Ingrown Toenail Removal Chicago? Top 40 Best Answers

Pedicure season is here and customers will be flocking for foot care. Unfortunately, ingrown toenails are a common problem that causes pain and swelling in clients and sometimes leads to infection. While technicians may not treat this condition, nail professionals can help prevent ingrown nails. Here are expert advice to stave off that toenail blunder this summer.

1. Remember technicians are not doctors. If a client presents an already ingrown nail, the nail stylist shouldn’t touch it, says Karen Hodges, co-owner of NailCare Academy in Fort Myers, Fla. “We’re only in the ‘beautification’ business.” However, after a client is discharged from medical care, the technicians can tackle any foot and nail care issues cosmetically.

2. DO NOT serve any customer with inflammation, injury or infection. Examine feet carefully before beginning any maintenance, says Hodges. If you notice redness, swelling, or oozing around the nail plate, do not proceed with the pedicure and refer it to a doctor.

3. Use the right tools. Vicki Malo, president of the North American School of Podiatry in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, prefers flat-edged pliers (no angles) and slightly curved toenail clippers. An ingrown nail file is another valuable tool; Its thin, very fine-grit tip can be used to smooth the curved edges of the nail. Also pay attention to the size of your tools. For example, using a curette that’s too large can create too much pressure under the toenail, lifting the nail plate and creating an area ripe for fungus, says Malo.

4. DO NOT cut the nail too short. The usual customer response to an ingrown nail is to grab nail clippers and trim the nail short. Now, however, the outer flesh of the toe can protrude over the front edge and push the nail down into the sidewalls – causing ingrowth. Hodges corrects this cycle by growing the nail long enough that it no longer digs into the distal part of the toe. Before you can trim the nail properly, the nail should be long enough that trimming is possible, she says.

5. Cut the nail into small incisions. “Use small ‘nibbles’ as you work your way down the nail rather than trying to reduce length with a single ‘bite,'” says Hodges. Avoid flattening the nail as this can cause pain and cracking on the sides of the free edge, especially if the nails are thick or tough.

6. DO NOT cut into the corners. The nail should be cut straight and filed. Leave the corners alone to grow out of the hyponychium and grow away, says Hodges. That being said, sharp corners can cut into skin, Malo says, so use a fine file to gently take the sharpness off the corners without rounding the nail.

7. Nourish the skin around the nail. Keeping the area near the nail healthy, supple, and properly moisturized can help prevent ingrowth, says Hodges. Use an exfoliant to keep calluses at bay and encourage clients to stay hydrated at home.

8. Don’t forget customer training. Discuss the importance of the right footwear with your customers. Poorly fitting shoes or extremely pointy styles can push toenails into the nail ridge area, says Malo. Also, remind your customers to wear safety shoes, such as steel toe shoes, when working in an area where there is a risk of injury.

9. Put the client on a program to trim her nails. If a client is prone to ingrown toenails, get her to commit to eight weeks without trimming her nails at home and a total of three pedicure treatments that focus on toenail growth and reshaping, says Hodges. “Setting a deadline helps, but I’ve found that getting someone to do something for three weeks is usually ingrained in their lifestyle.” – By Leslie Henry

What are the most common ingrown problems you face in the salon? Tell us in the comments below.

[IMAGE: Illustration by Laura Fenwick.]

This article was first published in the July 2017 issue of NAILPRO.

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem. They develop when the edge of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe, and they’re often painful.

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, and your risk increases if you clip your toenails too short or have an injury that damages a nail. Unfortunately, ingrown nails can easily become infected and lead to painful complications or the spread of infection.

Identifying and treating your ingrown nail early will help it heal and reduce the risk of infection. Bryon Butts, DPM, and our team at Performance Footcare PC can help. Read on for our at-home care tips and find out when it’s time to book a podiatrist appointment.

Treating an ingrown toenail at home

Initially, an ingrown toenail typically causes mild redness and pain along the side of your toe. So if you notice your toe hurting after trimming your nails too short, start home treatments as soon as possible to promote healing.

There are a few things you can try at home to treat small ingrown nails. Soak your foot in warm water for about 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain. Always make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after each bath.

Apply an antibiotic ointment to your toe and bandage it to keep bacteria out and reduce the risk of infection. If wearing socks and shoes irritates your toe, consider wearing open-toed shoes until the nail grows a little longer.

Never try to remove the ingrown part of your nail, and don’t trim the nail yourself unless you can clearly see its edge. If you treat your ingrown nail at home, watch for signs of infection as it heals.

When to see a podiatrist with an ingrown nail

Minor ingrown toenails can heal on their own as the nail grows out. However, severe or infected ingrown nails require professional medical care.

