An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a common foot condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition most frequently affects the big toe and can cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes infection if left untreated. While an ingrown toenail can occur for various reasons, understanding its types, symptoms, causes, and available treatments is key to managing the condition effectively.
Types of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be categorized into three main types based on severity:
- Mild Ingrown Toenail (Stage 1)
At the mild stage, the toenail slightly grows into the skin, causing minor irritation. Redness and swelling may be present, but the pain is typically tolerable. There is no pus or discharge at this point, and the condition may improve with basic self-care measures such as proper trimming of the nails and foot hygiene.
- Moderate Ingrown Toenail (Stage 2)
In the moderate stage, the toenail begins to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing increased pain, swelling, and tenderness. At this point, the surrounding skin may become infected, leading to pus formation and a warm sensation around the area. Walking or wearing shoes may become uncomfortable, and more active treatments may be necessary to resolve the condition.
- Severe Ingrown Toenail (Stage 3)
Severe ingrown toenails involve significant penetration of the nail into the skin, leading to severe pain, swelling, and infection. The area around the nail is often red and inflamed, and may discharge pus or blood. In some cases, the skin overgrows the nail, further worsening the condition. Surgical intervention is often required at this stage to relieve the pain and prevent further complications.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
The symptoms of ingrown toenails can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, depending on the stage of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and Tenderness:
Pain is typically felt along the edges of the toenail where it digs into the skin, especially when pressure is applied to the area or if his toe touches or bends more on the ground in certain occasions.
- Discoloration, Redness, and Swelling:
The skin around the affected toenail may become red and swollen if it is acute like any infection added to this condition.in such situations, there may be pus under the nail plate which warrants a surgical intervention.
Normally there is brownish discoloration around the ingrowing nail due to chronic inflammation (because of the mechanic injury) without any infection. This will cause an ugly look to the nails. Early intervention is better to keep the normal appearance of the nails.
- Infection:
Infection secondary to the ingrown nails causes acute or chronic paronychia. Acute paronychia needs surgery if there is an abscess or pus.
- Difficulty Walking:
The discomfort caused by an ingrown toenail can make walking or wearing shoes difficult.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails:
- Improper Nail Trimming
One of the most common causes of ingrown toenails is cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges. This encourages the nail to grow into the skin rather than straight out. - Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes
Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow can place excessive pressure on the toes, pushing the nail into the surrounding skin and increasing the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. - Toe Injuries
Trauma to the toenail, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can alter the nail’s growth pattern, leading to an ingrown toenail. - Genetics
Some individuals are more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited factors. If you have a family history of ingrown toenails, you may be more likely to develop them. - Foot Hygiene
Failing to maintain proper foot hygiene, such as not cleaning or drying the feet regularly, can increase the likelihood of infection around the toenail, worsening the effects of an ingrown toenail. - Curved or Thick Toenails
Naturally curved or thick toenails can be more prone to growing into the surrounding skin, making some people more susceptible to ingrown toenails.
Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails
The treatment for ingrown toenails varies depending on the severity of the condition. Early intervention is key to preventing further complications, especially if there is already an infection.
- Home Remedies for Mild Cases
For mild ingrown toenails, home remedies can be effective in managing the condition. However, discuss the same as in many cases, self-treating can worsen the condition.
- Medical Treatments for Moderate and Severe Cases
If the ingrown toenail progresses to a moderate or severe stage, medical intervention may be necessary. Treatment options include:
- Lifting the Nail: In cases where the ingrown nail is just beginning to irritate the skin, a healthcare professional may lift the nail and place a small piece of cotton or splint under it to encourage proper growth.
- Partial Nail Removal: For more severe cases, partial nail removal, also known as a partial nail avulsion, may be performed. The healthcare provider will remove a portion of the nail that has grown into the skin, which allows the area to heal and the nail to regrow properly.
- Complete Nail Removal: In recurrent or severe cases, complete removal of the toenail may be required. This is known as a full nail avulsion, and it is often performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, the root of the nail may also be treated to prevent the nail from regrowing.
Ingrown Toenails: Post-Surgical Care
Following any surgical procedure for ingrown toenail treatment, proper aftercare is essential. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, wear protective dressings, and avoid tight shoes until the toe heals completely.
Diabetes and Ingrown Toenails
Individuals with diabetes are at a heightened risk for developing complications from ingrown toenails due to their increased susceptibility to infections and slower healing times. Diabetic neuropathy, a common condition among diabetes patients, can reduce sensation in the feet, meaning individuals may not notice an ingrown toenail until it becomes severely infected.
Additionally, poor circulation caused by diabetes can slow down the healing process, leading to prolonged discomfort or a higher risk of infections spreading to surrounding tissue. Diabetic patients are advised to take extra care of their feet by checking for signs of ingrown toenails, infections, or other issues daily. Regular visits to a foot specialist can help prevent complications and ensure any developing problems are addressed early.
Madurai Footcare Center: Expert Care for Ingrown Toenails
Proper management of ingrown toenails, particularly for those with diabetes, requires expert care to avoid complications and ensure effective healing. Dr. Saravanakumar G, MBBS, MS, DA, and FPS, a highly respected podiatric surgeon and foot specialist at the Madurai Footcare Center, provides advanced treatment options designed to meet each patient’s specific needs.
Dr. Saravanakumar is well-versed in treating conditions like ingrown toenails. He delivers personalized care that focuses on achieving the best outcomes for every patient. The Madurai Footcare Center employs a multidisciplinary approach, addressing both preventive measures and treatment plans to promote long-term foot health.
Whether dealing with a minor ingrown toenail or a more serious infection, Dr. Saravanakumar and his experienced team offer a comprehensive range of services—from initial diagnosis and treatment to post-procedure care. For individuals with diabetes, the center also provides specialized foot care to minimize risks and prevent complications, making it an ideal choice for the effective management of ingrown toenails and other foot conditions.
