An ingrown nail is a condition wherein the nail curves and will then grow into the sides of the skin. At times, this will cause the skin to break and will lead to infection. The other name for this condition is Onychocryptosis and is usually more noticeable in the toenail. It has been observed that the big toe is the most affected of all toenail regarding the problem of ingrown nails. But any toenail can also be affected with the condition. In general, an ingrown toenail is accompanied with pain, redness and swelling. It is common to see the end or the corner of the nail to become inflamed and red during the early stage. The area will also feel warm and tender to touch. In the end, growth of extra skin and new tissue will be observed at the point of the nail. Infection of the nail will follow when the growing nails slit the bordering skin. Thus, entry of the bacteria to that area will be facilitated.
Ingrown Toenail Causes
There are plenty of factors which are associated with the ingrown toenail problem. Several people may be genetically predisposed to the development of ingrown toenail. On the other hand, some individuals have it because of physical trauma to the nail. This can be due to accidental dropping of heavy object on it, putting excessive pressure on a certain toe while performing some activities of daily living and stubbing.
• Shoes which are tight-fitting or high heels can make the toes to compress together and put pressure on the nail making it grow abnormally.
• Toenails which are not trimmed properly will cause the corners of the nails to burrow into the skin. When trimming, it should be done straight across and not rounded.
• Disorders like fungal infections of the nail will result to the development of thick or wide toenail.
• An ingrown toenail can be the result of either an acute injury close to the nail or anything that will cause the nail to be damaged frequently just like when playing soccer.
If a family member has an ingrown toenail, then there is a possibility that you will also develop it. Normally, nails of some people are more rounded than the others which will likely increase their chance of developing ingrown nails.
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
It is very easy to notice the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Anyone affected can feel pain and inflammation of the toe and the entire toe can become red. Usually, this can be treated if care is done on time. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the nail. Every so often, the nail can also be infected with bacteria particularly when the feet are not kept dry and not wiped properly after being washed. Several infections which are common include scarring, cellulitis and paronychia. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a home treatment for ingrown toenail in order to cure the ingrown toenail and prevent its reoccurrence.
• An ingrown toenail is known to be a common disorder which typically affects the exterior edge of the big toe. But the nail on any toe or even the nail located on both sides of the toe will turn out to be an ingrown. Redness, swelling at the corner of a toenail and pain are among the signs and symptoms which frequently occur.
• During the early course of an ingrown toenail, the tip of the toe will become red and painful accompanied with mild swelling. Pus or drainage is not observed. Fever may not be present but it is warm when you touch it.
• Later on, there will be growth of extra skin and tissue around the sharp tip of the nail. It will start to have yellowish drainage. This appears to be the response of the body to the trauma of the nail which irritates the skin. But this is not necessarily considered an infection.
• At times, an infection will develop. In this condition, the swelling will exacerbate and there may be drainage which is white or yellow in color from the area. Red skin usually surrounds a lighter-colored part of the skin. There is a possibility that fever will develop though this can be unusual.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
There are two kinds of treatments designed to cure the toenail. This can either be a home treatment for an ingrown toenail or a treatment done by a podiatrist. The first kind of treatment is affordable than the second one. It is important to see a doctor when the condition becomes severe and when remedies for ingrown toenail done at home will not be effective. It is also essential to closely observe the toenail in case the ingrown toenail will not heal after a period of two weeks and there will be inflammation and pus formation on the toe. Take note that people with weak immune systems and diabetic people must not opt for home treatment. They should seek medical attention at once. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed to these people in order to fight infections and to make their immune systems stronger. Doctors would often prescribe anti fungal creams to fight against fungus and bacteria. Yet, during surgery, it may be necessary for the doctor to remove the nail from the tissue and give out medications for the relief of ingrown toenail.
• Medication - It is the responsibility of the doctor to examine the problem and prescribe the person with the proper course of treatment. Usually, this consists of soaking the foot with antiseptic lotions together with application of antiseptic creams. The doctor will also prescribe medications and painkillers to speed up the process of healing. In case, the infection will spread besides the severe pain, surgery is the only treatment option necessary for the infected ingrown toenail.
• Surgery for Ingrown Toenail - Ingrown toenail surgery is just a minor procedure in which local anesthesia is administered before the start of the surgery. Surgery is done based on the infection and the seriousness of the problem. There are times when only the nail edge is removed without disrupting the nail bed. But in severe cases, the cells of the nail bed are destroyed with the use of chemicals like liquefied phenol. Surgery is completed after the right dressing is applied. Relief from pain is possible within three to four days. In case the ingrown toenail is removed, it will take three to four months to regrow.