It’s important to know the signs of an ingrown nail infection so you know when it’s time to see a doctor. Symptoms often include:

drainage, such as blood or pus

Significant swelling

warmth

worsening of pain

If your nail is infected, it won’t heal on its own. The only way to treat the infection and avoid painful complications is to see a podiatrist like Dr. Visit Butts for the care of ingrown nails.

Foot care for ingrown toenails

dr Butts and our team at Performance Footcare PC offer a range of treatments for ingrown toenails. Smaller ingrown nails can benefit from a small splint that lifts the nail so it grows away from your skin.

For infected ingrown nails, Dr. Prescribe Butts antibiotics or a topical antimicrobial solution. If you get recurring ingrown nails, he may recommend you to remove part or all of your toenail to get rid of your ingrown nail problems.

All ingrown toenails require a little care. Minor cases may heal on their own with home care, but remember that a trip to the podiatrist is essential if you think your ingrown nail may be infected. To learn more about treating ingrown toenails at Performance Footcare PC, contact us online or by phone today.

diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose an ingrown toenail based on your symptoms and a physical examination of the nail and surrounding skin.

treatment

Ingrown Toenail Treatment Open pop-up dialog Close Ingrown Toenail Treatment Ingrown Toenail Treatment When treating ingrown toenails, cotton wool can be placed under the edge of the nail to separate the nail from the overlying skin. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin.

If home remedies haven’t helped your ingrown toenail, your doctor may recommend the following:

lifting the nail. For a mildly ingrown nail, your doctor may gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint underneath. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin, usually in 2 to 12 weeks. At home, you have to soak the toe and replace the material on a daily basis. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking. Another approach that minimizes the need for daily replacement uses cotton coated with a solution that fixes it in place and makes it waterproof (collodion).

Gluing the nail. In this method, your doctor uses tape to peel the skin away from the ingrown nail.

In this method, your doctor uses tape to peel the skin away from the ingrown nail. Place a gutter rail under the nail. With this method, your doctor numbs the toe and slides a tiny slotted tube under the embedded nail. This splint stays in place until the nail has grown past the edge of the skin. This method also helps relieve the pain of an ingrown nail.

With this method, your doctor numbs the toe and slides a tiny slotted tube under the embedded nail. This splint stays in place until the nail has grown past the edge of the skin. This method also helps relieve the pain of an ingrown nail. Partially remove nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail (inflamed skin, pain, and pus), your doctor may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. It may take 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back.

For a more severe ingrown toenail (inflamed skin, pain, and pus), your doctor may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. It may take 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back. Remove nail and tissue. If you have the problem repeatedly on the same toe, your doctor may suggest removing part of the nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed). This procedure can prevent that part of the nail from growing back. Your doctor will numb the toe and use a chemical, laser, or other method.

After a nail removal, you can take a pain reliever if necessary. Applying a wet compress for a few days until the swelling goes down may help. And rest and lift the toe for 12-24 hours. When you start moving again, avoid activities that hurt your toe and don’t swim or use a hot tub until your doctor tells you it’s okay. It’s okay to shower the day after surgery. Call your doctor if the toe doesn’t heal.

Sometimes the problem reappears even after a successful operation. Surgical approaches are better at preventing recurrence than non-surgical methods.

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lifestyle and home remedies

You can treat most ingrown toenails at home. Here’s how:

Soak your feet in warm, soapy water. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes until toe gets better.

Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes until toe gets better. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail. Place fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown line after each soak. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin.

Place fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown line after each soak. This helps the nail grow past the edge of the skin. Apply petroleum jelly. Apply petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly) to the sensitive area and bandage the toe.

Apply petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly) to the sensitive area and bandage the toe. Choose sensible footwear. Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better.

Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better. take painkillers An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve toe pain.

Prepare for your appointment

Your family doctor or a podiatrist (podiatrist) can diagnose an ingrown toenail. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your appointment. Some basic questions are:

Is my condition temporary or long term (chronic)?

What are my treatment options and the pros and cons of each?

What results can I expect?

Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own?

What nail care routine do you recommend while my toe heals?

Your doctor will likely ask you questions such as:

Ingrown toenails can be a real pain in your foot that, if left untreated, can pose a serious health risk. In addition to pain around the edges of your toenail, common symptoms of ingrown toenails include thickening or enlargement of the skin and the accumulation of fluid, swelling, and pressure around the nail.

Removal of ingrown toenails

Although the less severe cases of ingrown toenails can be treated with home remedies, it is recommended that you get them checked out by a podiatrist or doctor. The best way to get rid of a chronic or recurring ingrown toenail is minimally invasive surgery, especially if you are suffering from severe discomfort or infection.

In toenail surgery, the offending part of the toenail is removed from the base, also known as the nail matrix. This procedure, known as partial nail avulsion, can completely heal many chronic or severe ingrown toenails and prevent ingrown toenails from recurring. In some cases, skin overgrowth, also known as hypergranulation tissue, also needs to be removed as part of toenail surgery. That sounds painful, doesn’t it? Those infected are usually painful, and the idea of ​​someone poking them can make one squeamish.

The good news is that you will not feel any pain throughout the procedure as you will be under local anesthesia. The only discomfort you are likely to feel is during the anesthetic injection. We’ve remedied this, too, by using sophisticated injection techniques and needle-free Comfort-in technology to numb the area before the injection. All you will feel is just a slight stinging to nothing and the feeling that the toe is filled with some liquid.

Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt After?

Because the operation is performed under local anesthesia, patients do not feel any pain during the procedure. However, when anesthesia wears off after surgery, patients often experience some level of pain around the operated toe.

In some cases, this may be followed by a slight throbbing that lasts for a few days. The pain can be easily resolved with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. You will also likely feel some level of tenderness when direct pressure is applied to the toe area.

Generally, those who have had very painful ingrown toenails experience immediate relief after surgery.

However, there are cases when pain may appear after the procedure. This is usually an indication of complications such as an infection, especially for those not following the podiatrist’s home care instructions.

Common mistakes people make that can increase the risk of infection include:

• It is recommended to remove the postoperative dressing beforehand.

• Allow the area to air dry or soak.

There are also some cases where deeper parts of the nail bed can be damaged during surgery, resulting in poor drainage and healing, and therefore pain.

In rare cases, you will feel pain in the nail as it grows back. Therefore, it is recommended to have your toe checked if you experience significant pain after surgery.

Verdict

Ingrown toenail surgery is usually a safe, effective, and painless procedure. We use a minimally invasive procedure called Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolic Matrixectomy, which has been shown to have a 98.5% success rate.

Contact Ingrown Toenail Clinics on (02) 9964 0099 to discuss what is right for you or email us at [email protected]

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The Common, Curly Ingrown Toenail An ingrown toenail is a common condition. It usually affects your big toe. Ingrown nails typically occur in teenagers and adults between the ages of 20 and 40. The medical names for this nail condition are Onychocryptosis and Unguis Incarnatus. Let’s understand what’s happening to your toe so you can treat it successfully.

Trimming an Ingrown Toenail The first thing you should do is take a closer look to see how badly your nail is ingrown. You can often treat a slightly ingrown nail yourself. Here are the steps to follow for a mildly ingrown nail: Disinfect all nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle sticks, and other pedicure tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and allow to dry.

Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salts, tea tree oil, or other sanitizing essential oils to the foot bath. You can also try a vinegar foot bath.

Dry your feet and toes thoroughly with a soft towel.

Gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail. This can feel uncomfortable.

Using a nail file or cuticle stick, gently scrape the skin on the sides of the nail to remove dead skin cells. If the nail hasn’t rolled completely over or into the skin: You may be able to use your fingernail or a cuticle stick to encourage your toenail to roll up.

Wash your hands and clean under your fingernails before and after touching your feet.

Gently lift the edge of the toenail and place a small ball of cotton under the nail to encourage it to grow in a different direction, not into the skin or nail bed.

Wear open-toe shoes or shoes with a wide toe box.

Monitor the growth of your nail and replace the cotton swab as needed. For a more severe ingrown nail when the area around the nail is not infected: Using toenail scissors, trim your toenail straight and hold the nail long enough to get your fingernail underneath; at least 1 to 2 millimeters at the white end of the nail.

Use tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it’s ingrown. This will help create a gap between the nail and the skin.

Cut away the exposed nail corner or ingrown nail to relieve pressure and pain. This can be easiest with precision toenail clippers, sometimes referred to as podiatrist clippers and toenail clippers.

Clean the area with tea tree oil or another disinfectant.

Wear open or wide shoes. Buy precision toenail clippers online.

What Can a Doctor Do About an Ingrown Toenail? Your doctor, orthopedist, or podiatrist (a podiatrist) can treat an ingrown nail with a minor procedure, or in certain cases, surgery. This typically involves numbing the toe or foot with an injection. The skin over the ingrown nail can be removed with a scalpel. The ingrown nail section is then partially or completely removed. You will not feel any pain during the procedure except for the injection. If you have frequent ingrown nails, your surgery may involve using a laser or chemical procedure to permanently remove part of the nail bed to stop it growing as wide. Aftercare Taking care of your toe and overall health after nail surgery is important. You want to make sure your toe is healing properly and preventing infection. After your surgery, you may need to: Take antibiotics.

Take pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as needed.

Apply an antibiotic cream to the area at least twice a day.

Apply a numbing or anti-inflammatory cream if needed.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Wear loose or open-toed shoes or sandals.

