What is an ingrown toenail?
It begins with slight soreness at the edge of your toe, followed by redness and pain whenever you wear shoes. Sound familiar? You could be dealing with an ingrown toenail. This is a condition that occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can cause the area to become painful, tender, red, and swollen, especially if an infection develops.
While ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, they can happen to any toe. If not treated properly, the condition can lead to further complications, such as a severe infection.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, swelling, and redness, particularly where the nail pierces the skin. Left untreated, symptoms usually worsen over time.
Signs of infection include increased redness, pus, warmth, and escalating pain. It is essential to recognise these symptoms early to prevent complications. If the area becomes hot or starts oozing, home remedies are unlikely to be sufficient. You may need a short course of antibiotics or gentle drainage to release pressure and stop the infection from spreading.
Causes of ingrown toenails
Most of the time, ingrown toenails are caused by improper nail trimming. This can include cutting the nails too short or curving the edges instead of trimming them straight across. Tight shoes don’t help either – they can squeeze the toes and force the nail to grow deeper into the skin. Some people are simply more prone to them due to a naturally curved nail shape.
Genetic factors and nail shape may also contribute to ingrown toenail development, especially if the nails have naturally curved edges. Poor foot hygiene and wearing pointy shoes can further increase the risk.
Home treatment
Treating an ingrown toenail often begins with simple home care. Soaking your foot in warm water can help reduce swelling and ease pain. Keeping your feet clean and dry is important to prevent infection and support healing. Avoid cutting toenails too short, as this can make the problem worse; instead, trim them straight across.
While home treatment can alleviate discomfort and lower the risk of infection, it’s important to monitor the condition and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
Treating ingrown toenails at Waverley Clinic
At Waverley Clinic, we treat ingrown toenails every week. Our expert podiatrists, Jonathan and Marzi, offer specialised care to assess and resolve the condition. Treatment often involves partial nail avulsion or surgery to remove the problematic nail section. These procedures are typically a quick, painless fix that prevents it from coming back. They are performed under local anaesthetic to ensure they are pain-free.
If an infection is present, we will manage that first, then carry out the procedure once it’s calm. Our goal is to provide a permanent solution that prevents the problem from returning.
Infected ingrown toenail
If your toe becomes red, hot, or starts oozing, it is likely infected. At this stage, home remedies are usually insufficient. You may need a short course of antibiotics or gentle drainage to release pressure and stop the infection from spreading.
Key signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, and sharp pain around the nail. You might also notice pus or discharge. It is essential to seek medical attention if you spot these symptoms, as untreated infections can spread to the surrounding tissue and cause more severe complications.
Complications of infected ingrown toenails
If left untreated, an infected ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications. The infection may spread to the surrounding tissue or even the bone. In rare cases, this can result in nerve or permanent toenail damage.
Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or if you develop signs of a severe infection, like a fever or pus. Prompt treatment is the best way to prevent these issues and ensure proper healing.
Treatment for infected ingrown toenails
Treating an infected ingrown toenail usually requires antibiotics to clear the infection. A doctor or podiatrist, like Jonathan or Marzi here at Waverley Clinic, may need to drain any pus. In some situations, removing part or all of the nail is necessary to resolve the infection and prevent further issues.
It is crucial to follow your treatment plan and keep your foot clean and dry to aid healing. A foot specialist can guide you toward the best course of action.
Prevent ingrown toenails
To prevent ingrown toenails, wear properly fitting shoes and avoid tight or pointed styles. Trim toenails straight across without curving the edges, and keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Regularly check your toenails to catch early signs of ingrown nails for timely treatment.
Good foot hygiene and avoiding trauma to the nails are key to prevention. If pain or swelling lasts more than a few days, it’s time to consult a professional.
When to seek medical attention
If an ingrown toenail worsens or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, it’s important to seek medical attention. A podiatrist or foot specialist, such as our expert podiatrists Jonathan and Marzi, can recommend the best treatment and help prevent complications.
If you have a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or are prone to foot issues, prompt medical care is especially crucial. Early treatment can prevent serious complications and support proper healing.
Don’t put up with pain: Fix your ingrown toenail at Waverley Clinic today!
Got an ingrown toenail? Don’t ignore it – treating it is easier than you think! Ingrown toenails are very common (and yes, often painful), but leaving them untreated can lead to bigger problems. The good news? Knowing the causes and symptoms can help you prevent them – and get the right treatment when needed.
If your toenail’s giving you trouble, let us take care of it. Our expert podiatrists at Waverley Clinic are here to help. You can book online or call us anytime on
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