Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenail Causes
An ingrown toenail is a common and unpleasant condition. Athletes commonly suffer from this condition. It is often caused by improper shoes. An ingrown toenail is caused when pressure pushes the nail into the skin of the toe, also known as Onychocryptosis. When the edge of the nail breaks through the skin it causes inflammation, pain and discomfort. This wound can become infected and become a recurring problem.
Another cause of ingrown toenails is an inherited imbalance between the size and growth of the nail and enlargement of the nail skin edge. The condition can also be due to improper trimming of the toenails, aggressive pedicures and nail picking. Ingrown toenail symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes yellow pus drainage. Our podiatrists at University Foot Associates can help treat ingrown toenails in any condition. We recommend this condition be treated early before other issues develop.
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Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
Dr. Nasser and his team are experienced in treating various stages of ingrown toenails. If home remedies have not helped resolve your issue, get the right treatment from a doctor.
Treatments include: lifting the toenail and separating from the skin with help of a splint; partially removing the nail; administering topical or oral antibiotics in the case of infection or to avoid the risk of infection.
People with diabetes should immediately seek medical treatment for the ingrown toenail. If conservative treatment doesn’t provide any result, surgery is recommended to remove the injured nail border. Avoid shoes that are too small and put pressure on the toenail, and too large of shoes where the foot moves back and forth inside the shoes. Try to use proper and clean tools for trimming the toenail and do not trim them too short. Wear corrective orthotic devices if you have improper foot mechanics that result in excessive pressure at the nail fold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you fix an ingrown toenail?
A: The best treatment for an ingrown toenail will be administered by a podiatrist. At home you can soak your feet in warm water and/or epsom salts and apply antibiotic ointment.
Q: Will ingrown toenail heal itself?
A: While there is a small chance the ingrown toenail may heal on its own, there is a high risk for infection and worsening symptoms. It is best to seek the care of a medical professional.
Q: What happens if you leave an ingrown toenail?
A: If you ignore an ingrown toenail, you risk severe infections that can spread into the bone and become much more serious.
Q: What causes an ingrown toenail?
A: An ingrown toenail is caused when pressure pushes the nail into the skin of the toe, also known as Onychocryptosis. When the edge of the nail breaks through the skin it causes inflammation and pain.
