Ingrown Toenails: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, can cause a range of symptoms, including:

1. Redness and swelling: The skin around the nail bed becomes red, inflamed, and swollen due to the ingrown nail.
2. Pain: Ingrown toenails can be painful, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area or when walking.
3. Discomfort: The affected area may feel tender, itchy, or burning.
4. Pus or discharge: In severe cases, an ingrown toenail can become infected, leading to pus or discharge from the affected area.
5. Foul odor: An infected ingrown toenail can develop a foul odor due to bacterial growth.
6. Swollen lymph nodes: In severe cases, the lymph nodes in the groin or foot may become swollen due to infection.
7. Red streaks: Red streaks may appear on the skin around the ingrown toenail due to infection spreading through the lymphatic system.
8. Thickening of the skin: Over time, repeated episodes of ingrown toenails can cause the skin around the nail bed to thicken and harden.
9. Difficulty moving the toe: In severe cases, an ingrown toenail can cause difficulty moving the toe due to pain and swelling.
10. Nail thickening: Repeated episodes of ingrown toenails can cause the nail to thicken and become more prone to further ingrowth.

Ingrown toenails can occur on any toe, but they are most common on the big toe. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to complications such as:

• Infection of the bone and surrounding tissue
• Abscesses
• Cellulitis (infection of the skin and underlying tissues)
• Bone damage
• Chronic pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention from a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the causes of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails include:

1. Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of ingrown toenails. If you have a family history of ingrown toenails, you are more likely to develop them as well.
2. Poor foot hygiene: Failing to properly clean and dry the feet, especially around the toes, can lead to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and fungi, which can cause ingrown toenails.
3. Poor nail care: Improper trimming or cutting of the nails can cause the edges to grow into the skin, leading to ingrown toenails.
4. Wearing tight shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or don’t fit properly can cause pressure on the toes, leading to ingrown toenails.
5. Trauma: Injury to the toe, such as dropping something heavy on it or stubbing it, can cause an ingrown toenail.
6. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can cause changes in the skin and nails, making them more prone to ingrown toenails.
7. Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to ingrown toenails due to nerve damage and poor blood flow.
8. Poor circulation: Poor blood flow to the toes can cause the nails to grow abnormally and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
9. Nail shape: Curved or thickened nails can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
10. Ingrown hair removal methods: Using hair removal methods such as waxing, sugaring, or threading near the nail bed can cause irritation and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
11. Poorly fitted socks or shoes: Wearing socks or shoes that are too tight or don’t fit properly can cause pressure on the toes, leading to ingrown toenails.
12. Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause inflammation and irritation around the nail bed, leading to ingrown toenails.

It’s essential to practice good foot hygiene, wear properly fitting shoes, and take care of your nails to prevent ingrown toenails. If you experience symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it’s recommended to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How is the diagnosis of ingrown toenail made?

The diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare provider or podiatrist. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing an ingrown toenail:

1. Visual examination: The healthcare provider will visually examine the affected toe to look for signs of an ingrown toenail, such as:
   • Redness and swelling around the nail bed
   • Pus or discharge
   • Inflammation and tenderness
   • Thickening of the skin around the nail bed
2. Palpation: The healthcare provider will gently press on the affected area to check for tenderness and swelling.
3. Nail examination: The healthcare provider will examine the nail itself to look for signs of irregular shape, thickening, or curvature, which can contribute to ingrown toenails.
4. Assessment of nail care habits: The healthcare provider will ask questions about the patient’s nail care habits, such as how often they trim their nails, whether they use nail clippers or file their nails, and if they have ever had any trauma to the toe.
5. Examination of surrounding skin: The healthcare provider will also examine the surrounding skin for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
6. Use of diagnostic tools: In some cases, the healthcare provider may use diagnostic tools such as a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal sounds within the nail bed or surrounding tissues.

Based on the physical examination and medical history, the healthcare provider can diagnose an ingrown toenail and recommend appropriate treatment options. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.

It’s essential to see a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of an ingrown toenail, as early treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing.

What is the treatment for ingrown toenails?

The treatment for ingrown toenails typically involves a combination of self-care measures and professional treatments. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Self-care measures:
   • Keep the affected area clean and dry
   • Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage to prevent infection
   • Avoid sharing personal hygiene items or footwear
   • Wear socks made of breathable materials to reduce moisture
2. Professional treatments:
   • Debridement: A podiatrist or doctor will remove dead tissue and debris from the affected area to promote healing.
   • Drainage: A small incision may be made to drain pus or fluid from the infected area.
   • Antibiotics: Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
   • Topical creams or ointments: Creams or ointments containing ingredients like urea, hyaluronic acid, or salicylic acid may be applied to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. Surgical treatments:
   • Partial nail avulsion: The ingrown portion of the nail is removed.
   • Full nail removal: The entire nail is removed, often in cases of severe ingrown toenails or fungal infections.
   • Nail revision: The shape of the nail is changed to reduce the risk of future ingrowth.
4. Laser treatment: Laser treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as promote healing.
5. Oral medications:
   • Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.
   • Antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat fungal infections.

It’s essential to follow proper wound care and hygiene practices to promote healing and prevent complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue or nail.

Prevention is key in preventing ingrown toenails. Maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing properly fitting shoes, trimming toenails correctly, and avoiding sharing personal hygiene items can help reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails.

It’s recommended to consult a podiatrist or doctor if you experience symptoms of an ingrown toenail, such as pain, redness, swelling, or pus. Early treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing.