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Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is usually the victim of this condition but other toes can also become affected.
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Ingrown toenails may be caused by:
- Improperly trimmed nails (Trim them straight across, not longer than the tip of the toes. Do not round off corners. Use toenail clippers.)
- Heredity
- Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
- Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities
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If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.
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Treatment
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.
Other "do-it-yourself" treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of an infected nail or the use
of over-the-counter medications, should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your
podiatrist, who can diagnose the ailment, and then prescribe medication or another appropriate treatment.
A podiatrist will resect the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that ingrows, along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail, are removed by use of a chemical, a laser, or by other methods.
more information and photographs
You can also download our Podiatry-at-a-Glance newsletter:
A Guide to Ingrown Toenail
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(content courtesy of APMA)
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