Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a very common foot problem that we see frequently in the office. This painful condition occurs in infants, children, and adults. The condition is very easily treated with a short visit to your podiatrist, whereas, if this condition is ignored it can progress to an infection requiring more extensive treatment.

An ingrown toenail is when the nail grows into the skin around the nail. Most often it occurs on the sides of the great toe. Once the nail pierces the skin, bacteria can enter the tissue causing infection, which becomes a more serious problem.

There are many causes of ingrown toenails:

1. This condition can be inherited.
2. Trauma can cause the nail to deform and grow into the skin.
3. Repetitive activities such as kicking or running.
4. Shoes that are too short or tight.
5. Fungus in the toenail can deform the nail causing it to grow into the skin.
6. Trimming your nails too short can cause the skin to grow over the nail.

Treatment for ingrown toenails can start at home by soaking the toe in warm water and Epsom's salt then cover the toe with a Band-Aid and Antibiotic Ointment to keep it clean.

Avoid constant cutting or digging at the nail as this can cause the condition to worsen or become infected. If your symptoms do not improve you should call your podiatrist.

The following are appropriate treatments for this condition by a podiatrist:

1. Oral Antibiotics. If there is infection present.
2. Surgery to remove a portion of the nail, which may require local anesthetic.
3. Permanent Removal of a portion of the nail is another option, which prevents this problem from occurring in the future. This can be done after a portion of the nail is removed and then applying a chemical to the nail root to prevent regrowth of the nail in that area.

Following the above treatment a small bandage will be applied. Pain after this procedure is usually minimal and people can usually resume normal activity the following day.

There are many myths about treating ingrown toenails. None of the following are true.

1. Cutting a notch in the toenail will alleviate an ingrown.
2. Cotton placed under the nail borders will relieve pain.
3. You can buy effective ingrown toenail treatments at the store.

If you feel as though you are developing an ingrown toenail, call your podiatrist. Most patients feel very apprehensive about this appointment, however, most patients tell us they wish they had come in sooner. They don't know why they suffered with this problem so long.