Ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are a very common condition. It is painful and leads to redness and swelling. These are signs of an inflammatory reaction that occurs when the nail cuts into the skin. In some cases, it can trigger an infection. The condition usually affects the big toe, and boys in puberty are most at risk. The most common reasons for this are due to too tight shoes or incorrect nail clipping. There are good preventative measures that can prevent ingrown toenails.

What is an ingrown toenail?

The condition occurs when the side or corner of the toenail grows into the skin. It will continue to get deeper as the nail grows. In addition, factors such as pressure and tight shoes will cause the nail to go further into the skin and worsen the condition. This usually affects the big toe. Common symptoms are pain, redness and swelling which can cause discomfort. In some cases, it can lead to an infection where pus comes from the edge of the nail. This usually only happens on one side of the nail.

Causes of ingrown toenails

• There are many reasons. The most common reasons are:

• Tight shoes

• Cut the nails too short or too far down to the sides

• Tearing of nails

• Has a deformed nail

• Injuries to the foot

• Hereditary

• Swollen bones: Older people can get swollen bones due to a lot of fluid in the body and this can lead to an ingrown nail. Diseases such as diabetes, heart failure and obesity can also cause swollen bones.

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail

The pain occurs where the nail has grown into the skin. The symptoms are:

• Pain.

• Redness.

• Swelling.

• Polish from the toenail. This could be a sign of an infection.

• Good advice for ingrown toenails

• To prevent the condition from being triggered, one should follow these preventive measures:

• Wear good shoes with room for your toes.

• Cut the toenails straight across and not too short.

• Avoid clipping the nail corners.

• Use wool or cotton socks. The stockings must not be too tight.

• Avoid tearing off nails.

Treatment of ingrown toenails

• Put as little pressure as possible on the affected toe. You can try placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail to take the pressure off the toe.

• Put your foot in a warm foot bath daily with mild green soap for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks. This is to prevent infection. Use Barnengen's liquid soap, for example.

• Keep wound area dry. Use a bandage if pus comes from the toenail.

• Avoid antibiotic ointment on the toe. Ointments with a thick consistency can cover the nail and thus work against its purpose.

• Attempts can be made to cut off a small wedge of the nail that is causing problems. You should be careful if you feel unsure about this. Instead, contact a doctor or podiatrist.

In most cases, the condition will improve with the help of these measures, but for some this will not help. In case of severe discomfort or signs of infection, you should contact the doctor or a podiatrist.

• The podiatrist can cut away the part of the nail that is causing problems. The podiatrist can also correct the nail using a bent steel or plastic piece that is glued to the nail. This will lift the nail to prevent pressure against the skin.

• You can get antibiotic tablets from the doctor if there are signs of infection. In some cases, it may be appropriate to use a course of antibiotic tablets or a strong cortisone cream to reduce the inflammation.

• You may also be referred for surgery, if none of the measures help. This means that you remove the entire nail or just the outer edge of the nail. This is a minor operation that requires local anaesthetic.