Ingrown toenails are both common and painful. That’s not a pleasant combination, so leaving ingrown nails to heal by themselves over time is a bad idea. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the most common and important questions around ingrown toenails, including causes, treatment, healing time, medical help and prevention methods, among others.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Many different factors relating to overall foot health can contribute to ingrown toenails, and many of these are preventable. Wearing tight shoes puts increased pressure on your toes, which is a common cause of ingrown toenails. Another very common cause is improper nail care. That can include cutting toenails too short or filing nails to have rounded edges.
Could You Be Prone to Ingrown Toenails?
In short, yes. Whilst many causes are preventable, it can be caused by broader issues and factors out of your control. Believe it or not, you can inherit a genetic predisposition to suffer from ingrown nails. Additionally, excessive sweating can soften the nail bed and make it easier for the nail to penetrate the skin, which can impact people with overactive sweat glands and other similar conditions.
Speaking of sweating, playing sports – particularly impact sports – can increase the likelihood of issues with ingrown toenails. Toe injuries (i.e. stubbed toes and bruised toenails) and repeated actions like running can increase the risk.
How To Diagnose an Ingrown Toenail
What an Ingrown Toenail Looks Like
Rather than focusing on the nail, as the name might suggest, the best indicator is a lump in the skin on the side of the big toe (near the nail). The lump might be red and swollen.
What an Ingrown Toenail Feels Like
That inflamed area around the toenail will likely feel tender to the touch and potentially irritable. Any pressure on the inflamed area will cause pain, meaning it can sometimes be painful to wear socks and shoes.
Signs of Infection
If the skin is particularly red, inflamed, swollen or tender then it may be infected. The clearest sign of infection, however, is pus, discharge or bleeding. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, even if you are unsure, you should treat it as soon as possible to avoid an infection developing or prevent the infection getting worse.
Will your Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?
Potentially, yes, an ingrown toenail can heal on its own. However, this is not always the case. If you spot the early signs of an ingrown toenail, do not just ignore the issue and hope the nail fixes itself. Keep a close eye on how it develops with regular checks and act fast if it appears to be getting worse.
If you have a severe case of ingrown toenail, you are at high risk of infection. If the nail is infected, it won’t heal on its own, and proper treatment is critical to avoid serious, painful complications and medical conditions.
Treatment
At-home Ingrown Toenail Treatment
One popular and easy solution is to soak the afflicted foot in warm water. Repeating this three or four times a day, as well as keeping your feet clean and dry at all other times can be highly effective for avoiding infection. Adding Epsom salt to the water helps increase the effectiveness of this home remedy. It’s also strongly advisable to wear comfortable shoes with plenty of room for the toes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
When you notice signs of infection, seek immediate professional treatment. An infected ingrown toenail is a far more serious health condition.
When you do require medical intervention, partial nail avulsion is a 98% effective minor surgical procedure to remove nail edges that have become ingrown and are causing discomfort.
Healing Time
Proper nail care, wearing open-toed shoes and avoiding excessive sweating (or at least accounting for sweat with proper foot hygiene and keeping your foot clean) helps avoid continued issues.
Professional Help
If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail or any other foot-related issue, seeking professional help is the safest and most effective route to recovery. Don’t wait for your condition to worsen – reach out to our dedicated team today and get the help that you need.
At Coastal Podiatry, offer compassionate and comprehensive professional care for your feet. Don’t wait for your condition to worsen – reach out to our dedicated team today and get the help you need.
FAQs
What Are Common Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?
Common symptoms include a painful toenail or toe with redness and swelling at the nail border. If this leads to an infection, you may notice pus or discharge in the afflicted area.
How Do I Reduce Infection Risk?
Keep the area clean and dry, avoid tight shoes and cut your nails straight across – avoiding improper nail trimming like curved toenails.
What Medical Advice Do You Get for Ingrown Nails?
Soak the foot in warm water, trim nails properly and avoid pressure from tight socks or shoes. Keep the area clean, particularly by applying antiseptic to the area.
What Do I Do About Pus Discharge from Toenail Infection?
Seek medical attention. Oral antibiotics might be prescribed for infections. Do not wait to speak to a doctor or medical professional.
Are People with Diabetes at Higher Risk?
Yes, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails due to poor circulation and blood flow to their feet. This can also increase the risk of infection when issues arise, meaning diabetics should act quickly to get professional help.
