Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Effectively Treat It

Ingrown toenail, medically referred to as paronychia, is a condition where one side or the tip of a toenail grows into the surrounding flesh, causing pain, redness, and swelling. It often occurs in the big toe. Although it may seem like a minor issue, an ingrown toenail can be quite disruptive to daily activities, especially when an infection begins to develop. This article will discuss what ingrown toenails are, their causes, prevention methods, and various treatment options you can try.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or tip of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition usually happens in the big toe, but it can also affect other toes or even fingers. Ingrown toenails often begin with mild to severe pain, especially when holding something, walking, or wearing shoes. If left untreated or improperly managed, an ingrown toenail can lead to an infection.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition and generally harmless if there is no disruption in blood flow or underlying diabetes. Anyone can experience an ingrown toenail, but they are more likely to occur in people who frequently wear tight shoes or do not trim their nails properly.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails generally occur due to abnormal nail growth, where the nail grows inward into the skin, pressing against the surrounding tissue. Several factors can cause this condition, including:

1. Improper Nail Cutting: Cutting nails too short, curving the edges, or trimming too deep into the sides of the nail.

2. Tight Shoes or Socks: Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight can press against the toes and push the nails inward. This is common in people who wear high heels, engage in ballet, or play soccer/futsal.

3. Neglecting Foot Hygiene: Not paying attention to foot hygiene or wearing shoes when feet are wet or sweaty.

4. Injury to the Nail or Toe: Injuries like stubbing the toe, dropping heavy objects on it, or repetitive pressure, such as kicking a ball, can lead to an ingrown toenail.

5. Genetic Factors: Some people naturally have nails that are more prone to growing inward, making them more susceptible to ingrown toenails.

6. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections in the nails can also lead to ingrown toenails.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is marked by pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area, particularly on the side of the nail. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain when the affected nail is touched or pressed, such as when wearing shoes.

• Swelling, redness, and hardening of the skin around the affected nail.

• Fluid buildup around the ingrown nail.

If an ingrown toenail becomes infected, symptoms may include the discharge of pus or blood from the area, fever, general malaise, or chills.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenails at Home

Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own? Generally, an ingrown toenail will heal over time without special treatment, as long as the nail continues to grow outward, not inward. However, it still requires proper care to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and prevent complications.

For mild ingrown toenails, home treatment can be effective. Follow these steps:

1. Soak the Foot in Warm Water Soaking the foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and soften the nail. This can also relieve pain caused by pressure on the nail.

2. Lift the Ingrown Nail If the ingrown nail is not too deep, you can try lifting the edge of the nail that is growing into the flesh using cotton or dental floss. After soaking your foot, gently insert a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to help encourage the nail to grow outward.

3. Use Antibiotic Ointment Antibiotic ointments can help prevent infections in the ingrown toenail. Apply the ointment as directed and cover with a clean bandage to keep the area sterile.

4. Keep the Foot Dry and Avoid Tight Shoes Let the foot breathe by wearing sandals or loose, comfortable shoes. This will reduce pressure on the affected toenail.

5. Use a Bandage or Plaster Protect the painful area by using a sterile bandage or plaster. This can also help reduce pain when the toe comes into contact with shoes.

However, in cases of severe ingrown toenails, a dermatologist may recommend nail surgery.

Medical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails that do not improve, become infected, recur frequently, or occur in patients with certain conditions like diabetes, require professional medical treatment. These cases should not be handled at home, as they could lead to complications.

To treat ingrown toenails, a doctor may perform a procedure to remove part or all of the toenail. The choice of procedure will depend on the patient's condition, but partial toenail removal is more commonly performed.

A partially removed toenail typically regrows in a few months, while a completely removed toenail may take around a year to fully regrow.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is better than cure, and ingrown toenails can be avoided with some simple steps:

• Avoid cutting nails in a curved manner that follows the natural curve of the toe.

• Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.

• Wear shoes that fit well, are comfortable, and provide adequate support.

• Be cautious during physical activities or sports, especially those that may cause injury to the toenails.

• Maintain foot hygiene by washing feet regularly, applying moisturizer, and ensuring feet are dry before wearing shoes.

• Visit a doctor regularly if you have a condition that may cause ingrown toenails, such as naturally curved nails or thick toenails.

Although an ingrown toenail may seem like a minor issue, it can become very bothersome and painful if not properly addressed. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward effectively preventing and managing an ingrown toenail. With proper care, good hygiene, and the right choice of footwear, you can reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails and maintain the health of your feet

Swelling in an ingrown toenail