Change the bandage on your toe as needed.

If necessary, contact your doctor or nurse for a dressing change.

See your doctor for follow-up appointments.

Avoid excessive walking, jogging, or running for two to four weeks after surgery.

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to aid in your recovery and avoid smoking. If you have a fungal nail infection, you may need to take antifungal medication or apply a medicated cream to clear it before your surgery.

Preventing Ingrown Nails Proper trimming of your toenails can help prevent ingrown nails. Here are some tips: Avoid peeling or plucking your toenails.

Cut your toenails straight or in a flat (lateral) oval shape.

Don’t cut your nails too short – the top white part should still be visible.

Don’t curve or angle the edges of your toenails into a V-shape.

File your toenails down instead of trimming them to avoid trimming them too short.

Keep the corners of your nails straight or very slightly tilted

Properly disinfect nail clippers, cuticle sticks and other pedicure tools before and after use.

Use the right tools; Podiatrists recommend large nail clippers for toes. This will help make a clean, straight cut. One way to prevent your toenail from being trimmed too short is to keep it level with the top (tip) of your toe. It’s also important to avoid wearing shoes that pinch or put too much pressure or stress on your toes. This includes high heels and narrow or pointy shoes, as well as any shoes that you use for walking, hiking, or running. Check your toenails for discoloration or bumpy ridges. This can be a sign of toe fungus infection. Contact your doctor for treatment.

See a doctor if you can sometimes take care of an ingrown toenail yourself. However, if you have a chronic disease or infection, treating it yourself may make the situation worse. An infection from an ingrown nail can spread to your foot, leg, or body. It can also infect the toe bone. See a doctor if you: have severe pain

Seeing signs of infection such as pain, redness, or pus on the toe

have a sore or infection anywhere on your feet

Have diabetes or another chronic disease

What happens when a nail “grows in”? Ingrown toenails occur when the side or top corner of your toenail grows into the flesh around the nail. One or both sides of the big toenail may be ingrown. This can happen when the nail is damaged, bent, or has grown against external pressure. An example is when you wear the same shoes every day and those shoes pinch your toes together or put pressure on the side of your toe and nail. Instead of growing straight, the toenail edge curls down and digs into the skin and flesh. Several things can put pressure on or damage the nail, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail. These include: a fungal or bacterial infection in the nail

constantly sweaty or clammy feet

damaged or torn nails

dry, brittle or cracked nails

malformed or deformed toenails

not trimming the nail properly

wear high-heeled shoes

Wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes Injuring your nail by bumping your big toe can lead to an ingrown nail. Other causes include chronic illness or not getting the right nutrients in your diet for healthy nail growth. Family history or use of certain medications also increase your risk. It can also be simply anatomical. The shape and size of parts of your toe can make you more prone to ingrown nails.

Ingrown toenails that show no signs of infection can be treated at home. There are ingrown toenail remedies for mild cases that only require simple treatment.

Health professionals do not recommend treating an infected ingrown toenail. Never try to lift your ingrown toenail with cotton balls or dental floss. This could only introduce bacteria to the affected area.

You should see your foot and ankle doctor (podiatrist) if:

Home remedies don’t work for you

You have poor circulation (poor circulation) or

you have diabetes

Treatments for ingrown toenails in severe cases performed by a foot and ankle podiatrist include:

lifting the nail

Partially remove nail and

Remove nail and tissue

Safe and effective home remedies for ingrown toenails

1. Soak in warm soapy water

Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. You should do this three times a day for up to 20 minutes. Adding a small amount of liquid castile soap may provide additional relief.

Be sure to dry your foot thoroughly after soaking.

2. Soak apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is now considered a folk remedy for most ailments. And that includes ingrown nails. Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and pain-relieving properties.

However, the scientific evidence supporting apple cider vinegar as a cure for common ailments is limited at best.

You can try treating an ingrown nail by soaking your affected foot in a bucket or bowl of warm water mixed with ¼ cup apple cider vinegar. Do this for up to 20 minutes daily.

Remember to always dry your foot thoroughly when you’re done soaking.

3. Soak Epsom salts

Epsom salt contains high amounts of magnesium, which is known to fight inflammation, according to one study. Such a bath will relieve swelling and pain in your affected foot.

In a wide bucket or basin, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt per quart of warm water. Dip your foot in and gently massage the affected area of ​​skin downwards. Do this 2 to 3 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Soak in hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another great option to treat ingrown toenails at home. It is a natural disinfectant, which is why it is often used to clean wounds.

Soak your infected foot in a bucket of water and a hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Be sure to add at least 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 1/2 cup of warm water.

Overcrowding of the toes from wearing ill-fitting shoes is one of the main causes of ingrown toenails. You can prevent an ingrown big toe from developing by wearing comfortable shoes.

