Ingrown Toenails

Overview

There are several causes for ingrown toenails such as the toenails are simply too large or the toes curl either congenitally or from arthritis. Stubbing a toe or having a toe stepped on can cause a piece of the nail to be jammed in to the skin. Repeated pounding such as runners subject their feet can also cause ingrown nails.

The most common cause is cutting toenails incorrectly causing them to re-grow into the skin. Tight socks or hose or shoes with narrow toes can make it worse.

If the skin is red and painful or swollen on the sides of the nail, there may be an infection. When the nail penetrates the skin, it provides an entry for germs that can cause infection.

You don't want to leave it untreated. Contact your Podiatrist who will use sterile instruments and antibiotics if it is infected.

If uninfected, soak the feet in warm salt water, dry them with a clean towel, apply amild antiseptic solution the area, and bandage the toe.

The best way to prevent the ingrown toenail is to protect the feet from trauma and wear shoes with adequate room for the toes.

Use a safety nail clipper and cut the nails straight across. Cutting the nails too short invites the nail corner to grow in to the skin.

Often people will cut down at an angle at the nail edge to treat the ingrown nail, but this can start a downward spiral, training the nail to become more ingrown.