or there is any sign of infection, seek medical treatment. Signs of infection include:

• warmth
• pus
• redness and swelling

Home treatment

To treat your ingrown toenail at home, try:

• soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes three to four times per day (At other times, your shoes and feet should be kept dry.)
• pushing skin away from the toenail edge with a cotton ball soaked in olive oil
• using over-the-counter medicines, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), for the pain
• applying a topical antibiotic, such as polymyxin and neomycin (both present in Neosporin) or a steroid cream, to prevent infection

Try home treatments for a few days to a few weeks. If the pain worsens or you find it difficult to walk or perform other activities because of the nail, see your doctor.

If the toenail does not respond to home treatments or an infection occurs, you may need surgery. In cases of infection, stop all home treatments and see your doctor.

Surgical treatment

There are different types of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails. Partial nail removal only involves removing the piece of nail that is digging into your skin. Your doctor numbs your toe and then narrows the toenail. According to the NHS, partial nail removal is 98 percent effective for preventing future ingrown toenails.

During a partial nail removal, the sides of the nail are cut away so that the edges are completely straight. A piece of cotton is placed under the remaining portion of the nail to keep the ingrown toenail from recurring. Your doctor may also treat your toe with a compound called phenol, which keeps the nail from growing back.

Total nail removal may be used if your ingrown nail is caused by thickening. Your doctor will give you a local pain injection and then remove the entire nail in a procedure called a matrixectomy.

After surgery

After surgery, your doctor will send you home with your toe bandaged. You will probably need to keep your foot raised for the next one to two days and wear special footwear to allow your toe to heal properly.

Avoid movement as much as possible. Your bandage is usually removed two days after surgery. Your doctor will advise you to wear open-toe shoes and to do daily salt water soaks until your toe heals. You will also be prescribed pain relief medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Your toenail will likely grow back a few months after a partial nail removal surgery. If the entire nail is removed down to the base (the nail matrix under your skin), a toenail can take over a year to grow back.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can cause an infection in the bone in your toe. A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area. Tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection are possible.

A foot infection can be more serious if you have diabetes. Even a small cut, scrape, or ingrown toenail may quickly become infected due to the lack of blood flow and nerve sensitivity. See your doctor right away if you have diabetes and are concerned about an ingrown toenail infection.

If you have a genetic predisposition to ingrown toenails, they may keep coming back or appear on multiple toes at once. Your quality of life may be affected by pain, infections, and other painful foot issues that require multiple treatments or surgeries. In this case, your doctor may recommend a partial or full matrixectomy to remove the toenails causing chronic pain. Read more about foot care and diabetes.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by making several lifestyle changes:

• Trim your toenails straight across and make sure that the edges do not curve in.
• Avoid cutting toenails too short.
• Wear proper fitting shoes, socks, and tights.
• Wear steel-toe boots if you work in hazardous conditions.
• If your toenails are abnormally curved or thick, surgery may be necessary to prevent ingrown nails.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. Your big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail.

If a toenail grows back into the skin around the nail bed, it’s known as an ingrown toenail. These can be painful and can become infected.

You can treat ingrown toenails at home. However, they can cause complications that might require medical treatment. Your risk of complications is higher if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation.

Ingrown toenails occur in both men and women. According to the National Health Services (NHS), ingrown toenails may be more common in people with sweaty feet, such as teenagers. Older people may also be at higher risk because toenails thicken with age.

Many things can cause an ingrown toenail, including:

• cutting toenails incorrectly (Cut straight across, since angling the sides of the nail can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. )
• irregular, curved toenails
• footwear that places a lot of pressure on the big toes, such as socks and stockings that are too tight or shoes that are too tight, narrow, or flat for your feet
• toenail injury, including stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or kicking a ball repeatedly
• poor posture
• improper foot hygiene, such as not keeping your feet clean or dry
• genetic predisposition

Using your feet extensively during athletic activities can make you especially prone to getting ingrown toenails. Activities in which you repeatedly kick an object or put pressure on your feet for long periods of time can cause toenail damage and increase your risk of ingrown toenails. These activities include:

• ballet
• football
• kickboxing
• soccer

Ingrown toenails can be painful, and they usually worsen in stages.

Early-stage symptoms include:

• skin next to the nail becoming tender, swollen, or hard
• pain when pressure is placed on the toe
• fluid building up around the toe

If your toe becomes infected, symptoms may include:

• red, swollen skin
• pain
• bleeding
• oozing pus
• overgrowth of skin around the toe

Treat your ingrown toenail as soon as possible to avoid worsening symptoms.

Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose your toe with a physical exam. If your toe seems infected, you might need an X-ray to show how deep the nail has grown into the skin. An X-ray can also reveal if your ingrown nail was caused by injury.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Ingrown toenails that aren’t infected can normally be treated at home. However, if your toenail has pierced the skin, or there is any sign of infection, seek medical treatment. Signs of infection include:

• warmth
• pus
• redness and swelling

Home treatment

To treat your ingrown toenail at home, try:

• soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes three to four times per day (At other times, your shoes and feet should be kept dry.)
• pushing skin away from the toenail edge with a cotton ball soaked in olive oil
• using over-the-counter medicines, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), for the pain
• applying a topical antibiotic, such as polymyxin and neomycin (both present in Neosporin) or a steroid cream, to prevent infection

Try home treatments for a few days to a few weeks. If the pain worsens or you find it difficult to walk or perform other activities because of the nail, see your doctor.

If the toenail does not respond to home treatments or an infection occurs, you may need surgery. In cases of infection, stop all home treatments and see your doctor.

Surgical treatment

There are different types of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails. Partial nail removal only involves removing the piece of nail that is digging into your skin. Your doctor numbs your toe and then narrows the toenail. According to the NHS, partial nail removal is 98 percent effective for preventing future ingrown toenails.

