How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail

Stephanie Burton | Posted on 18/10/2024 |

An ingrown toenail, also called onychocryptosis, happens when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin around it. This commonly affects the big toe, but it can happen to any toenail. As the nail keeps growing inward, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and even lead to an infection if you don’t treat it.

The pain from an ingrown toenail can range from mild discomfort to severe, and it might cause an infection.

To handle an ingrown toenail and stop further problems, you need to know what causes it, what signs to look for, and what treatments you can use.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Many things can lead to an in such as:

Bad nail cutting: If you cut your toenails too short or round the edges too much, you’re more likely to get an ingrown nail.
Shoes that don’t fit right: When your shoes are too tight or have a narrow front, they can squeeze your toes and make the nail grow into your skin.
Hurting your toe: If you stub your toe or hurt the part where the nail grows, it can change how the nail grows and lead to an ingrown toenail.
Family history: Some people are born with nails that tend to curve or grow thicker, which puts them at higher risk for ingrown toenails.
Poor foot hygiene: When you don’t clean and take care of your feet well, you raise your chances of getting ingrown toenails.

It’s key to find and fix the root cause to stop it from happening again and help nails grow the right way.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail can show different signs based on how bad it is. Common signs include:

Pain and soreness along the edge of the toenail
Red and swollen skin around the nail
Pus coming out of the area (this means it’s infected)
Hard to wear shoes or socks because it hurts
Bleeding or oozing from the sore spot

If you notice any of these signs, you need to act fast to avoid bigger problems and feel better.

Preventative Measures for Ingrown Toenails

Stopping ingrown toenails before they start is usually simpler than fixing them after they happen. Here’s what you can do to keep them from occurring:

Cut your nails the right way: Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t cut the corners too short or round them too much. Use nail clippers or scissors made to cut toenails.
Pick shoes that fit well: Choose shoes with plenty of space for your toes. This lets your toes move without too much pressure or rubbing.
Keep your feet clean: Clean and dry your feet . Take good care of your nails to stop dirt and gunk from building up around them.
Shield your feet: Wear the right shoes in places where your toes might get hurt or damaged.
Take care of health issues: If you have a health problem that makes ingrown toenails more likely, like diabetes or poor blood flow, follow your doctor’s advice on how to look after your feet .

By making these preventative steps part of your everyday habits, you can lower your chances of getting ingrown toenails.

Home Remedies to Treat Ingrown Toenails

Sometimes, you can treat minor ingrown toenails at home with easy fixes. But, it’s crucial to watch the problem and get medical help if it gets worse or shows signs of infection. Here are some home remedies you can try:

Soak and lift: Put your foot in warm water with Epsom salts or mild soap for 15-20 minutes. Then rub the area and raise your foot to cut down on swelling.
Use antibiotic cream: After you soak and dry the area, put a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic cream on it to help stop infection.
raise the nail: Use a clean sterilised tool to lift the ingrown part of the nail away from the skin. Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail to keep it from growing back into the skin.
Wear open-toed shoes: Skip tight or constricting footwear until your ingrown toenail heals. This cuts down on pressure and friction on the sore spot.

Keep in mind that you should only try home remedies for mild cases. Don’t use them if you see signs of a bad infection, like lots of swelling, pus, or a fever. In these situations, you need to see a doctor right away.

Over-the-Counter Treatments to Help with Ingrown Toenails

If home remedies don’t work or if your ingrown toenail is worse, you might want to try over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. These can help ease the pain. They include:

Topical medications: You can buy creams, gels, or ointments without a prescription. These contain ingredients like salicylic acid or hydrocortisone. They help reduce swelling and speed up healing.
Nail softening products: Some products have urea or other substances that break down keratin. These make the nail softer so you can trim or lift the ingrown part more .
Medicated pads or bandages: You can find special pads or bandages with medicine in them. Put these on the sore spot to shield it from more irritation and help it heal.

When you use treatments you can buy at the store, make sure to read the directions . If things don’t get better or they get worse, talk to a doctor.

When to See a Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail

You can treat mild cases of ingrown toenails at home, but you should get medical help in these situations:

Pain, swelling, or redness that doesn’t go away or gets worse
Signs of infection, like pus, fever, or red lines coming from your toe
If you have diabetes or other health issues that might slow down healing
If you keep getting ingrown toenails
If you have trouble walking or doing your daily tasks because of the ingrown toenail

Your doctor can check out your condition, give you the right treatment, and make sure there’s nothing else going on that might be causing your ingrown toenail.

