Hello, and thank you for visiting our page about ingrown toenails. You can’t possibly understate the importance of discovering reliable means of avoiding and curing this foot condition if you’ve ever had to deal with the anguish and pain it causes. We’re here to help you avoid the worst-case scenario of ingrown toenails, which may be a serious pain. The origins of ingrown toenails will be investigated, along with their symptoms and some helpful advice for avoiding them.
What are Ingrown Toenails?
When a toenail’s side or corner grows into the skin around it, this is known as an ingrown toenail. This may cause discomfort, swelling, redness, and possibly even infection. This ailment typically affects the big toe.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of different things. Incorrect nail clipping is a common contributor. The risk of getting an ingrown nail is increased if you cut your nails too short or circle the corners instead of leaving them straight across.
Incorrect footwear is also a cause of ingrown toenails. Nail ingrowths are uncomfortable and can be caused by the strain that tight shoes inflict on your toes.
An ingrown toenail can also develop as a result of trauma or injury to the toe area. Nail development patterns are disrupted and edges get irritated when you stub your toe or drop something heavy on it.
Some people have a higher risk of getting ingrown toenails than others due to genetics or underlying health issues like diabetes or fungal infections.
In the second part of this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most typical warning signs of an ingrown toenail.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
The discomfort and suffering of ingrown toenails is well-known, but what causes them? This common foot problem can be prevented if you know what causes it and how to treat it.
Uneven clipping of the nails is a major contributor. Nails can be irritating if they are excessively short or trimmed at an angle because they can dig into the skin. Ingrown toenails are often the result of squeezing the toes in too-small shoes or stockings.
Toe trauma or injury is another prevalent cause. If you injure your toe, such as by stumbling or dumping something heavy on it, the nail may develop incorrectly and get ingrown.
Furthermore, some people may be born with a propensity for ingrown toenails. There may be a higher risk of developing this ailment if it runs in your family.
Ingrown toenails are more likely to occur in those who already have diabetes or a fungal infection.
Ingrown toenails can be avoided if you know what causes them and how to treat them if they do arise. Nails should be trimmed straight across on a regular basis, and tight shoes should be avoided if at all possible.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Pain and swelling in the affected toe are common symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Depending on how bad the ingrowth is, the pain might be minimal or excruciating. Tenderness surrounding the nail can sometimes make it uncomfortable to touch or apply pressure.
An ingrown toenail may also cause redness and edema in the affected area. Your body’s protective reaction to injury or illness causes this inflammation. Inflammation causes a temporary elevation or puffiness of the skin.
Drainage or pus from the affected area is possible as the illness worsens. This suggests the presence of a potential infection. This symptom should not be disregarded because untreated infections might cause serious problems.
Ingrown toenails are painful and can alter the look of your nails. Nail edges may become uneven or jagged if they grow in the wrong direction. If not addressed, this might worsen over time, sometimes resulting in a deformed nail.
It is critical to see a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. A medical expert can provide you an accurate diagnosis and advise you on the best course of therapy for your unique illness.
How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails
The good news is that you can avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of ingrown toenails by following a few simple precautions. Ingrown toenails are avoidable, and I’ve included some advice below.
The first step in maintaining healthy nails is regular trimming. Don’t file the edges down, as that can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Make sure your shoes fit properly: When your toes are squished in shoes that are too small or too tight, it can lead to ingrown toenails. Choose a pair of shoes with a roomy toe box that won’t restrict your toes’ range of motion.
Third, always make sure your feet are clean and dry to prevent infections around the nail bed. Soaking your feet in warm water and massaging them regularly will help increase blood flow.
Wear steel-toed boots or athletic shoes with sufficient cushioning if you engage in activities such as sports or heavy lifting that could cause harm or trauma to your toes.
Don’t pick at or dig at your nails; doing so might cause ingrown toenails and other skin problems. If you really need to get something cut or filed down, utilize the right equipment.
By avoiding ingrown toenails in the first place, you can protect your feet from future discomfort.
Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
The method used to treat ingrown toenails should be selected in accordance with the degree of the infection. Mild instances may respond to modest home treatments. In order to alleviate pain and swelling, try soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt. A piece of cotton or dental floss can be gently pushed under the ingrown nail and then lifted away from the skin.
If you have tried and failed with home cures, it is time to contact a doctor. A podiatrist or foot doctor can identify your condition and offer helpful advice. Trimming and removing part of the ingrown nail may be necessary in order to ease discomfort and stave off infection. In more severe cases, surgery is an option, such as a partial matrixectomy for sections of the nail. However, trying to take care of it on your own or ignoring it altogether can be hazardous; if you experience protracted pain or other indicators of infection, you should speak with a medical professional right away.
Practicing good foot hygiene along with wearing properly fitting shoes and cutting your nails cleanly across rather than rounding off the corners will help you steer clear of ingrown toenails. With mindfulness of the sources of this affliction — as well as potential solutions — you can keep your feet in tip-top shape.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can easily avoided by maintaining healthy toenails. Some easy-to-follow precautions against this uncomfortable ailment are provided below.
Nail care should be prioritized first and foremost. Don’t round the corners; cut them squarely instead. In this way, the edges won’t irritate the skin around them.
One of the most important preventative measures is the use of appropriate footwear. You should have enough room in the toe box of your shoes. Ingrown toenails are made more likely by shoes that are too small or too tight.
Ingrown toenails can be avoided in part by always practicing clean foot care. Keep your feet clean and dry since sweating can cause the skin around your nails to become softer and lead to ingrown toenails.
Wearing toe caps or braces can protect your toes from being injured, which can prevent an ingrown nail if you play sports or do other activities that exert pressure on your feet.
Seek medical attention right away if you have chronic ingrown toenail problems or if you observe any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus discharge.
You may avoid the pain of ingrown toenails and improve the health of your feet by following these precautions.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails are an annoying and sometimes painful problem. However, you may greatly lower your risk of getting this bothersome disease by becoming familiar with the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails and subsequently taking preventative actions.
Keep the edges of your fingernails square and trimmed at all times. Wear shoes that allow your toes some room and that will keep your feet clean and dry. Ingrown toenails can become infected if you wait too long to treat them after you first detect the symptoms, such as redness or discomfort around the nail bed.
If you have a severe or persistent case of ingrown toenails, or if home treatments haven’t helped, consult a podiatrist. If there is an infection, they can prescribe medications and perform a partial or complete removal of the nail.
Keep in mind that taking care of your feet is important for your overall health. Your feet will remain happy and healthy if you take precautions against ingrown toenails and promptly treat them when they do occur.
You may finally put your worries about getting an ingrown toenail to rest and put on your most comfortable shoes.
