Ingrown Toenails - Causes and Treatments

Ingrown toenails are nails with corners and sides curling down and digging into the skin, causing foot pain. The sharp, curled corner of an ingrown toe nail jabs at skin on outer edge of the toe, causing the area to swell and become sore. Technically any toenail can become an ingrown toenail, but the big toenail is more prone.

Never underestimate an ingrown toenail infection because if it is not treated early and correctly, it can develop into a more serious infection. In some cases, ingrown toenails progress into abscess – a condition that already requires surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are characterized by pain, swelling and redness at the corner of the infected toenail. During its early stages, the end of the infected toe usually reddens and swells. There is usually no drainage or pus during this stage. When the ingrown toenail infection develops, though, the inflammation worsens. In some cases, yellow or white drainage occurs. In worst cases, an ingrown toenail infection may cause fever.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper nail clipping. When you peel your nails off at the edge or trim it down at the corners, they can become ingrown. Nails should be cut straight across, so that top makes a straight line. Otherwise, the nail corners can push into the skin.

Very tight shoes can also cause an ingrown toenail infection. Tight shoes compress the toes together and pressure the nails (usually of the big toes) to abnormally grow.

An ingrown toe nail may also be caused by other factors such as fungal nail infections, which thickens or widens the toenails. Some types of foot injury near the nails may also cause this condition.

Ingrown Toenail Tests and Diagnosis

Doctors usually evaluate ingrown toenails by determining its history (how it developed). The doctor may also ask you if you have any related medical problems, if you are taking any medications at the time of the infection, if you recently had tetanus immunization, if you have any allergies, etc.

The doctor will likely be able to tell if you have an ingrown toenail with a simple physical exam. If the infection looks severe, the doctor will likely check vital stats such as your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. In some cases, the doctor may require an x-ray of your foot. If you have diabetes, the doctor may require a blood test.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

If your ingrown toe nail is still in its early stages, you can probably treat it yourself. Lift that part if the nail that digs into your skin if you can. Keep it elevated with a small roll of gauze or a small piece of cotton or gauze. Expect this to hurt, so try taking pain relievers.

Immerse the infected foot in warm water for at least four times every day. There is usually no need to add or antibacterial solutions to the water. Also wash the affected area at least twice a day with regular soap and water. Stay away from tight shoes or high heels if you have an ingrown toe nail. Switch to sandals and other more comfortable footwear.

If the condition does not get any better after two to three days, it may be time to call a doctor, who may or may not advise surgery. Invasive treatment is only necessary when there is an infection. During surgery, the abscess is drained. If you have not had a tetanus immunization in the recent five years, your doctor will likely require you to get a shot before surgery.

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