Ingrown Toe Nails

Ingrown Toe Nail

What are ingrown toe nails?

Ingrown toe nails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toe nail grows into the adjacent soft skin. Ingrown nail problem happens to the Big Toe more often.

 

Ingrown nails cause

Pain

Redness

Swelling

Skin Infection

 

Causes

Tight shoes that pinch the toe nails.

Toe nails cut too short or not straight across

Injury to toe nail.

Toe nail naturally grows in a curved direction.

 

There are some home remedies and care that can help to tackle ingrown nails. Soaking feet in warm water every day and trimming nails regularly can help. This can help reduce pain and swelling. If these are not working for you and pain or swelling keeps increasing, consult a skin and nail specialist.

 

Doctors may recommend ingrown toe nail surgery if

Home Remedies are not useful for ingrown nail reduction.

You keep regrowing the ingrown toenails.

Conditions like diabetes make you more likely to get the ingrown toenails.

 

What is ingrown toe nail surgery?

A part or the entire toe nail is removed using scissors and other medical instruments. Local Anesthesia is injected to numb the toe, and the area is cleaned for the surgery.

 

Side Effects

The section of the nail treated might not regrow.

If the nail grows back, it may look different.

Mild pain after surgery

Toe nail grows back thinner than before.

 

Post-treatment Care

Rest the foot and limit activity.

Keep the treated foot elevated while sitting.

Follow the wound care instructions given by the doctor to prevent infection.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers prescribed by the doctor for discomfort.

Wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes for 2 weeks or more, after surgery.

Keep the treated area clean and covered.

Avoid running and other strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks.

 

After a few days of rest, you will be able to return to the daily normal activities.

If the Ingrown toe nail surgery is not done by a professional then it’s possible for the doctor to damage deeper parts of the nail bed during surgery that leads to poor healing. Therefore always choose your doctor carefully and clear all your doubts before the surgery.