What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when a part of your nail embeds in the bordering skin. Ingrown toenails usually happen in the outer corners of the big toe.
When your nail grows under the skin, it causes irritation, inflammation, swelling, and pain. An ingrown toenail also has a high risk of infection because it creates a small break where harmful bacteria can enter your body.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails usually change the appearance of your toe. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or soreness
- Red skin at your nail corner
- Swollen skin
- Leaking fluid or pus, if infected
- Unpleasant smell, if infected
In some cases, new skin grows over the embedded nail. The new skin growth, which is called a granuloma, looks grainy and rough.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can happen for many different reasons, but are often related to one or more of the following:
- Wearing shoes that compress your toes, like pointed-toe footwear
- Wearing shoes that are too small or short for your feet
- Trimming your toenails in an arc shape
- Trimming your toenails too short
- Toe injury like stubbing your toe or ripped toenail
- Nail fungus that causes nail malformations
- Inherited toenail malformations like pincer toenails
You’re more vulnerable to ingrown toenails if you have diabetes or another disease that causes edema, nerve damage, or circulatory problems in your legs and feet.
Another little-known potential cause of ingrown toenails is high perspiration levels. When you sweat a lot, your nails and skin are far softer and more pliable than normal. This can thin your nail and potentially lead to splitting. Part of the split nail may puncture your vulnerable skin and create an ingrown toenail.
How do you repair an ingrown toenail?
Don’t try to cut or lift the nail corner out, as this opens your nail bed to bacteria and infection. Sports Arena Podiatry Group personalizes your treatment using the most effective tools and protocols.
If you have an infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic. Often, an outpatient procedure to surgically remove the embedded corner is the best treatment for ingrown toenails. If your ingrown toenail grows back, your podiatrist may permanently remove your nail.
You can trust Sports Arena Podiatry Group for the best and fastest ingrown toenail relief. Call the nearest office or book online today.
