Do I Suffer With An Ingrown Toe Nail?

Do I Suffer With An Ingrown Toe Nail?

Ingrowing toenails (Onychocryptosis) are very common especially in those who are more active. Many people think an ingrowing toenail only occurs on big toenails, but any toenail can ingrow. Cutting a ‘V’ in your nail will not resolve the problem!

What is an ingrown toenail?

A nail ingrows when a sharp corner of nail digs into the skin this causes irritation and discomfort often resulting in an infection if left untreated.

Signs/symptoms:
– Pain/discomfort in the sides of your toe
– Toe may become inflamed
– Signs of infection – heat, swelling, redness around nail, pus or bleeding
– Over growth of skin that is painful and may bleed

What can cause an ingrown toenail?

– Trauma/injury – stubbing toe, dropping an object on the toe.
– Tight shoes, tight socks/hosiery
– Poor nail cutting (picking toe nails!)
– Natural shape of nail – genetics
– Fungal nail infection

How can I treat my ingrowing toenail?

If you have an infected ingrowing toenail it is important to seek professional help. You may need a course of antibiotics to treat the infection and treatment to remove the piece of nail that is ingrowing.

Tips to avoid ingrowing nails & infection include:
– Washing your feet regularly with warm soapy water
– Change your socks daily
– Avoid tight/poor fitting socks & shoes
– When cutting your toe nails follow the shape of your nail – use nippers for more control
– File your nail edges to check there are no spikes at the nail edges
– Use a soft toothbrush & baby oil to clear any dry skin from the sides of your nail
– Avoid digging and using sharp objects down the side of your nail

How can we help?

We have two options for the treatment of ingrowing toenails.

Our first option is to treat the nail conservatively – this is a temporary solution. You would need to see a podiatrist every couple of weeks to cut and clear your nail to relieve pressure & stop the nail growing into your skin and causing discomfort.

The second option is ‘Nail Surgery’. This is a permanent solution involving a local anaesthetic to numb the toe, we then remove the offending piece of nail (partial nail avulsion) or in some cases the whole nail (total nail avulsion) this will be discussed in an assessment appointment.

A chemical is applied to the nail bed to stop the part of the nail re-growing and forming a straight nail edge. This usually takes 6 weeks to heal but, in some cases, could be longer or shorter depending on the individual.

A detailed assessment will be carried out before this procedure and all risks and benefits explained. This can also be carried out to remove a thickened or unsightly looking toe nail.

If you are concerned about your toenails CLICK HERE to book an appointment.