Ingrown Toenails
 

If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how painful they can be.  You almost can’t believe how something as simple as an ingrown toenail can cause so much pain, and make walking an unpleasant experience. 

An ingrown toenail is just that.  The nail curves downward and grows into the skin.  The nail “digs in” the sides of the toe and causes irritation to the skin. 

As it progresses, the skin becomes red, inflamed and painful.  If there becomes a break in the skin, bacteria can set in and cause an infection.  The toe will throb, and there will be drainage. 

This makes wearing shoes, walking and activities very difficult.

The reason why your ingrown toenails develop are varied.  It can be inherited, a result from trauma to the nail plate, improper trimming, tight shoes, or repetitive activities such as running. 

Sometimes there is a deformity in the bone underneath the toenail.  And this may come as a huge surprise, but there is also an increased incidence of ingrown toenails during and shortly after pregnancy. 

Also, certain nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails, such as nail fungus or psoriasis.

A typical first response from someone who develops an ingrown toenail is to perform “bathroom surgery” on themselves.  OUCH!

This should be avoided, as it almost always makes the situation worse. 

First off, the toe is very painful, and to try and  remove the nail, with improper instruments, and poor positioning, will most likely be unsuccessful. 

Home remedies are discouraged, especially if you have a medical condition which puts you at risk, such as diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. 

Usually, a piece of nail is left in, creating a source of increased skin irritation, which can further produce an infection.

To provide some temporary relief until treatment by a podiatric physician is possible, you can soak your foot in room temperature water and Epsom’s salt.  

Podiatrist physicians are the experts in fixing this problem. 

Your podiatrist physician will be able to safely and correctly cure your ingrown toenail in the office. 

This is a very common foot problem that podiatric surgeons treat daily.  This does involve a simple procedure, which removes the offending nail border.  If there is an infection present, oral antibiotics are prescribed. 

There is a certain amount of home care involved, which consists of soaking and antibiotic dressings for a short time.  Most people experience quick relief of pain, and full return to activities in just a few days.

There have been some misconceptions or myths about the prevention or treatments of ingrown toenail. 

First, cutting a “V” in the nail will not affect the growth pattern of the nail. The nail will still grow the same, and if there is a tendency for the nail to become ingrown, it will. 

Secondly, placing cotton under the nail will not relieve the pain.  Cotton may in fact, harbor bacteria and encourage infection. 

Lastly,  over-the-counter topical medications, such as Outgrow, does not cure the ingrown toenail.  They may reduce some pain, but they do not address the underlying problem.

The bottom line in preventing ingrown toenails is to trim them properly.  You should cut your nails fairly straight, and not too short. 

Avoid picking your toenails, as this will leave the nails jagged and may create breaks in the skin that can lead to infection. 

Also, wear proper fitting shoes. Not too tight or too small. Conversely, a shoe that is too loose will cause the foot to slide forward, thus creating toe pressure.

 
Sometimes, however, despite wearing proper shoes and proper nail trimming, an ingrown toenail still develops.  If this occurs, see your podiatric surgeon for a quick, safe, simple and affective treatment.

If you live in South Florida, and you would like a consultation with me, please call my office at:

In or near Boynton Beach, call 561-734-4867

In or near Wellington, call 561-433-5577.