The cost of ingrown toenail treatment will entirely depend on the course of treatment as well as the seriousness of the problem. Taking precautionary measures such as wearing footwear that is your exact size, avoid using shoes that have pointed toes, trimming the nails straight or keeping them quite longer can be helpful in avoiding the ingrown toenail problem. The treatment should begin at once to make sure that the condition will not become worse and healing will be faster.
Ingrown Toenail Home Remedies
Typically, some home remedies for the ingrown toenail that are simple can be adequate for the treatment of the condition. However, if there is infection in the nail and the skin surrounding it, it is best to seek medical attention instead of relying only on the home remedies for ingrown toenail. This is especially applicable for individuals affected with diabetes or any other condition which affects the circulation of blood. These people must visit a doctor immediately rather than providing home treatment for any kind of infection. However, if you do not have that health condition, you can make use of some products which are readily available in order to ease the swelling and pain brought about by ingrown toenail.
If the ingrown toenail problem is still at its early stage and no infection is detected, swelling and pain can be relieved by soaking the feet in lukewarm water. Simply add some Epsom salt to the water and submerged the feet for about fifteen to twenty minutes. If this is done on a daily basis, there will be pain and inflammation can have significant relief. Epsom salt is an antiseptic which is also helpful in healing any kind of mild infection when present. This is known to be an extremely effective home remedy for ingrown toenail. Peroxide is another important remedy for ingrown toenail. This is useful in healing minor infection due to ingrown toenail. Likewise, iodine can also be useful because it is capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria. However, it is not advisable to use iodine if the infection becomes severe or the wound is very deep.
Placing a tiny bit of cotton underneath the ingrown toenail a lot of times will help in preventing more injury to the skin around it. This will also help the nail grow and rise above the skin. But it is important to change the cotton regularly. Also, topical antiseptic should be applied to heal minor cases of toenail infection. These ingrown toenail remedies which are very simple will frequently go well in alleviating the condition. When the condition resolves, make sure to properly care for your nails. Ingrown toenail commonly occurs due to lack of proper maintenance or care for the nail. Hence, you need to be sure that your nails are properly trimmed and avoid wearing shoes which are tight fitting.
In case, all the ingrown toenail remedies mentioned above will not be able to alleviate the condition and there is pus formation present on the area, it is best to seek medical attention at once. The doctor can either prescribe you with oral antibiotics in treating the infection or apply silver nitrate on the overgrown tissues. Cases which are severe will necessitate surgery in removing the area or the whole ingrown toenail. In addition, the doctor will suggest removing the part of the toenail as well as the underlying tissues of that area in order to prevent more recurrences of the ingrown toenail. This would mean that the appropriate treatment alternative will be determined by taking into consideration the severity of the problem.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenail
A thorough clipping of the toenails is probably the best method of prevention. The toenails must be trimmed straight across making sure that the end is longer than the skin edge. This will prevent the corners from poking into the skin. Toenails should not be cut very short or in rounded form. Rather than going through all the hassles of home treatment for ingrown toenail, it would be better to follow several steps to care for the nail in order to prevent the occurrence of ingrown toenail. When you arrive from work, wash your feet properly with soap. Make sure to completely dry them using a separate dry towel. If a toe is infected, apply an antiseptic cream on it. Wear socks which fit properly at all times and go for the ones in white color. Avoid wearing shoes which are not comfortable, tight and closed. Instead, opt for open footwear and do not use shoes with high heels more frequently. Also, avoid going for a pedicure since this can only aggravate the infection. The tools to be used might not be good for the feet at this point in time. Simply perform it at home and use a pumice stone in removing the dead skin out of your feet. Toenails should be kept short. Equipment to be used for pedicure should be inspected at all times and make sure that they are sterilized.
What are mentioned above are some simple steps to follow as integral components of an ingrown toenail treatment done at home. Bear in mind that if the home treatment for an infected ingrown toenail will not work and the toenail condition does not improve, the best thing to be done is to call the doctor immediately. This is to minimize the possibility of getting a severe infection. Because of our hectic way of living, we fail to carry out the significance of having clean feet. Thus, make use of the ingrown toenail home treatment to prevent the occurrence of an ingrown toenail. Take note that infection can usually hamper a person from doing day to day activities.