What are ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe, but can occur on any toe.
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness along the sides of the toenail
- Redness and swelling around the affected area
- Warmth and drainage of pus if an infection develops
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably
Causes of ingrown toenails?
Several factors can cause these to form:
- Cutting toenails too short or not straight across can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Shoes that are too tight or narrow can compress the toes, pushing the skin against the nail and encouraging it to grow inward.
- Injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it.
- Naturally wide nail bed or curved toenails due to genetics.
- Sweaty feet can make your skin soft and easier for toenails to push into the skin.
- Picking or tearing at the corners of your toenails.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Treatment for ingrown toenails depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may respond to home remedies, while more severe cases may require medical intervention.
Treatment options include:
- Home remedies: Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water, gently lifting the edge of the ingrown nail, and placing a small piece of cotton under the nail to help it grow above the skin may provide relief.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical antibiotics can help reduce pain and prevent infection.
- Professional care: A doctor or podiatrist (foot specialist) can trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence. In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to remove part of the nail and prevent it from growing inward.
If home remedies or medications have proved ineffective, contact Advanced Health Medical Centre for surgical treatment options.
What surgeries are available?
Partial nail avulsion and wedge resection surgeries are two common procedures used to treat ingrown toenails. Both surgeries aim to remove the portion of the nail that is causing discomfort or infection. Here is an overview of each procedure:
If you have any concerns about ingrown toenails, contact our team today. We accept bookings online via HotDoc, or you can call our friendly reception staff at 02 8123 0183.
Advanced Health Medical & Dental Centre is a Medicare CDBS provider, and accepts all major health funds:
