Preventing Ingrowing Toe Nails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that affects many people. It occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. While it can occur in any toe, it usually affects the big toe.
In this article, we'll explore the causes, prevention, and treatment of ingrown toenails, including nail surgery with a podiatrist.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:
1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
2. Tight Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can compress your toes, causing the nail to grow into the skin.
3. Trauma: Injury to the toenail, such as stubbing your toe, can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
4. Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to the shape of their toenails or foot structure.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenails
While some factors that contribute to ingrown toenails cannot be avoided, such as genetics, there are steps you can take to prevent the condition from occurring:
1. Proper Nail Trimming: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Don't cut them too short, and use a file to smooth any sharp edges.
2. Wear Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and have enough room for your toes to move freely.
3. Practice Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid sharing socks, shoes, or towels with others.
4. Avoid Trauma: Be careful when engaging in activities that can cause trauma to your toes, such as running or playing sports.
If you develop an ingrown toenail, there are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition:
1. Soaking: Soak your foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day, to help reduce swelling and infection.
2. Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
3. Lifting the Nail: Your doctor may lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place a piece of cotton or dental floss under it to help it grow above the skin.
4. Partial Nail Removal: If the ingrown toenail is severe or recurrent, your doctor may perform a partial nail removal, also known as a wedge resection. In this procedure, the edge of the toenail is removed, along with the underlying tissue.
Nail Surgery with a Podiatrist
If you have a severe or recurrent ingrown toenail, your podiatrist may recommend nail surgery. Nail surgery is a minor outpatient procedure that involves removing a portion of the nail, along with the underlying tissue, to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat infected ingrown toenails, but if the underlying cause, such as the ingrown nail, remains untreated, treating the infection may not be very effective. Antibiotics may only be used to clear the infection once the nail has been removed.
An experienced podiatrist can easily remove the corner of the nail or nail spike that has penetrated the skin, with minimal discomfort. In cases where the ingrown nail is very painful, a local anaesthetic may be necessary. Unless the section of the nail causing the ingrown toenail is removed, the infection is likely to persist.
Following the removal of the affected nail portion, healing can typically be achieved with the use of an antiseptic dressing for a few days, particularly for individuals who are in good health and have no problems with wound healing. However, for those who have issues with wound healing, poor circulation, or diabetes, a more prolonged period of dressing and antibiotics may be necessary.
Before the procedure, your podiatrist will numb your toe with a local anesthetic. They will then use a with surgical tools to remove the ingrown portion of the nail, and in some cases, the entire nail. The area will then be bandaged, and you will be instructed on how to care for your toe as it heals.
After the procedure, you may experience some pain, swelling, and drainage. You will need to keep your foot elevated and avoid putting pressure on the affected toe for a few days. Your podiatrist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your toe, including changing the bandage and keeping it clean and dry.
In most cases, recovery from nail surgery is quick, and you can return to your normal activities within a few weeks.
