What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The area around an ingrown toenail becomes painful, red, and swollen. In more serious cases, pus drains from the area.
Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe and usually result from cutting your toenails too short. Other factors that can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails include:
- Poor foot hygiene
- Wearing tight shoes or socks that push the nail into your toe
- Stubbing or kicking your toe
- Poor posture
- Cutting your nails into rounded, irregular ends
You can often treat ingrown toenails yourself, however, some ingrown toenails become infected and require medical attention, especially if you have poor blood flow to your feet because of a condition such as diabetes.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Most ingrown toenails are treatable at home. In a mild case, soak your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day, apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the infection, and keep your toe bandaged. You’ll also get relief from wearing sandals while the toenail heals to avoid it painfully rubbing against your shoe.
You should seek medical attention if your toenail becomes infected. Signs of an infection include:
- Increased redness and swelling
- Yellow or white pus
- Severe, throbbing pain
- Foul odor from the site of the infection
Dr. Forman may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, he may also recommend surgery to remove part or all of the toenail to stop the spread of the infection. You should seek treatment for an ingrown toenail right away if you have diabetes or any vascular condition that affects blood flow to avoid potentially serious complications.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Dr. Forman can give you advice on how to avoid getting ingrown toenails in the future. Most ingrown toenails are preventable through your hygiene and grooming habits, though some people are genetically more likely to get ingrown toenails than others.
Steps you can take to prevent ingrown toenails include:
- Cutting your toenails straight across
- Wearing socks and shoes that fit properly (with enough room to wiggle your toes)
- Going barefoot after playing sports such as soccer to reduce pressure on toes
To get treatment for an ingrown toenail, call Put Your Feet First or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails
Q: What causes ingrown toenails to develop?
A: Ingrown toenails usually develop when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Common causes include cutting toenails too short or into rounded shapes, wearing tight shoes or socks, injury to the toe, poor foot hygiene, and genetic predisposition.
Q: When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
A: You should seek professional care if you notice signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus discharge, severe pain, or a foul odor. Also, if you have diabetes or blood flow issues, prompt evaluation is important to prevent complications.
Q: How are ingrown toenails treated at the doctor’s office?
A: Treatment depends on severity. Mild infections may be treated with oral antibiotics and topical care. Severe or recurrent cases might require partial or full removal of the toenail under sterile conditions to allow proper healing and prevent recurrence.
Q: Can I prevent ingrown toenails from coming back after treatment?
A: Prevention focuses on proper nail trimming—cutting straight across without rounding edges—and wearing shoes with adequate room for toes. Maintaining good foot hygiene and avoiding trauma to the toenails also reduces recurrence risk.
Q: Are people with diabetes at higher risk for complications from ingrown toenails?
A: Yes, people with diabetes or poor circulation are at increased risk for infections and delayed healing. It is important for these individuals to seek prompt medical advice for ingrown toenails to avoid serious complications.