Ingrown Toenail Treatment: What You Need To Know

This condition is medically referred to as onychogryphosis. Usually, on the big toe, it occurs when the corner of the nail digs into the skin. Soreness, swelling, redness, and warmth are the most common symptoms. An ingrown nail can cause an infection if it breaks through the skin. Over time, the skin may grow over it.

It is possible to treat an ingrown toenail at home. If you suspect an infection, or you have diabetes, circulation problems, or numbness in your toes, do not attempt these home remedies and seek immediate medical attention.

Keeping Your Toenails From Getting Ingrown

Toes should be free to move when wearing low-heeled shoes with socks or stockings that provide room for them.
Maintain a dry and clean environment for your feet.
You should use a toenail clipper, not a fingernail clipper. Toenail nippers are spring-handled tools that can be used for thicker toenails.
Make sure you don't round the corners of your toenails down as you might do with fingernails (see illustration). Avoid cutting your toenails too short. You should be able to slide your fingernail under the nail.

Toenails That Grow Inward Cause Ingrown Toenails.

It can be caused by a number of things, such as toenail loss, repetitive pressure during sports, fungal infections, or psoriasis. People with thick or curved toenails are particularly susceptible to this condition. Trauma can cause it, as can dropping something on it or someone walking on it. Inherited nail problems are more common in individuals who suffer from thick or curved toenails. A shortening of the nails at the corners caused by improper nail trimming may be at fault. Shoe tightness, narrowness, or shortness can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.

Keep It Simple When It Comes To Home Care

You can start with conservative measures at home if your symptoms are minor (red, painful, irritated toe) and you don't have a complex medical condition such as diabetes.

After soaking the foot for 15 minutes twice or three times a day with Epsom salts, you will not be able to improve pain relief or healing. The use of Epsom salts is not scientifically proven to improve pain relief or healing, but you can add them if you like. Wear sandals or other open-toed shoes whenever possible. Massage the skin near the toenail after each soak. When you wear close-toed shoes, make sure the toe box (the front of the shoe) allows room for the toes to move freely. Toenails should be cut in a linear pattern that mimics the curves of the toe tip; do not round them off.

Practices Conducted In The Office

You should see a podiatrist or other foot care specialist or a dermatologist if the toenail becomes infected or doesn't improve after three to five days of conservative treatment. If you suffer from an infection, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics, and the clinician may need to remove the ingrown nail part.

If you have recurrent ingrown toenails, it might be necessary to get them removed more thoroughly. On the affected side, partial nail avulsion involves cutting a narrow vertical strip of nail from the nail edge to the nail base. To prevent nail regrowth (the area underneath the cuticle that contains nail-creating cells), phenol may also be applied to the nail matrix. This can leave the toenail slightly narrower than it was previously. This procedure is usually performed in a clinician's office after a local anesthetic is injected into the toe.

Surgical Treatment For Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the nail digs into the skin and causes swelling and inflammation. An ingrown toenail is treated by cutting away a narrow strip of the nail from the edge to the base, as well as treating the matrix to prevent future growth.

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.

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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.