Be sure to choose better-fitting shoes that have enough room for your toes. Comfortable shoes should allow you to wiggle your toes.

Wear sandals instead of shoes during the healing process to avoid putting pressure on your inflamed toenails.

6. Use toe protection

You should consider wearing toe protectors if your daily activities require you to wear shoes all the time.

Toe protectors provide a soft, protective barrier between your toes and your shoes. As a rule, these are stretch-to-fit hats made from elastic materials.

7. Taking oral antibiotics

Doctors don’t usually prescribe oral antibiotics for mild cases of ingrown toenails. There is no evidence that oral antibiotics can improve the condition.

Still, you may need oral antibiotics if you have a compromised immune system. Also, if your ingrown nail shows signs of infection, such as:

foul smell

presence of pus

throbbing pain

increased redness

increased swelling

Heat in and around the affected toe

Common antibiotics used to treat an ingrown toenail include:

amoxicillin

flucloxacillin

cephalexin

erythromycin

8. Taking OTC painkillers

To counteract pain from an ingrown nail, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. An example is Panadol, which is paracetamol. Be sure to only take the recommended daily dose of 3,000 milligrams to avoid side effects.

Nurofen is ibuprofen and is a better solution for pain and swelling. Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

Diarrhea

stomach upset

stomach pain

Voltaren is Diclofenac and can also help relieve the pain in your toes. Both drugs are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can all cause stomach and intestinal upset.

9. Application of antibiotic ointments

Applying an antibiotic ointment or cream is one of the remedies for ingrown toenails that reduce the risk of infection. It can also promote healing of your infected toe. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and bandage your toe after applying the ointment.

Antibiotic ointments you can use to treat ingrown toenails include:

Bactroban

tricine

Don’t ignore an ingrown nail if it’s already showing signs of infection. If you don’t act immediately, it can lead to serious complications.

Take action now! Contact Adelaide Foot and Ankle for an appointment.

A red, painful toenail is a telltale sign of an ingrown toenail. Pressure can make the pain worse and bleeding can occur. Skin can grow over the toenail, a pus-filled blister can form, and the skin around the nail can become hard and tender. Walking and running is uncomfortable. Sometimes it can hurt to only wear closed-toe shoes when your toenail is ingrown.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail that is infected, contact the professionals at Hoosier Foot and Ankle at one of our many locations in Carmel, Indianapolis, Franklin, Greenwood and Fishers Indiana. Meanwhile, take care of your ingrown toenail at home with an Epsom salt bath.

Causes of an ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail can occur due to unfortunate genetics — your nails tend to curve as they grow — but is often due to shoe care or habits. Some of the most likely causes are:

Cut a toenail too long or too short

An injury to your nail

Shoes that are too tight or too narrow and pinch your big toe

Cut your toenail rounded or angled

Poor foot hygiene

Certain sports such as skiing and dancing

Talk to us about how you can prevent further infections while you heal from the current one. Even if you come for treatment, we can’t guarantee you won’t get ingrown toenails in the future, but we can help reduce the chances that you will.

soak your toe

A warm foot bath with Epsom salts will soothe and heal an ingrown toenail. In a small shallow container, prepare your bath at a ratio of one to two tablespoons of Epsom salts for every quart of warm water. Soak for about 15 minutes at a time. The Epsom salt bath relieves discomfort and draws pus from the area around the toenail. It can also loosen the skin so it can be pulled away from your ingrown toenail.

When your ingrown toenail is most prominent, soak it several times a day. Make sure you dry your foot completely after each soak. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the area to relieve the infection.

Seek a pedicure

When does an ingrown toenail require a visit to the podiatrist?

Does your foot feel uncomfortable because your big toe hurts? The problem could be an ingrown toenail. About 5% of Americans experience an ingrown toenail problem each year.

How can you tell if you have an ingrown toenail? If the corner or side of the nail is deeply embedded in the skin next to it, it’s ingrown. The condition usually affects your big toe. You may experience pain, swelling, or redness in and around the toe. As soon as you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action. At the Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute, our board-certified podiatrist and surgeon, David B. Glover, DPM, FACFAS, can help.

While it can be a minor problem at first, if not properly cared for, an ingrown toenail can lead to surgery to remove part or all of the toenail. Surgery requires restricting your activities for at least two weeks and possibly longer.

Try the treatment at home for a few days

To avoid complications from an ingrown toenail, you can try treating it at home first. Soak your foot in warm salt water for about 20 minutes two or more times a day. Dry thoroughly and apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area. Keep your feet clean and wear clean socks and shoes. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

When to see a podiatrist with an ingrown toenail

If the symptoms don’t go away soon, you need to see the podiatrist immediately. Symptoms can escalate to any of the following:

Pain even without pressure on the foot

Pain from just touching the toe

Significant swelling

drainage, which is a sign of infection

Skin on and around the toe that feels warm

Why ingrown toenails occur and how to prevent them

Sometimes personal habits can lead to an ingrown toenail. It’s never too late to change a habit that can be harmful to your health.

