An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe but can occur with any toe.
Common signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can lead to ingrowth
Tight or ill-fitting shoes can place pressure on the toes, encouraging the nail to grow into the skin.
Trauma to the toe can affect nail growth.
Some individuals may have a hereditary tendency to develop ingrown toenails.
Consistent pressure or trauma to the toes can lead to discomfort or nail problems.
Diagnosis typically involves:
Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail:
If ingrown toenails are recurrent or severe, a minor surgical procedure to remove the problematic nail section may be recommended.
To help prevent ingrown toenails:
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if there are signs of infection or severe pain, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Here are some frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails:
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection.
Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight or ill-fitting shoes, toe injuries, genetic factors, and naturally curved toenails.
Symptoms typically include pain along the side of the toenail, redness and swelling around the area, warmth to the touch, and potential drainage or pus in cases of infection.
Home treatments include soaking the foot in warm, soapy water, gently lifting the nail edge with cotton or dental floss, and applying topical antiseptics. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe.
You should see a healthcare professional if you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, signs of infection (like pus), or if ingrown toenails recur frequently.
Medical treatments may include topical or oral antibiotics for infections, and in some cases, a healthcare provider may need to remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
Preventive measures include trimming toenails straight across, avoiding rounding the edges, wearing properly fitting shoes, and practicing good foot hygiene.
Yes, ingrown toenails are relatively common, especially among individuals who wear tight shoes, have certain foot types, or improperly trim their toenails.
Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to infections, abscess formation, and, in severe cases, may require more extensive surgical intervention. They can also contribute to chronic pain and difficulty walking.
