Ingrown Toenails(Onychocryptosis)

Anyone who’s had an ingrown toenail will know how painful they can be. They can even make walking difficult. They occur when the edges of the nail curves and grows into surrounding skin, causing swelling and inflammation. If left untreated, they can also lead to an infection.

Ingrown toenails can happen again and again and mostly on the big toe. We’d recommend you find out why your toenail may be growing inwards. A brief office visit will determine the cause and help you understand how to prevent them.

As a point of interest, the scientific name for ingrown toenails is onychocryptosis, not a word you often come across! Onycho- nail, crypto-hidden which is hidden nail.

What causes ingrown toenails?

The causes of ingrown toenails are most often due to:

• Cutting your toenails too short – they should be over the skin, not nestled into the skin

• Rounded nail edges – these have more opportunity to grow into the skin

• Tight fitting shoes – causing the toes to rub against the shoe

• Stubbing your toe and injuring the nailbed

• Repeated activity that creates constant friction on the toe such as running or ballet

• Genetics – this can also determine whether you get ingrown toenails due to the shape of the nail and nailbed

What you can do at home?

We’d always recommend that you pop into the clinic to treat an ingrown toenail as they are prone to infection which can get worse if not handled properly. But if you can’t make it into the clinic, you might like to try the following:

For prevention:

• Trim the nails straight across so that the edges protrude from the skin

• Don’t trim the nails too short, leave them a little a little longer so they don’t lay directly into the nailbed

• Wear proper fitting shoes and avoid any friction or rubbing on the toes

For pain relief:

• Soak your toenail in Epsom salts or soapy water for 15 minutes, this reduces swelling and inflammation

• Apply an antiseptic or antibacterial cream to the toe. We recommend Amerigel.

• Tuck bits of cotton or dental floss underneath the ingrown toenail to lift the corner of your nail and help it grow outward

• Wear loose fitting shoes to give the toe plenty of room

• Wear a toe protector which provides a cushion for the big toe against anything that might rub it make the ingrown toenail worse.

Southeastern Podiatry is here to help:

At Southeastern Podiatry, our team of experienced podiatrists offers effective medical treatments for ingrown toenails.

When you visit our clinic, the podiatrist will assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and recommend the best course of action. Depending on the case, treatment options may include:

1. Partial Nail Avulsion: This procedure involves removing part of the ingrown toenail to provide relief and prevent further complications.

2. Nail Lifting: Lifting the toenail and placing a splint beneath it can help correct its growth pattern and reduce discomfort.

3. Topical or Oral Antibiotics: In cases of infection, the podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.

4. Surgical Intervention: For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, a surgical procedure may be recommended to prevent future occurrences.

If you are experiencing pain, redness, or signs of infection around your toenail, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention. Ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to further complications and discomfort.