Ingrown Nails: Preventions, Symptoms, and Treatments

Ingrown Nails: What Are They?

Toes, especially the big toe, are more likely to suffer from ingrown nails because they grow into the skin rather than over it.

An ingrown nail can cause a number of symptoms.

You typically experience symptoms in stages when a nail grows into your skin.

Inflammation
Sensitivity
Effort

Symptoms of an ingrown toe infection include:

A reddened complexion
Your toe is swollen with pus
Bruising
Anxiety
Shivery or hot feeling

Ingrown nails: what are the causes?

The following factors increase your chances of getting ingrown nails:

If you cut your toenails too short, you could get an infection
Avoid ingrown nails by rounding your nail edges. Trim your nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
Your nail presses into your toe because of shoes or socks that don't fit correctly
Stubbing or jamming your toe can cause injury
Exercises such as running, ballet, and soccer, which stress your feet, can put repeated stress on your toes
The genes that increase the chances of you having them are inherited

It is possible for the skin growing over the ingrown toenail to permanently change the tissue and cause infection, swelling, and pain.

How Do You Treat and Remedy Ingrown Nails?

It's possible to treat an ingrown nail at home if it isn't infected. To manage symptoms, you can do the following:

Three to four times every day, soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in warm water to reduce swelling and tenderness.
To avoid sweat or damp feet, keep them dry. Let them breathe.
Make sure that the edge of your nail is lifted with a wedge. You can put dental floss on top of the edge of the nail to help lift it as it grows out. Make sure to change it every day.
Your toe can be protected by wearing a bandage after applying antibiotic cream.
Choosing shoes that have plenty of room in the toe box is helpful. Avoid wearing heels. Wear open-toed shoes.
The tenderness and swelling can be reduced by taking pain relievers. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are good choices.

Symptoms that don't improve with home care may require treatment from your doctor. They may suggest a variety of remedies such as:

It may be necessary to take antibiotics by prescription or to apply them topically to treat your infection.
Your doctor can lift your nail if you have a mild problem that isn't associated with pus and set it in a new position to encourage it to grow.
Taking off some of your infected nails by surgically cutting away what's growing into your skin. After numbing your toe, your doctor will cut away what's growing through the skin.
You may have your whole nail removed by your doctor if you keep getting ingrown nails on the same toe or finger. Once your whole nail grows back, the shape may not be the same.

Ingrown Nails: How Can They Be Prevented?

Ingrown nails can be prevented by grooming properly.

The nails will soften if you soak them first.
If you must use scissors, avoid using them in the corners of the nail. Smooth sharp edges with an emery board. Cut nails straight across with nail clippers, leaving enough nail to cover the toe.
You should wear socks and shoes that fit properly. Don't wear high-heeled shoes or tight stockings that put pressure on the toes, as this may cause ingrown nails.
Taking care of a child's nails is important. An older relative, whose vision may be impaired and who has a harder time reaching his or her feet, may also need assistance.

Ingrown Nail Complications: What Are They?

The treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails is especially important for diabetics, numbness in the toes, and people with vascular problems. Don't put off getting treatment because an untreated ingrown nail can become more severe.

There can be a number of complications, including:

Infection of the bones
Ulcers on the feet
Usually, gangrene is caused by decaying tissue.
An amputation

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.