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Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor on Thursday, January 21, 2016
Foot Problems Pictures
Slideshow: Ingrown Toenails
This tool does not provide medical advice.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail
occurs either when the nail grows into surrounding skin or the skin grows over
the edge of the nail. Ingrown toenails commonly occur as a result of trimming
toenails with tapered edges instead of cutting nails straight across. As the nail
begins to grow, it may curl under and dig into the skin or the skin may
infringe upon the nail. The skin around an ingrown toenail may be red and
swollen, causing pain. Severe cases may ooze pus.
What causes a nail to become ingrown?
Ingrown
toenails occur most commonly as a result of trimming toenails improperly.
Rounding the edges of toenails instead of cutting them straight across creates
areas that may later grow into skin. Shoes that are too tight, especially in
the toe box, can also encourage curved nail growth into the skin. A person’s
posture, gait, and any structural abnormalities of the feet (hammertoes,
bunions, and foot pronation) may also affect one’s tendency to develop ingrown
toenails. Having broken, brittle toenails may leave you with sharp nail edges
that can grow into skin.
What does an ingrown toenail look like?
Ingrown toenails cause redness and swelling around the affected
toe area. The site may be painful to the touch. An infection may develop if the
condition progresses, and the area may ooze pus. Treating ingrown toenails as
soon as possible reduces the risk of both infection and the possibility of
needing foot surgery. The question on most people’s minds after recognizing
that they have this condition is, “How do you get ridTreatment for Ingrown Toenails: Over-the-Counter
A
number of over-the-counter treatments for ingrown toenails are available. These
topical nail products may contain botanical ingredients like menthol and tea
tree oil to decrease inflammation. Other topical agents may contain salicylic
acid, which relieves pain and softens nails. Over-the-counter remedies should
not be used by those who have diabetes, poor circulation, or an infection of
the foot.
of ingrown toenails?
Ingrown Toenail Home Treatment Do's
Do
try to coax a stuck toenail out from beneath overgrown skin by soaking the
affected foot three to four times a day. Dry the foot well and wear comfortable
shoes that do not crowd the toes until the area is healed. Insert a very small
wad of cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin to encourage
separation. Change the packing material every day. Take over-the-counter pain
relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to minimize discomfort. It’s
important to seek medical treatment if the condition becomes worse or doesn’t
improve with home treatment within 2 to 3 days.
Ingrown Toenail Home Treatment Don'ts
Don’t
fall for the home treatment that alleges an ingrown toenail can be cured by
cutting a V-shaped wedge into the top of the nail. Proponents claim this
encourages nail growth toward the center of the nail, instead of at the sides
where the problem is located. This simply isn’t true. All nail growth occurs
from the base of the nail toward the top of the toe.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery
When
home remedies aren’t enough to treat an ingrown toenail or the condition is
associated with severe pain or infection, surgery may be necessary. Depending
on the extent of the problem, a doctor may remove part of the nail, part of the
affected nail bed, and some of the surrounding affected tissue. In extreme
cases, the doctor may remove part of the growth center from which the nail
grows.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Recovery Tips
After
ingrown toenail surgery, treat the affected toe and foot with care. Apply
antibiotic ointment and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by
your doctor. Keep the surgical area dry and dress the wound as directed. Ask
the doctor when it is okay to bathe and follow the doctor’s directions. For at
least the first 2 weeks after surgery, wear tennis shoes or other comfortable
footwear. Avoid strenuous physical activities like running while healing.
Notify the doctor if increased drainage, redness, swelling, or pain develops
Ingrown Toenail Prevention: Set Your Toes Free
Tight
or ill-fitting shoes are a common cause of ingrown toenails. Cull your shoe
closet and discard high heels and shoes that are too tight, especially in the
toe area. Wear sandals when you can and wide-toed shoes to minimize the risk of
developing ingrown toenails. Proper foot and nail care is the key to preventing
an ingrown nail!
Ingrown Toenail Prevention: Shoe Shopping Tips
Wearing
appropriate footwear is one of the best ways to decrease the risk of ingrown
toenails. Feet swell during the day, so it’s best to shop for shoes later in
the day when feet are at their largest. Choose shoes that have shock-absorbing
soles that help reduce pressure on the feet, especially the toes. Breathable
materials, such as leather and canvas, are preferred. Wear shoes with socks to
minimize friction and cushion feet.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention: Nail Care
Trim
toenails in a way that minimizes the risk of developing ingrown toenails. Cut
toenails straight across with a clipper. Do not attempt to shape toenails into
an oval shape. This leaves rounded nail edges that may later grow into the
skin. Don’t trim toenails too short. Toenails serve a function to help protect
the toes. If toenails are hard to trim, soak feet in warm water first to soften
them. There are also over-the-counter creams containing lactic acid or urea
that make nails softer and easier to trim. Tending to toenails properly today
is the best way to prevent ingrown toenails tomorrow.
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