Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, typically at the sides or corners of the toe. This can cause infection, swelling, redness and irritation in the affected area. They can become severe if not treated promptly and properly
Ingrown Toenail Treatments from St. Andrews Podiatry
Our experienced podiatrists specialise in treating all types of ingrown toenails for both adults and children, from mild cases to more serious ones. In less severe cases, conservative treatments can be enough to solve the problem. For more complex cases, conservative treatments can be enough to solve the problem. For more complex cases, toenail surgery is the best option.
Surgical Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
In cases where the ingrown toenail is severe and unresponsive to conservative treatments, a surgical procedure may be recommended. During this procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic, either the whole nail or the side of the nail is removed and treated with a chemical to ensure the problem does not reoccur. The aim of this surgery is to ensure that an ingrown toenail does not persist.
Following surgery the patient will be instructed to keep the area clean and change the dressing regularly. Further advice and instructions will be provided by our Podiatrists. In a small number of cases oral antibiotics may be required from the GP.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the edges of the nail grow into the skin surrounding it. If there are signs of infection, there will be pain, redness and inflamed skin in the affected area. Ingrown toenails often happen at the sides of the toenail and can happen to both adults and children. Ingrown toenails are often caused by improper trimming or cutting of the nails. Trauma, genetics and wearing ill-fitting shoes may also contribute to this problem.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
There are a few different causes of ingrown toenails, which include improper trimming or cutting of the nails, genetics, trauma and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Improperly cutting or trimming the nails can cause the edge of the nail to grow into the skin surrounding it.
Genetics can also play a role in ingrown toenails, as some people are more susceptible to them due to a pre-existing condition, such as curved nails or weak nails. Trauma, such as stubbing your toe, can also cause an ingrown toenail.
Finally, wearing too-tight shoes can put too much pressure on the toes and lead to an ingrown toenail
Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
The most common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, swelling and irritation in the affected area. Other signs can include a thickening or discolouration of the skin around the nail and an accumulation of pus or fluid underneath the skin. More serious complications, such as infection or ulceration, can occur if left untreated.
Treatments for Ingrown Toenails
Depending on the severity of the condition, a few different treatments are available for ingrown toenails. Mild cases can usually be managed with conservative treatments such as soaking the foot in warm, salty water and having a portion of the nail removed by the podiatrist.
Toenail surgery is usually recommended for cases where the ingrown toenail is unresponsive to conservative treatments, causing more serious complications such as infection or ulceration.
Prevention
Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Here are some tips on how to prevent this condition:
Comfortable Shoes
It’s important to select comfortable, supportive footwear that fits properly. Shoes or sandals that are too tight can put pressure on the toes and cause an ingrown toenail to occur. It’s also important to avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes if you are susceptible to this problem, as this can increase the risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Keeping your feet clean and dry is important in preventing ingrown toenails. It’s important to wash and dry your feet every day and change your socks or stockings regularly. This will help to keep the skin around the nails healthy and reduce the risk of infection
Cut Toenails Properly
Finally, it’s important to trim or cut your toenails properly. This can help reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail occurring. It’s recommended that you cut your nails relatively straight across while following the natural shape of the toe. You should also avoid cutting too far into the corners of the nail as this can increase the risk of leaving a sharp spur of nail, which will cause problems.
FAQ
Most frequently asked questions about ingrown toenail problems
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it’s important to seek professional advice from a medical professional. If your symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments, we recommend the best course of action is to seek podiatric help.
The most common procedure in ingrown toenail surgery is partial nail avulsion, which removes part of the toenail and is about 98% effective at treating ingrown nails
An ingrown toenail can be a painful and frustrating problem for many people, but the good news is that it typically takes just a few weeks to heal. Depending on the severity of the condition, healing times can vary, but most people find that their ingrown toenail begins to improve within 2-4 weeks. After treatment, relief should be instantaneous.
Book your ingrown toenail treatment at St. Andrews Podiatry today
An ingrown toenail is a common condition that occurs when the sides or corners of your toenails grow into the skin on the toes. It can be quite painful and cause swelling, redness, and even infection if not treated properly. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s important to take steps to treat it as soon as possible.
Call us for more information or to book your treatment on 01334 476100