Medical Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments don’t work, or if your ingrown toenail is bad, your doctor might suggest one or more of these medical treatments:

Partial nail removal (nail avulsion): During this process, doctors numb and cut out the part of the toenail that’s grown inward. This allows the nail to grow back .
Antibiotic treatment: When there’s an infection, doctors might give you pills or a cream with antibiotics. These help get rid of the infection and speed up healing.
Steroid injections: Sometimes, doctors inject a corticosteroid to bring down swelling and ease pain from the ingrown toenail.
Permanent nail removal (matrixectomy): Doctors may suggest a surgical procedure called a matrixectomy to treat severe or recurring ingrown toenails. This operation removes part of the nail matrix (the root) to stop the ingrown toenail from growing back.

Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you. They’ll look at how bad your ingrown toenail is, your health history, and what’s causing the problem.

Surgery Choices for Bad Ingrown Toenails

Sometimes, ingrown toenails don’t get better with regular treatments. They might be bad or keep coming back. In these cases, you might need surgery. Here are some common ways to operate:

Partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy: Doctors remove the ingrown part of the toenail and destroy or take out the nail matrix (root) to stop that section of the nail from growing back.
Complete nail avulsion with matrixectomy: In bad cases, doctors might remove the whole toenail and nail matrix to prevent the ingrown toenail from coming back.
Wedge resection: This surgery takes out a wedge-shaped piece of the nail and nail matrix, which allows the rest of the nail to grow without the ingrown part.

Doctors do these surgeries with local anaesthesia, and you might need a brief time to recover. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks, upsides, and how long you can expect to recover for each surgery option.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After you get treatment for an ingrown toenail, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions to take care of it . This helps it heal well and stops it from happening again. Your doctor might tell you to:

Make sure the affected area stays clean and dry
Put on antibiotic ointments or dressings as instructed
Lift the foot up to lessen swelling
Opt for open-toed shoes or sandals to avoid putting pressure on the sore toe
Take it easy and steer clear of tough activities until the area heals
Use over-the-counter pain meds as needed to relieve pain

Keep an eye on the affected area for signs of infection, like more pain, swelling, redness, or fever, and get medical help right away if you notice these.

Long-Term Care and Prevention

To stop ingrown toenails from coming back and to keep your feet healthy in the long run, think about these approaches:

Proper nail trimming technique: Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t cut the corners too short or round them too much.
Wear well-fitting shoes: Pick shoes with a roomy toe box. This lets your toes move without too much pressure or rubbing.
Practice good foot hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry. Take good care of your nails to stop dirt and bits from building up around them.
Manage underlying conditions: Some health issues, like diabetes or poor blood flow, can make you more likely to get ingrown toenails. If you have these, follow your doctor’s advice to take care of your feet.
Think about nail guards: If your toenails keep growing inward, your doctor might suggest using nail guards. These are things like braces or splints that help the nail grow the right way.

When you make these long-term care strategies part of your daily routine, you can cut down the chances of getting ingrown toenails and keep your feet healthy and free from pain.

Myths and Facts about Ingrown Toenails

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding ingrown toenails. Here are some common myths and the corresponding facts:

Myth: Ingrown toenails are caused by cutting the toenails too short. Fact: While improper nail trimming can contribute to ingrown toenails, there are various other factors, such as tight shoes, injury, and genetics, that can also play a role.

Myth: Ingrown toenails only affect the big toe. Fact: While ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, they can occur on any toenail.

Myth: Ingrown toenails are not a serious condition and can be ignored. Fact: Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to severe pain, infection, and other complications, making it essential to seek proper treatment.

Myth: Cutting a “V” shape into the nail can help prevent ingrown toenails. Fact: Cutting a “V” shape into the nail can actually increase the risk of the nail growing into the skin, as it creates sharp edges that can penetrate the surrounding tissue.

Myth: Ingrown toenails are caused by poor hygiene. Fact: While poor foot hygiene can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, they can also occur in individuals with good hygiene practices due to other factors, such as genetics or injury.

By understanding the facts and dispelling common myths, you can better understand and manage ingrown toenails effectively.

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with proper understanding and treatment, they can be effectively managed and prevented. By following preventative measures, seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, and practising long-term care strategies, you can maintain healthy, pain-free feet and avoid the discomfort and complications associated with ingrown toenails.

Remember, seeking professional medical advice is crucial if you experience severe or recurring ingrown toenails, as they may require specialised treatment or surgical intervention. By taking a proactive approach and addressing the issue promptly, you can ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of future ingrown toenail episodes.

If you’re struggling with an ingrown toenail or have concerns about proper foot care, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our resident podiatrists here at The Fane Clinic and take the first step towards pain-free feet today!