Trim wrong

You may be tempted to make a U-shaped curve when clipping your toenails. But to avoid an ingrown nail, you should trim the nail straight. If you must have a curve, use toenail clippers and a nail file to make just a slight curve at the very top of the nail.

Wearing unsuitable shoes

Many fashionable women’s shoes and even some men’s shoes have pointed toes. These shoes can force your toes into a cramped, unnatural position, and the pressure and friction can lead to an ingrown toenail.

High heels on women can also cause ingrown toenails. A 2.5-inch heel increases pressure on the ball of your foot, including your toes, by 75 percent. The extreme pressure can cause the nail to sink into the flesh next to it.

Change your shoes if you start getting an ingrown toenail that isn’t because you didn’t trim your toes properly. Your foot sends you a signal to relieve it. Wearing shoes with a wide enough bed and low heels can mean the difference between recurring ingrown toenail problems — let alone other foot problems — and healthy feet.

Call or book an appointment online at Mountain View Foot & Ankle for expert support to keep you on your feet.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown nails, the most common nail damage, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of the nail ridges, often causing irritation, redness, and swelling. Normally, toenails grow straight out. However, sometimes one or both corners or sides will curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also be affected.

causes

Ingrown toenails can be caused by:

Improperly trimmed nails

inheritance

shoe print; crowding of the toes

Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

symptoms

The following symptoms can occur with ingrown toenails:

Pains

redness and swelling

drainage

Odor

Protruding Skin Tissue (Proud Flesh)

treatment at home

If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in a warm salt water bath or 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 see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Other “do-it-yourself” treatments, including trying to remove part of an infected nail, or using over-the-counter medications should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the condition and then prescribe medication or other appropriate treatment.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist immediately if there is any drainage or excessive redness around the toenail. Even if a brief attempt at home treatment hasn’t resulted in improvement, see your podiatrist. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek treatment at the first sign of an ingrown toenail as it can lead to more serious complications.

diagnosis and treatment

A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown toenails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to prevent ingrown toenails permanently. The ingrown corner of the nail is removed along with the matrix or root of that piece of nail using a chemical, laser or other methods.

prevention

Trim toenails properly: Cut them straight, no longer than the tips of the toes. Do not dig into corners and only gently round off corners with a nail file. Use toenail scissors.

Avoid shoes with pointed or narrow toe boxes.

Never tear or tear the edges of the nails.

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What is the best treatment for ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails can cause mild discomfort or excruciating pain, depending on how much they’ve grown. For many lucky people, an ingrown nail will resolve on its own without treatment.

Other people get aggressive ingrown nails that force them to walk with a limp. This type of ingrown toenail can immobilize a person. Even more so when it grows to the point where it causes complications.

Nobody wants that which is why prompt treatment will help you get rid of the pain, discomfort or complication caused by that annoying toenail.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

A toenail should only grow forward, not into the crease of the toe. Unfortunately, many people don’t have toenails that grow as they should.

An ingrown toenail can be caused by one or more of the following:

Constant Toe Stress: This can occur in athletes who kick things all the time. It’s also common in people who do ballet and people who wear shoes that pinch their toes

Toe trauma: A stubbed toe can develop an ingrown nail. Dropping a heavy object on a toe can also lead to an ingrown nail

Cutting toenails wrong: Toenails should be cut straight. Attempting to round off the toenail at the corners can cause it to grow into the toe creases

Thickened Toenails: Some people have naturally thick nails. This is the case for many older people. Thick toenails are more likely to become ingrown

A hereditary trait: Some people have a genetic trait (like nails that fan out at the sides) that causes their toenails to grow in

Home remedies for ingrown toenails

It is possible to treat an ingrown nail at home. Here are a few ways to deal with that pesky toenail:

1. Olive oil treatment

Use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the skin next to the toenail. As the skin softens, gently push it away from the nail and place dental floss or cotton between the skin and the nail. Do this twice a day.

It will cause the nail to grow away from the skin.

2. A warm bath

Soak the foot in warm soapy water to soften the skin and separate it from the toenail. Do this three or four times a day. Instead of soap, a person can opt for white vinegar, a little bleach, or some Epsom salts.

Place dental floss or cotton balls between the nail and skin after each soak.

3. Prevent or remove infection

Use a topical antibiotic on the toe and wrap it with a bandage.

4. Keep feet healthy

Wear comfortable shoes, preferably open-toed, and rest the foot.

