Ingrown Toenail: Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Types of Ingrown Toenail

• Mild: The toenail slightly penetrates the skin, causing minor redness and swelling without infection.
• Moderate: The toenail grows more into the skin, leading to increased pain, redness, and swelling, often with the beginning of infection.
• Severe: The toenail deeply embeds into the skin, causing significant pain, swelling, infection, and sometimes the formation of pus.
• Recurrent: Occurs when ingrown toenails keep coming back after treatment, often due to improper nail trimming or footwear.

Ingrown Toenail Causes

Ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling. Understanding the causes can help prevent discomfort and avoid further complications.

• Footwear Shoes and socks: that squeeze the toes and are too tight increase the chance of ingrown toenails.
• Cutting toenails too short: Not cutting straight or trimming the edges of the toenail can cause the surrounding skin to fold over the nail. The nail can then push on that skin and pierce it.
• Toenail injury: It can result by kicking something hard, dropping something on your toe, and other accidents.
• An unusual curvature: This increases the risk of the nail growing into the soft tissue, causing inflammation and possible infection.
• Posture: The way a person walks or stands can affect the likelihood of developing these toenails.
• Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating: It is more likely to form if the skin on the toes and feet is warm and wet.
• Fungal infections can increase the risk.
• Heredity: It can be hereditary.
• Genetic factors: Some people have longer toenails from birth.

Conditions that Cause Ingrown Toenail

• Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)
• Obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Psoriasis
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Bunion deformity
• Flat feet (pes planus)
• Nail dystrophy due to systemic illness

Who is Likely to Have An Ingrown Toenail?

People who are at risk & likely to get this include:

• Adolescents
• Athletes
• Diabetes
• severe injury to the nerves of the foot or leg.
• Poor blood circulation
• An infection around the nail.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

It start with minor symptoms that can escalate. Pay attention to the initial symptoms of this condition to avoid ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) infections and other complications.

• Redness or hardening of the skin around the nail
• Swelling
• Pain when touched
• Pressure or throbbing under the nail
• Bleeding
• Accumulation or exudation of fluid
• Bad smell
• Heat in the area around the nail
• Pus-filled abscess where the nail-pierced the skin
• Excessive growth of new and inflamed tissue at the edges of the nail
• Thick and cracked yellow nails, specifically in fungal infections

When to See a Doctor for Ingrown Toenail

Consider visiting the doctor if you have;

• Severe Pain: If the pain becomes intense and persistent, despite home remedies.
• Infection Signs: If there is noticeable redness, swelling, pus, or warmth around the toenail.
• Chronic Condition: If the ingrown toenail keeps recurring or doesn't improve with self-care.
• Difficulty Walking: If the ingrown toenail affects your ability to walk comfortably.
• Underlying Health Conditions: If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, infections can be more serious.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Physical Examination: A doctor visually inspects the toe for swelling, pus, and nail positioning.
• Medical History: Includes inquiries about nail care habits, footwear, and medical conditions.
• Infection Assessment: In severe cases, pus samples or imaging may be used to rule out bone infection.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Non-Surgical Treatment

Ingrown toenail should be treated as soon as it is detected. If they are detected early (before infection stars), home remedies for ingrown toenails can prevent the need for further treatment:

• Soak the feet in lukewarm water 3-4 times a day.
• Keep the feet dry for the rest of the day.
• Consider wearing sandals until the condition improves.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat pain.
• If it does not improve in 2 or 3 days, or if the condition worsens, call the doctor.

Surgical Treatment

• If there is excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, and discharge, the toenail is likely infected and should be treated by a doctor.
• A person may need to take oral antibiotics.
• The surgeon may perform surgical excision of a portion of the nail, surrounding soft tissue, underlying nail bed, and even the growth center.
• Ingrown Toenail Surgery is effective in preventing the edge of the nail from growing inwards and cutting the fleshy folds as the toenail grows forward.
• Permanent ingrown toenail removal may be recommended for children with chronic and recurrent infected ingrown nails.

Prevention Tips for Ingrown Toenail

• Trim toenails straight across without rounding the corners
• Avoid overly tight shoes and socks
• Maintain good foot hygiene and dryness
• Change socks regularly, especially after sweating
• Avoid injury or trauma to the toes
• Treat fungal infections early

Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenail

• Warm Water Soak: Dip your foot in warm, soapy water to soften the skin and reduce swelling.
• Epsom Salt: Add Epsom salt to the soak for ingrown toenail pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
• Cotton Lift: Gently place clean cotton under the nail to lift it away from the skin.
• Antiseptic Ointment: Apply to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear open-toed or loose shoes to avoid pressure on the toe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak your foot in diluted apple cider vinegar to prevent infection.

Lifestyle Changes for Ingrown Toenail Prevention

• Choose breathable, well-fitting footwear
• Regularly inspect and care for toenails, especially if you have diabetes
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Wear protective footwear during activities that risk toe injury
• Incorporate foot care into your daily hygiene routine