Summary
- Ingrowing toenails occur when the hard nail plate causes a wound in the soft flesh around the nail.
- They can be very painful and become infected.
- There may be an overgrowth of tissue around the nail due to irritation of the wound.
How did I get this?
- Direct trauma from tight footwear or stubbing your toe
- Long term pressure from a thickened or curved toenail
- Poor nail cutting leaving a sharp corner on the nail
- Swollen toes and sweaty feet can weaken the skin around the nail.
What can I do about it?
- Avoid footwear which presses on the toe.
- Bathe the foot in salt water and apply an antiseptic dressing.
- Trim the toenail as short as possible but do not cut into the painful side
What help can I get for this?
- A podiatrist can remove the part of the nail that is causing the problem. This may be done under local anaesthetic if necessary.
- A Podiatrist can advise on appropriate footwear and how to avoid further problems.
- A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the toe is infected, however the nail will still need treatment to prevent further infection
- A Podiatrist can permanently remove the problem piece of nail and prevent regrowth. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is a lasting solution
When will it get better?
- Without treatment the nail will continue to grow and penetrate the wound.
- Removal of the piece of nail provides immediate relief.
- Careful nail care and the right shoes can prevent recurring problems
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