These measures are designed to prevent the nail from growing further into the toe. However, home remedies should only be used by healthy people without chronic diseases or a weakened immune system. For example, a person with diabetes should always prefer medical treatment to home remedies.

When to the doctor

An ingrown toenail can damage the skin, which in turn can cause infection. If a person notices the following signs of infection, they should see a doctor:

Throbbing pain that makes walking difficult

A toe that feels warm or hot

Skin that is red, hard, too soft, or overgrown

swelling

A discharge of pus

These are classic signs of infection. If the ingrown toe is left untreated at this point, it can develop into a complication such as gangrene.

Medical Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

When the ingrown toenail becomes a chronic problem, a podiatrist can step in. He removes part or all of the toenail in a minor surgical procedure.

When the podiatrist removes part of the nail, they numb the toe and clip the sides of the toenail. The sides of the remaining toenail are made completely straight.

To stop the nail from growing back, the doctor will place cotton on the edges of the remaining nail. You can also choose to treat the toe with a compound called phenol.

When the podiatrist removes the entire toenail, they also remove the nail bed. This will prevent the nail from growing back.

After the surgery, the doctor may also prescribe a course of antibiotics and rest.

Preventive measures are the best treatment

The best cure for ingrown toenails is not to get any at all. By keeping your feet and toes healthy, you can reduce the chances of a problematic toenail.

If your toenail is causing you problems, contact us and make an appointment. We’ll get your toe back in shape in no time.

Request an appointment here: https://utahpodiatry.com or call the Foot & Ankle Specialty Clinic at (435) 799-8089 to schedule an appointment at our Logan office.

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The Common, Curly Ingrown Toenail An ingrown toenail is a common condition. It usually affects your big toe. Ingrown nails typically occur in teenagers and adults between the ages of 20 and 40. The medical names for this nail condition are Onychocryptosis and Unguis Incarnatus. Let’s understand what’s happening to your toe so you can treat it successfully.

Trimming an Ingrown Toenail The first thing you should do is take a closer look to see how badly your nail is ingrown. You can often treat a slightly ingrown nail yourself. Here are the steps to follow for a mildly ingrown nail: Disinfect all nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle sticks, and other pedicure tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and allow to dry.

Soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salts, tea tree oil, or other sanitizing essential oils to the foot bath. You can also try a vinegar foot bath.

Dry your feet and toes thoroughly with a soft towel.

Gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail. This can feel uncomfortable.

Using a nail file or cuticle stick, gently scrape the skin on the sides of the nail to remove dead skin cells. If the nail hasn’t rolled completely over or into the skin: You may be able to use your fingernail or a cuticle stick to encourage your toenail to roll up.

Wash your hands and clean under your fingernails before and after touching your feet.

Gently lift the edge of the toenail and place a small ball of cotton under the nail to encourage it to grow in a different direction, not into the skin or nail bed.

Wear open-toe shoes or shoes with a wide toe box.

Monitor the growth of your nail and replace the cotton swab as needed. For a more severe ingrown nail when the area around the nail is not infected: Using toenail scissors, trim your toenail straight and hold the nail long enough to get your fingernail underneath; at least 1 to 2 millimeters at the white end of the nail.

Use tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it’s ingrown. This will help create a gap between the nail and the skin.

Cut away the exposed nail corner or ingrown nail to relieve pressure and pain. This can be easiest with precision toenail clippers, sometimes referred to as podiatrist clippers and toenail clippers.

Clean the area with tea tree oil or another disinfectant.

Wear open or wide shoes. Buy precision toenail clippers online.

What Can a Doctor Do About an Ingrown Toenail? Your doctor, orthopedist, or podiatrist (a podiatrist) can treat an ingrown nail with a minor procedure, or in certain cases, surgery. This typically involves numbing the toe or foot with an injection. The skin over the ingrown nail can be removed with a scalpel. The ingrown nail section is then partially or completely removed. You will not feel any pain during the procedure except for the injection. If you have frequent ingrown nails, your surgery may involve using a laser or chemical procedure to permanently remove part of the nail bed to stop it growing as wide. Aftercare Taking care of your toe and overall health after nail surgery is important. You want to make sure your toe is healing properly and preventing infection. After your surgery, you may need to: Take antibiotics.

Take pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as needed.

Apply an antibiotic cream to the area at least twice a day.

Apply a numbing or anti-inflammatory cream if needed.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Wear loose or open-toed shoes or sandals.

Change the bandage on your toe as needed.

If necessary, contact your doctor or nurse for a dressing change.

See your doctor for follow-up appointments.

Avoid excessive walking, jogging, or running for two to four weeks after surgery.

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to aid in your recovery and avoid smoking. If you have a fungal nail infection, you may need to take antifungal medication or apply a medicated cream to clear it before your surgery.

