Ingrowing toenails are common, 20 out 100 people who see their GP for foot problems have an ingrowing toenail. An ingrowing toenail occurs when the nail is too wide or curved, so when the edge of the nail constantly presses on the skin it causes inflammation, infection and pain. The nail will continue to grow creating a worsening problem as the condition is left untreated.
Causes
- Cutting the nail too short down the sides leaving a spike
- Sweaty feet
- Tight footwear
- Inheriting a curved or wide nail plate
- Sport
Stages of ingrowing toenails
- Stage 1 – the nail is pressing into the skin causing discomfort and some inflammation.
- Stage 2 – the nail growing into the skin causing pain and inflammation. The skin may produce weeping and pus.
- Stage 3 – the skin around the nail is chronically inflamed and infected, so is swollen and crusty. The toe may have been like this for some time.
Treatment
Early intervention gives the best outcome, so as soon as it starts to hurt take action. The most suitable treatment will depend on the severity of the ingrowing toe nail..
Stage 1
- Can be treated at home by keeping the nails quite short.
- Carefully trim at a slight angle into the corner of the nail but don’t be tempted to dig deep as a splinter can easily be left to cause problems.
- Alternatively see a Podiatrist for your treatment to maintain toe nail comfort
Stage 2
- Treatment by a podiatrist is recommended. The podiatrist will cut free the piece of nail digging into the skin, if necessary a local anaesthetic can be used. The relief should be felt immediately even if still a little sore. It may be necessary to continue saltwater foot baths after treatment to assist heeling.
As the toe heals, the nail will continue to grow so the ingrowing toenail may reoccur. Regular podiatry will maintain healthy comfortable toes.
Alternatively nail surgery will give a permanent solution – see nail surgery sheet.
Stage 3
- At this stage ingrowing toenail surgery is usually recommended. This is done by your podiatrist.
It is not usually necessary to take antibiotics for ingrowing toenails as once the nail is removed the toe can heal and the inflammation will reduce.
If you should require antibiotics your podiatrist will advice you accordingly.
If you have any underlying health conditions e.g. diabetes extra care is required and treatment should only be done by a podiatrist from the onset of the ingrowing toenail.
Podiatrists are specialist foot care professionals and the people to care for and treat ingrowing toenails.
Prevention
- Better fitting footwear
- Care with cutting toenails
- Regular podiatry
- Nail surgery as a permanent cure