What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown nail is the most common condition affecting the toenail. An ingrown toenail occurs when one or both of the nail edges dig into the soft tissue of nail grooves causing pain, irritation, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection if left untreated.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown nails can develop for a number of reasons. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is trimming toenails too short or rounding off the corners. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are short or too small and also shoes that are tight around the toe box.
Ingrown toenails can also be caused by injury or trauma such as stubbing your toe, dropping a heavy object on your toe or repeated trauma casued by kicking or running. Ingrown toenails can also be inherited.
Treatment
Self Help
If you suspect you have an infection, or you have a medical condition such as diabetes, neuropathy or poor circulation, you should see a podiatrist for medical care.
If you do not have an infection or a medical condition that puts your feet at high risk, you can try soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom Salt, then apply antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. This is a temporary measure to relieve the pain and inflammation often associated with an ingrown toenail. Do not attempt to "cut out" the ingrown nail. This can cause the condition to worsen.
If your symptoms fail to improve within 2 to 3 days, you should see a podiatrist for medical care.
Professional Care
Treatment options may consist of:
Following the procedure, the toe is wrapped in a light bandage. Most people experience very little pain associated with this procedure.
Prevention