Preventing Ingrown Nails Proper trimming of your toenails can help prevent ingrown nails. Here are some tips: Avoid peeling or plucking your toenails.

Cut your toenails straight or in a flat (lateral) oval shape.

Don’t cut your nails too short – the top white part should still be visible.

Don’t curve or angle the edges of your toenails into a V-shape.

File your toenails down instead of trimming them to avoid trimming them too short.

Keep the corners of your nails straight or very slightly tilted

Properly disinfect nail clippers, cuticle sticks and other pedicure tools before and after use.

Use the right tools; Podiatrists recommend large nail clippers for toes. This will help make a clean, straight cut. One way to prevent your toenail from being trimmed too short is to keep it level with the top (tip) of your toe. It’s also important to avoid wearing shoes that pinch or put too much pressure or stress on your toes. This includes high heels and narrow or pointy shoes, as well as any shoes that you use for walking, hiking, or running. Check your toenails for discoloration or bumpy ridges. This can be a sign of toe fungus infection. Contact your doctor for treatment.

See a doctor if you can sometimes take care of an ingrown toenail yourself. However, if you have a chronic disease or infection, treating it yourself may make the situation worse. An infection from an ingrown nail can spread to your foot, leg, or body. It can also infect the toe bone. See a doctor if you: have severe pain

Seeing signs of infection such as pain, redness, or pus on the toe

have a sore or infection anywhere on your feet

Have diabetes or another chronic disease

What happens when a nail “grows in”? Ingrown toenails occur when the side or top corner of your toenail grows into the flesh around the nail. One or both sides of the big toenail may be ingrown. This can happen when the nail is damaged, bent, or has grown against external pressure. An example is when you wear the same shoes every day and those shoes pinch your toes together or put pressure on the side of your toe and nail. Instead of growing straight, the toenail edge curls down and digs into the skin and flesh. Several things can put pressure on or damage the nail, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail. These include: a fungal or bacterial infection in the nail

constantly sweaty or clammy feet

damaged or torn nails

dry, brittle or cracked nails

malformed or deformed toenails

not trimming the nail properly

wear high-heeled shoes

Wearing tight, narrow, or ill-fitting shoes Injuring your nail by bumping your big toe can lead to an ingrown nail. Other causes include chronic illness or not getting the right nutrients in your diet for healthy nail growth. Family history or use of certain medications also increase your risk. It can also be simply anatomical. The shape and size of parts of your toe can make you more prone to ingrown nails.

A toenail is considered ingrown when the nail grows into the skin of the toe. In most cases, ingrown toenails affect the big toe. Ingrown toenails can be painful, especially when they become infected. An infected toenail sometimes fills with pus and is often slightly swollen and red. However, ingrown toenails can easily be treated by a podiatrist.

Surgery to remove ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenail removal often requires a minor surgical procedure. Oral antibiotics are usually not required.

To begin the procedure, the podiatrist or other specialist will numb the patient’s toe. Before the numbness sets in, however, the patient may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation from the numbing medication injected into the toe. This discomfort lasts about 10 seconds and subsides as the toe becomes numb.

Then the podiatrist cuts out the piece of nail that grows into the skin. In most cases, only a small portion of the nail needs to be removed. In rare cases, when the infection is severe, the entire nail is removed. If the infection isn’t severe, the doctor can destroy the edge of the ingrown nail root. This will prevent the nail from growing in in the future without significantly changing the appearance of the nail. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes once the toe is numb.

Follow-up Guide

Typical cures are limited to no discomfort and usually relieve discomfort from ingrown nails within 24 hours. After the operation, we ask the patients to apply. The following is a list of tips to help your toe heal and prevent further discomfort from an ingrown toenail:

Soak your feet in warm, soapy or Epsom salt water once a day. Keep them submerged for about 5-7 minutes during each soak. Soaking can be avoided by using absorbent dressings such as PolyMem.

Wear sandals or other comfortable shoes that don’t press on your toes.

Wear a bandage with antibiotic ointment on your toe along the way. At home, remove the bandage and ventilate the wound for 15-30 minutes when it suits you.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if your toe feels sore. Severe pain is rare. If OTC medications are not effective, consult a doctor.

Ingrown toenails are a fairly common problem, usually caused by trimming the toenails too short or wearing improperly fitting or constricting shoes that rub against the nail. However, the minor surgery to remove an ingrown toenail is usually painless, and if you follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions, your toe should heal with little discomfort. Most patients return to normal activity without restriction within a few days.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, contact our podiatry. Our Concord podiatrist can answer all your questions about ingrown toenails and ingrown toenail removal. Most ingrown nails can be seen and treated within 24-48 hours.