What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

The primary cause of an ingrown toenail is improper nail trimming technique. Tapering the edge of the nail, cutting the nail too short, or rounding the edges can cause an ingrown to form. Cut the toenail straight across, rather than angling the sides, to avoid an ingrown toenail.

Some people have a genetic predisposition for ingrown toenails. If you have thick or large nails, or if your nail naturally curves down at the edges, you are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail. People with sweatier feet are also more likely to develop this condition.

Improper footwear, socks, and stockings can also contribute to an ingrown toenail. Narrow, tight, or flat footwear puts additional pressure on the toe and may force the nail to grow into the skin. Extra stress or injury to the toe can also cause an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown Toenails Symptoms

An ingrown toenail can be very painful and interfere with your daily activities. It often begins with mild symptoms and worsens over time. Some early-stage symptoms of an ingrown toenail may include:

• The skin at the edge of the nail becomes red, swollen, or hard

• Tenderness and pain when pressure is applied

• Fluid buildup around the area

Mild ingrown toenails usually do not need medical attention. However, if your symptoms continue to worsen, you may have an infected ingrown toenail. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Painful, red, and swollen skin

• Bleeding

• Oozing pus

• Overgrown skin around the affected area

• Shivering or feeling hot

An infected ingrown toenail may cause complications for people with preexisting health conditions. If you suspect that you have an infected ingrown toenail, you should schedule an appointment with a Resurgens physician immediately.

How Are Ingrown Toenails Diagnosed?

A mild ingrown toenail is easy to diagnose at home. However, if you have severe ingrown toenail symptoms, you should visit an experienced foot specialist. During your first Resurgens appointment, your physician will ask you questions about your medical and family history. They will also ask you questions about your symptoms, when they started, and how severe they are. They may also ask you to demonstrate some activities that might be briefly irritating to your toe.

Ingrown toenails can be easily diagnosed with a physical exam. If the toenail is severely infected, your physician may order x-rays and take a sample culture to identify the infection.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Mild ingrown toenails can be easily diagnosed and treated at home. However, if it worsens and becomes a severe infection, you should seek medical attention immediately. There are non-surgical and surgical options for ingrown toenail treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment

A mild ingrown toenail can be easily treated at home. Here are some ways to manage ingrown toenail symptoms.

• Soak your feet in warm water for 20 mins 3-4 times per day

• Keep your feet dry

• Use a wedge to lift the nail, such as a piece of floss or cotton

• Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage

• Wear open-toed shoes

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Surgical Treatment

If your symptoms don't improve with at-home treatments, you may have an infected ingrown toenail. If you suspect that you have an infection, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Your physician may try:

• Prescription antibiotics to get rid of the infection

• Lifting the nail with a small splint

• Surgically removing a portion of the infected nail. Your doctor will numb the toe beforehand.

• Surgically removing the entire nail. If you are severely affected by bad ingrown toenails on the same toe, it may be necessary to remove the whole nail. Your doctor will numb the toe beforehand.

Every patient is unique and has different treatment needs. During your first visit to Resurgens, your physician will talk to you about your options and recommend a treatment plan for you. Schedule an appointment with a Resurgens Foot & Ankle Center doctor today.