Ingrown Toenail Problems
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail. It can be painful and lead to infection if the nail breaks through the skin. While mild and infrequent ingrown toenails can sometimes be treated at home you should see a medical professional if you experience this problem often.
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Causes
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Ingrown toenails can be caused by several different factors, most commonly improperly cutting the nail and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Toenails should always be cut straight across and not too short to prevent them from growing into the surrounding skin. Tight shoes that squeeze the toes or put pressure on the nail may encourage it to grow into the skin. Those whose toenails are naturally more curved may be prone to frequent ingrown toenails.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of ingrown toenails are easy to recognize and include redness and swelling, usually of the big toe, which is where most infections occur. The toe can be very painful and tender, and if the nail has broken through the skin and there is pus or blood present it may be infected.
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Home Treatment
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If caught early enough, mild ingrown toenails can sometimes be treated at home by tucking a piece of sterile cotton under the corner of the affected nail so that it is elevated. This is usually enough to encourage the nail to grow away from the skin.
Medical Treatment
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If the ingrown toenail has broken skin and has traces of pus or blood, it is recommended that you visit a doctor. The doctor will assess the toenail and decide what course of treatment to take. If you haven't regularly experienced ingrown toenails and it has occurred due to trauma or improperly cutting the nail, the doctor may simply trim the section of nail that is ingrown and disinfect the area. If you are prone to ingrown toenails and the shape of your nail seems to be causing the problem, minor surgery is usually recommended. In this procedure, a local anesthetic is given to numb the toe. A podiatrist can then remove the offending section of toenail and apply a chemical to the root of the nail to keep it from growing back.
Prevention
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Always cut toenails straight across and not too short. Wear comfortable shoes that fit and do not put any pressure on the toes. Keep feet clean and covered when possible to avoid contact with bacteria. If you are prone to infections due to the shape of your nail, the best prevention may be surgically removing the edge of the nail.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit R----S: flickr.com