During a partial nail removal, the sides of the nail are cut away so that the edges are completely straight. A piece of cotton is placed under the remaining portion of the nail to keep the ingrown toenail from recurring. Your doctor may also treat your toe with a compound called phenol, which keeps the nail from growing back.

Total nail removal may be used if your ingrown nail is caused by thickening. Your doctor will give you a local pain injection and then remove the entire nail in a procedure called a matrixectomy.

After surgery

After surgery, your doctor will send you home with your toe bandaged. You will probably need to keep your foot raised for the next one to two days and wear special footwear to allow your toe to heal properly.

Avoid movement as much as possible. Your bandage is usually removed two days after surgery. Your doctor will advise you to wear open-toe shoes and to do daily salt water soaks until your toe heals. You will also be prescribed pain relief medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Your toenail will likely grow back a few months after a partial nail removal surgery. If the entire nail is removed down to the base (the nail matrix under your skin), a toenail can take over a year to grow back.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can cause an infection in the bone in your toe. A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area. Tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection are possible.

A foot infection can be more serious if you have diabetes. Even a small cut, scrape, or ingrown toenail may quickly become infected due to the lack of blood flow and nerve sensitivity. See your doctor right away if you have diabetes and are concerned about an ingrown toenail infection.

If you have a genetic predisposition to ingrown toenails, they may keep coming back or appear on multiple toes at once. Your quality of life may be affected by pain, infections, and other painful foot issues that require multiple treatments or surgeries. In this case, your doctor may recommend a partial or full matrixectomy to remove the toenails causing chronic pain. Read more about foot care and diabetes.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by making several lifestyle changes:

• Trim your toenails straight across and make sure that the edges do not curve in.
• Avoid cutting toenails too short.
• Wear proper fitting shoes, socks, and tights.
• Wear steel-toe boots if you work in hazardous conditions.
• If your toenails are abnormally curved or thick, surgery may be necessary to prevent ingrown nails.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

causes and methods of treatment of pathology of the nail plate

This disease is treated by Podologist

The information provided on this page should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. If you suspect a disease, you should seek help from a qualified specialist. Only your doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

• What is nail hyperkeratosis?
• Causes
• Methods of treatment of hyperkeratosis of the nail plate

What is nail hyperkeratosis?

Hyperkeratosis of the nail bed – excessive thickening of the stratum corneum against the background of slowing down the desquamation of dead cells. As a result, the nail acquires a spherical shape, its color becomes yellow and heterogeneous, and the nail plate becomes brittle and inelastic. The disease proceeds in a chronic form. The pathological focus can spread to neighboring structures – affect other nails and the skin of the foot. Against the background of mycoses, itching and an unpleasant odor are possible.

• Frequent nail injuries.
• Wearing tight shoes.
• Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies.
• Hereditary dysfunctions.
• Psoriasis, lichen planus, ichthyosis, keratoderma, papillomatosis, chronic eczema.
• Imbalance of vitamins and microelements.
• Poor hygiene.
• Imbalance of the intestinal genome, including after antibiotic treatment.
• Unbalanced diet.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Severe stress.
• Allergy to cosmetics.

As a rule, the disease develops against the background of a fungal infection of the nail, often against the background of immunodeficiency.

Hyperkeratosis is treated by a highly specialized specialist – a podologist. The therapy combines systemic and local methods, is prescribed after a comprehensive diagnosis. This approach allows you to accurately influence the cause of the pathology, reduce the duration of treatment, avoid complications and relapses. Since in most cases subungual hyperkeratosis develops against the background of nail fungus, the patient is prescribed antifungal drugs – tablets, varnishes and ointments.

Topical antifungal treatment and medical pedicure

Topical treatment aimed at suppressing fungal microflora and reducing keratinization. To do this, the clinic does a medical pedicure – they remove the surface layers of the thickened nail with a cutter.

Baths

Warm foot salt baths are recommended every day – 100 grams of sea salt is dissolved in 10 liters of water. After the procedure, the steamed tissues of the surface of the nail and the skin around it are removed with pumice and buffs. Then the local preparation prescribed by the doctor is applied.

Removal of the nail plate

In advanced cases, in order to ensure the delivery of drugs to the affected tissues, complete removal of the nail plate is indicated using mechanical cutters, special formulations and patches.

Diet

To get rid of the fungus, it is recommended to adjust the diet. Sweets and yeast pastries are excluded from the menu. The diet is balanced in terms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements under the supervision of a nutritionist.

Immunotherapy

If an immunodeficiency is detected during the diagnosis, an immunologist prescribes immunomodulatory therapy.

Hygiene

Fungal infection actively multiplies in a warm, humid environment, so the inner surface of shoes is treated daily with pharmaceutical disinfectant, and socks, tights and stockings are washed daily. Shoes are changed if necessary – they should not stimulate sweating of the foot. Scissors and nail files must be strictly individual and treated with disinfectant after use. You will also have to temporarily not go to saunas and pools to exclude contact infection.

Alternative methods

Fungi are not sensitive or slightly sensitive to non-specific agents, therefore, alternative methods of treating nail hyperkeratosis are ineffective. Under their action, the fungal flora develops immunity and infects new structures. The disease becomes severe. Podologists strongly recommend that if hyperkeratosis of the nails is suspected, contact a specialist immediately.

It is impossible to restore a nail plate affected by hyperkeratosis – you can cure the disease and wait until a healthy nail grows. The course of therapy is from 2 to 6 months. After 2 weeks and 2 months after the complete elimination of symptoms, control tests for the presence / absence of the fungus are taken.

Treatment of nail hyperkeratosis in the “SM-Clinic”

We use methods for the treatment of nail hyperkeratosis with proven effectiveness.