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I. Definition: An
ingrown toenail is a common disorder that occurs when your toenail grows in a way that the
edges curl down into the skin of the toe, causing pain and discomfort. It can occur on all toes, but most commonly in the
big toe. An infection can result, causing the
skin at the side or tip of the nail to become red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, pus drainage may develop.
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II. Cause:
Tight
shoes or stockings can cause a toenail to become ingrown.
Improperly fit footwear can press the sides of the nail and encourage it to
curl in to the skin of the toe. Improper
trimming of the toenail can also cause the problem. Nails
that are peeled off, rounded, or trimmed down into the corners are more likely to become
ingrown.
III. Treatment and Prevention: Several
steps can be taken to decrease the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
- Cut
nails straight across with no rounded corners. Do
not pick at toenails or tear them off.
- Make
sure your shoes and stockings are not too tight.
- Keep
your feet clean at all times.
While
some ingrown toenails can be treated effectively with proper foot care and home treatment,
severe cases may require medical advice. You
should see an orthopaedic specialist if an ingrown toenail develops pus, or infection
and/or pain persists for longer than 1 week. Your
orthopaedic specialist may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Reduce
the inflammation by soaking the toe in warm water saturated with table salt. Repeat several times a day.
- Wear
open-toed shoes or sandals to keep pressure off of the ingrown nail area.
- Gently
lift the ingrown nail from its embedded position and insert a strip of sterilized cotton
between the nail and the skin. Change this
packing every day.
- Minor
surgery to remove part, or all, of the nail may be necessary if pain is severe or
infection persists.
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