With many causes, an ingrown toenail often occurs when the tip or part of the nail penetrates the surrounding skin, which can lead to redness, swelling or infection in the affected part of the toe. It is advisable to treat the condition promptly at the first sign to avoid any complications. If you suffer from an ingrown toenail, consulting a podiatrist will ensure that you receive the right treatment and avoid any recurrence.
Causes and symptoms of an ingrown toenail:
The most common causes include the shape of the nail, poor nail trimming, and wearing inappropriate or too-tight shoes. For some, it may be a hereditary problem that leads to frequent or recurrent ingrown toenails. Depending on the degree of severity, the person may experience sharp pain, redness or inflammation of the adjacent skin. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can infect the toe and lead to symptoms such as purulent discharge, heat, redness, a bad odour and/or pyogenic granuloma.
See a podiatrist quickly for better healing:
An ingrown toenail will be easier to treat if it is treated as soon as the first symptoms appear. Otherwise, an infected ingrown toenail may require repeated treatment or minor surgery. Depending on the patient’s case, the podiatrist will determine the appropriate treatment by considering the symptoms, the level of severity and the cause of the condition.
What to do about ingrown toenails
In the case of a minor condition where the tip of the nail is problematic, the podiatrist may perform an angled cut to free the infected area. This solution is applied according to the patient’s case and the chances of reappearance are possible. Note that this treatment must be carried out exclusively by a professional.
Definitive treatment:
When a person suffers from repeated ingrown toenails or a toe infection, minor surgery may be an option. In this case, the podiatrist will carry out a full analysis of the patient to determine whether a permanent partial matricectomy or other procedure may be necessary for definitive cure. Permanent partial matrixectomy requires local anaesthesia of the affected toe. The procedure involves removing the part of the nail causing the problem or infection and burning the root so that this segment of nail does not grow back. From an aesthetic point of view, this solution is advantageous because, over time, the skin tends to return to its original position and the abnormal curvature of the nail is eliminated. The patient can therefore quickly regain comfort and return to his or her activities without any problems. In more severe cases, other procedures may be considered by the podiatrist.
A few tips to prevent ingrown toenails:
- Cut your nails squarely rather than roundly.
- When trimming, avoid cutting too deep into the corners of the toe.
- Cut your nails regularly to prevent them from breaking off and digging into the skin.
- Avoid cutting nails very short and too close to the skin.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a wide forefoot.
Temporarily relieve an ingrown toenail:
While you’re waiting to see a podiatrist, you can temporarily relieve the pain with a home treatment. Soaking the affected toe for ten minutes in two litres of lukewarm water with three tablespoons of Epsom salt or a small capful of bleach can help soften the traumatised tissue. It is advisable to gently massage the skin adjacent to the nail while soaking to loosen any adhesions between the nail and the skin. An antibiotic ointment can then be applied.
Sound advice:
If you suffer from an ingrown toenail whether infected or not, please consult a podiatrist.