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Ingrown Toenails

pic-ingrown-toenail Ingrown Toenails

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

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 the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

Ingrown toenails may be caused by the following:

  • Improperly trimmed nails (See Figure 1)
  • Heredity
  • Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
  • Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

Figure 1: How to cut toenails

How-to-cut-toenails-300x173 Ingrown Toenails

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails:

The following symptoms may be present with ingrown toenails:

  • Pain
  • Redness and swelling
  • Drainage
  • Odour
  • Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh)

Home Treatment for Ingrown Toenails:

If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm saltwater soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.

People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and seek treatment from one of podiatrists 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 one of our podiatrists, who can diagnose the ailment, treatment the condition and then prescribe medication or another appropriate treatment.

When to See One of Our Podiatrists:

You should see one of our podiatrists immediately if any drainage or excessive redness is present around the toenail.  Also, if a short trial of home treatment has not resulted in improvement of your condition.

Our Podiatrists can diagnose and treat an ingrown toenail by removing the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. The earlier you see us then the easier it is for us to treat it with minimal pain.  Should you leave it too long and it becomes too painful or there is an overgrowth of skin (hypergranulation tissue) we may need to use local anaesthetic to numb your toe prior to removing the nail spicule (offending nail spike).

If your ingrown nails become a chronic problem, our podiatrists or attending podiatric surgeon can perform a simple nail surgery procedure to permanently remove a portion of your nail which prevents nail regrowth.  The corner of the nail that has become ingrown, along with the nail matrix (or root) of that piece of nail, are removed by use of a chemical (such as phenol), laser, or other methods.  Please be assured that if you are at all anxious with the procedure or have a needle phobia we can administer Penthrox inhaler (known as ‘happy gas’).  Dr Reza Naraghi being a podiatric surgeon can also issue oral sedation medication to help with local anaesthetic injections.

Please click her for more information regarding ingrown toenail surgery.

If you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek immediate treatment at the first signs of an ingrown toenail, as it can lead to more severe complications.

Prevention:

  • Trim toenails properly: cut them straight across, not longer than the tip of the toes. Do not dig into corners and only gently round off corners with a nail file. Use toenail clippers.
  • Avoid shoes with pointy or narrow-toe boxes.
  • Never rip or tear edges of nails.

Ingrown Toenail Faqs

Should I Cut my Ingrown Toenail?

If you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to an ingrown toenail, it is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options.

How Long Will an Ingrown Toenail Last?

The duration of an ingrown toenail can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the condition, individual healing abilities, and the treatment received. In mild cases, an ingrown toenail may resolve on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if left untreated, or if the condition is more severe, it may persist for a longer period of time and potentially lead to complications. It is advisable to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare provider, for a correct assessment and appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of an Ingrown Toenail?

It is important to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional for personalized advice. In some cases, self-care measures may help alleviate symptoms of an ingrown toenail. These may include:

1. Soaking the affected foot in warm water: This can help reduce swelling and tenderness. Adding Epsom salt to the water may provide additional relief.

2. Proper nail trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. This can help prevent further ingrowing of your nail.

3. Applying a topical antibiotic ointment or solution such as betadine or savlon: This can help prevent infection. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication.

4. Wearing comfortable footwear: Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes and avoid tight-fitting footwear.

However, if the ingrown toenail is causing severe pain, infection, or if self-care measures do not improve the condition, it is recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can provide treatment options, which may include partial nail removal or other procedures, depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail.

Is an Ingrown Toenail Serious?

An ingrown toenail can range in severity, and while it is generally not considered a life-threatening condition, it can cause discomfort and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. In mild cases, an ingrown toenail may cause pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. However, if the condition worsens or becomes infected, it can result in more severe symptoms such as increased pain, pus or drainage, and even difficulty walking.

In some cases, an untreated or recurrent ingrown toenail can lead to complications such as cellulitis (a skin infection), abscess formation, or the development of a chronic condition. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or if self-care measures do not improve the condition.

A healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or a healthcare provider, can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and provide appropriate treatment options to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Can an Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself?

In some cases, mild ingrown toenails may resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, it is important to note that leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can increase the risk of complications such as infection or further ingrowth. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider. They can assess the severity of the condition and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options to promote healing and prevent complications.

How do I Remove an Ingrown Toenail by Myself?

It is important to note that attempting to remove an ingrown toenail by yourself can be risky and may lead to further complications or infection. It is generally recommended to seek professional medical help from a podiatrist or a healthcare provider for safe and effective treatment.  If you happen to leave a jagged edge when cutting your nail, then often the ingrown nail will become much worse.  Early intervention from a podiatrist often only requires conservative treatment involving just cutting and removing the corner of the offending nail. 

If you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to an ingrown toenail, it is best to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional, who can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options. They may recommend techniques such as partial nail removal, lifting the nail edge (nail bracing), packing the side of the nail, taping the nail to allow the nail to grow out, or other procedures to address the ingrown toenail safely and effectively.

When Should Surgery be Considered for an Ingrown Toenail?

If conservative treatment has failed and the offending nail continues to cause pain by growing into the side of the skin. The two most common surgeries are Matrixectomy with phenolization followed by Winograd procedure.

 

We are located in Perth (south of the river) in Wilson, which is neighboured by Curtin University, Como, Manning, South Perth, Victoria Park, Bentley, St James, Cannington / Carousel, Riverton, Shelley, Ferndale, Lynwood, Parkwood, Willetton and surrounding suburbs.

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