Ingrowing Toenail: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An ingrowing toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This painful condition often affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and significant discomfort. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrowing toenails.

Ingrowing Toe Nail

Causes of Ingrowing Toenails

Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrowing toenail, including:

1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting the toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

2. Tight Footwear: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box, puts pressure on the toenails, forcing them into the skin.

3. Injury to the Toe: Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it, can lead to abnormal nail growth.

4. Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to ingrowing toenails due to the natural shape or curvature of their nails.

5. Poor Foot Hygiene: Not keeping the feet clean and dry can increase the risk of ingrowing toenails, as sweat and dirt create a favorable environment for infection.

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Symptoms of an Ingrowing Toenail

Common signs of an ingrowing toenail include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort along one or both sides of the nail, especially when walking or wearing shoes.

• Redness and Swelling: Inflammation around the affected area as the nail grows into the skin.

• Infection: If the ingrown nail breaks the skin, it can become infected, leading to pus discharge, increased redness, and severe pain.

• Overgrowth of Skin: In some cases, the skin around the nail may start to grow over the nail itself, worsening the condition.

  
  

Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat an ingrowing toenail, depending on its severity:

1. At-Home Care:

   • Soak the foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.

   • Gently lift the corner of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail to encourage proper growth.

   • Wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to relieve pressure on the affected area.

2. Medical Treatment:

   • If home care doesn't resolve the issue or if an infection develops, it’s time to seek professional care.

   • Partial Nail Removal: In more severe cases, a doctor may remove part of the nail or the nail's edge to relieve pressure and encourage healing.

   • Antibiotics: If the nail is infected, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.

   • Nail Avulsion: For chronic or recurrent cases, the entire nail may be surgically removed to prevent further problems.

     
     

Preventing Ingrowing Toenails

You can take several preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing an ingrowing toenail:

• Trim Nails Properly: Cut nails straight across, leaving them slightly longer than the surrounding skin, and avoid rounding the edges.

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and have a roomy toe box to prevent pressure on the toenails.

• Maintain Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection and encourage healthy nail growth.

• Avoid Injury: Be cautious to avoid trauma to your toes, and wear protective footwear in environments where injury is likely.

  
  

Conclusion

An ingrowing toenail can be a painful and frustrating condition, but it is treatable and, in many cases, preventable. At Sharvari Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating ingrowing toenails with care and precision. From minor interventions to advanced treatments like partial nail removal and surgical correction, we offer solutions that ensure long-term relief.

If you're experiencing discomfort from an ingrowing toenail or suspect an infection, don’t wait. Seek prompt medical care to avoid further complications and get back to your pain-free lifestyle. Our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.