Ingrown Toenails

What are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrowing toenail happens when the edge of the toe nail grows directly into the surrounding skin of the nail, pierces the skin and causes the toe to become painful and swell.

If left unattended the pain can be come quite intense and can cause a high level of discomfort.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails :

The most common cause of ingrowing toe nails are badly cut toenails and tight fitting shoes. If you have an ingrowing toe nail you will notice that the skin surrounding the nail is hard, swollen and tender.

Over time symptoms may develop into feelings of discomfort and the skin round the edge of the toe will become red.

It is possible for the area where the nail has entered the skin to become infected.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails :

• Incorrectly cut toe nails – cut them too short and it will encourage the surrounding skin to grow over the nail.
• Ill-fitting shoes – shoes that are too narrow or too short can cause unnecessary pressure on your toes and cause your toenail to bend down in to your foot.
• Poor Hygiene – If you don’t dry your toes, or keep them clean, the skin can become more moist than usual and weak, making it easy for the nail to cut into it.
• Injury – if you stub the toe or it suffers some sort of impact then the toe nail could be pushed in to the skin and if left untreated, begin to grow that way.
• Genetics also have a part to play in the development of ingrowing toe nails – if you over or under pronate or have naturally misshapen toe nails then you have a higher risk of developing ingrowing toe nails.

Relief and Prevention of Ingrown Toenails :

To avoid ingrowing toe nails you should take care and attention when cutting your nails – and make sure you don’t cut them too short.

If you develop an ingrown toe nail, there are treatments you can try:

• Treat it as soon as possible
• Visit your GP or Podiatrist to assess the extent of the problem
• Soak your foot in warm water 3-4 times daily
• Use a cotton bud to gently push the skin away from the impeding nail.
• Make sure you wear appropriate footwear – a wide toe box and proper metatarsal support should help the condition.
• Pain killers can be used but you should always consult your doctor.
• If your toe is infected then you may be prescribed antibiotics to combat the infection.
• In the most extreme cases you can opt to have your nail removed permanently by having a surgeon remove the cells in your nail bed.