By Barbara Pierce
An ingrown toenail is one of the most common nail problems, especially in teenagers and young adults. It happens when the toenail curves downward and grows into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails occur most frequently on the big toe, but can develop on other toes as well, even the pinky.
We asked Kimberly Hurley, a podiatric surgeon at Slocum Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford, to help us better understand this condition.
1. How do I know if I have an ingrown toenail?
“You will have pain, swelling on the nail edge, redness and warmth or drainage from nail edge,” Hurley replied.
Few feet issues are as painful as an ingrown toenail. As the nail grows and digs into the surrounding skin, the toe becomes red, swollen and hot to the touch. If it becomes infected, it may ooze drainage or pus and smell foul. Infection can happen because of all the bacteria on feet and in shoes.
2. What causes an ingrown toenail?
Cutting your toenails too short can cause ingrown toenails, said Hurley. Or if you round the corners instead of cutting straight across, this can cause problems. Or, a pedicure when they over trim your cuticles.
Wearing tight shoes — very common with steel toe boots, cleats and hockey skates — can be a cause, she added. Wearing tight shoes squeezes your toes against the sides or tips of the shoes; the pressure can cause toenails to grown into the skin.
Other causes: activities such as soccer or ballet that involve continuous or repeated stress to your toes. Being overweight exerts more pressure on your toes. Injuries to your toe, like stubbing it, or dropping something heavy on it, can force the nail to grown into the skin. If you have sweaty feet, you have a higher chance of developing an ingrown toenail because when the skin is wet; it softens, making it easier for a nail to embed itself in your skin. Heredity and some medical conditions that affect circulation, like diabetes, can increase the possibility of ingrown toenails.
3. What can I do to relieve the pain?
Hurley suggests home remedies such as soaking in Epsom salts (one or two tablespoons of unscented Epsom salts into one quart of warm water and soak your foot for 10-15 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day for the first few days. Always dry your foot completely after soaking). Also she recommends using a triple antibiotic ointment, which can be purchased over the counter, and a Band-Aid.
4. When should I see a doctor?
If your home remedies aren’t working after five to seven days, it’s time to see a doctor, Hurley advised. Also, if the redness is spreading beyond the edge of your nail and stealing up your leg, see a doctor.
If your pain is so severe that it keeps you from everyday activities, a visit with your podiatrist is necessary.
See a doctor immediately if you are diabetic or immunocompromised or if you suspect that your nail is infected. If your nail is infected, it won’t heal on its own. The only way to treat the infection and prevent painful complications is to visit a podiatrist like Hurley.
Your podiatrist is aware of how painful your ingrown nail is. They will gently numb the toe with local anesthesia and remove it from the skin. Nearly everyone walks out of the podiatrist’s office in less pain than when they walked in.
If your toe has become infected, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic; do take the entire portion, even if your toe feels better.
If ingrown nails are a chronic problem for you, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.
5. How can I prevent an ingrown toenail?
You can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting your toenails straight across and at a moderate length. Avoid cutting nails too short or creating rounded corners. If you get pedicures, make the sure the pedicurist knows how to cut nails properly.
It’s important to wear shoes that fit properly, shoes that have plenty of room in the toe box and on the sides. Avoid wearing tight shoes that crowd your toes. Be especially cautious of steel toe boots, cleats and hockey skates. Wear protective shoes during sports and other physical activities that pose a risk of toe injury.
Wear well-ventilated shoes when you play sports and let your feet air out as often as you can.
If you have diabetes, it’s extremely important to remain mindful of ingrown toenail prevention, as minor cuts or simple scrapes can lead to serious complications.