Imagine strolling around uninhibited one day, then gradually starting to experience a throbbing pain or inflammation near your toenail. It's highly probable that you're encountering an ingrown toenail.
A frequent ailment known as an ingrown toenail happens when the nail intrudes into the skin, according to Mayo Clinic.
At its mildest it can merely cause discomfort; if neglected though, it could escalate into severe complications like bacterial infection.
Following are insights by a professional dermatologist on what triggers such conditions and opinions about various available treatments and home remedies for untimely relief.
Indications of Ingrown Toenails
A primary sign of an ingrown toenail, as pointed out by Bruce Robinson, MD - a prominent dermatologist with board certification - is sensitivity and swelling in the toe. This might further extend to redness on your toe.
When the nail punctures the skin, it leads to an overgrowth around the problematic nail which could also trigger inflammation, adds Dr.Robinson
There are additional symptoms you should be aware of:
- Discharge of pus from that specific toe
- Sensation of pain
- Darkened region around concerned area
- A hot or warm feeling at your toe
Reasons
The primary reason for ingrown toenails tends to be inappropriate nail care, specifically trimming the nail too short, according to Dr. Robinson.
"When the toenail is excessively shortened, it's more prone to growing into the skin," he explains. "Due to this, there can be inflammation and swelling of the skin which may even start encapsulating the nail leading it a vicious cycle."
As stated by Cleveland Clinic, some other reasons are:
- Overly tight footwear
- Injury on your toenail
- Infection in nails
- The structure of your foot
Therapy
Ingrown toenails are conditions that can either be managed through personal care practices at home or professional medical intervention, as per Dr. Robinson's assertion.
"If the discomfort from the condition is minor to a point where it doesn't interfere with your normal walking or disrupt your sleep, then you have the option of administering self-care," he advises.
Conversely, when an ingrown toenail advances to a stage where it results in an infection, seeking expert help becomes paramount.
Dr. Robinson further adds: "Should the pain escalate causing mobility trouble and observable pus emanates from it - or if fever sets in-, consulting with a dermatologist without delay becomes necessary."
Natural Treatments
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are some homemade solutions for dealing with ingrown toenails:
- Make use of this to alleviate the pain.
- Apply a cool pack on your toe in order to decrease inflammation.
- Keep using till the problem of ingrown nail is resolved.
- Submerge your foot in warm tap water (ensure that, apart from this, your feet remain dry).
- Insert cotton or dental floss between skin and nail to aid in fostering growth over it. Always replace cottonball or floss daily.
Therapies for Health Conditions
Should your at-home attempts to rectify an ingrown toenail be unsuccessful, a medical professional can aid in speeding up the healing process.
Forego any DIY methods of removing an ingrown toenail such as prying it out (this definitely won't work!). Instead, allow a skin specialist or dermatologist to handle the procedure. They have the necessary expertise to perform surgeries on ingrown toenails which often involves partially excising the offending nail, according Dr. Robinson.
"The area around the site will first be numbed to minimize any discomfort during surgery," describes Dr.Robinson, "We then proceed to carefully cut away that segment of nail causing irritation and consequently settling into your flesh." This ultimately allows your skin some respite to start recovering while simultaneously eliminating said pain.
In instances where an infection takes hold due to an untreated ingrown toenail issue, you'll need prompt treatment from a doctor says Dr.Robinson. Medicinal treatments may encompass antibiotics alongside potential draining of accumulated pus if necessary.
Avoidance Measures
Maintain foot health and avert the development of ingrown toenails by adhering to these guidelines, as suggested by the Cleveland Clinic:
- Opt for shoes with spacious toe areas: Steer clear of ill-fitting, tight footwear (which can additionally result in other issues).
- Trim your nails correctly: Your nails ought to be cut horizontally across. Do not attempt to curve the corners.
- Avoid trimming your nails excessively short: Ensure they align with your toe tips.
- Utilize sanitized nail clippers at all times: Refrain from sharing them with others.
- Prioritize soaking your toenails in lukewarm water before clipping them: This process aids in softening the nails which facilitates easier trimming.
Consultation with a Physician
Should an ingrown toenail cause you discomfort to the extent of disrupting your stride or daily tasks, you ought to seek medical advice, as suggested by Dr. Robinson.
As per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, if there is severe irritation, swelling and pain in the affected toe along with pus discharge, it's highly probable that it has contracted an infection which requires prompt medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ingrown toenails disappear by themselves?
In the opinion of Dr. Robinson, it's improbable for an ingrown toenail to self-resolve. Absence of treatment can exacerbate the problem and lead to infection. "As long as you don't remove the nail fragment responsible for the issue, chances are it will continue to cause discomfort," he states.
How can you quickly eliminate an ingrown toenail?
The most rapid method to eradicate an ingrown toenail involves seeking immediate medical attention. Instead of resorting to and counting on home treatments, consider a minor surgical procedure aimed at extracting the nail embedded into the flesh, as suggested by Dr. Robinson.
What could be causing recurring ingrown toenails on my big toe?
Recurrent incidents of an ingrown toenail might originate from improper nail care or even your footwear. According to Dr. Robinson, "Often, recurrent Ingrown toenails are the result of trimming the nails excessively short or donning tight shoes." Shoes which squeeze your toes into a confined space tend to cause this issue often. Repetitive experiences of an ingrown toenail may also be instigated by physical trauma that includes sports activities involving swift starts and stops such as tennis. "The action forces your foot against the narrow area insides your shoe," adds Dr, Robinson.
