Ingrown toenails are a painful health problem in which the nail extends towards the nail bed. It usually appears on the big toe and occurs when the corner or edge of the toenail is curled up and embedded in the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails can be painful and result in infection if not treated in time. When ingrown toenails result in the development of inflammation, the pain becomes more severe and other symptoms such as temperature increase, swelling, discharge are added. If the person has a health problem that weakens blood flow to the feet, such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, the risk of complications due to ingrown toenails is higher.
The imbalance between the size of the nail and the width of the nail bed is a major cause of ingrown toenails. This condition can be exacerbated by improper cutting of nails, hereditary nail problems, and wearing improper shoes. Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Imbalance in the ratio of nail size to nail bed width
- Wearing tight shoes and socks that tighten the nails
- Cutting nails too short
- Stinging can be seen in incorrectly curved toenails. Toenails should be cut straight so that stinging does not develop.
- Injury to the toenail having unusually curved toenails
- Aggressive manicure and pedicure practices that are not done properly
Some people’s toenails naturally curl inwards. This condition is known as pincer nails or pliers and stinging is common in these nails.
- Traumas, especially those resulting in the removal of the nail, can cause stinging. The most common symptom of ingrown toenails is pain. The pain may be on one or both sides of the nail and increases with touching. A doctor should be consulted in the presence of severe pain and discomfort in the finger, pus in the nail bed or redness that tends to spread, diabetes, atherosclerosis or any other health problem that causes poor blood flow to the feet.
To prevent infection, it is important to carry out treatment as soon as ingrown toenails occur. In mild cases, small treatments with home applications may be sufficient. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Some of the applications that can be done at home for ingrown toenails are:
Introducing the affected foot into warm-hot soapy water can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water three times a day, for up to 20 minutes at a time, can give effective results. After the application, the feet should be dried thoroughly. Wearing shoes and socks that are too tight can compress the toes. This is a leading cause of ingrown toenails. Shoes and socks should be worn so that there is enough space in the toes to prevent ingrown toenails from developing or worsening. In the healing process, slippers or sandals should be preferred instead of shoes to limit the pressure on the toes.
Putting cotton or waxed floss under the toenail can help heal the ingrown toenail. The feet are soaked in warm water for an average of 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day, then a piece of clean cotton or waxed floss is placed under the ingrown nail edge. This application helps the nail grow above the edge of the skin.
Feet should be kept dry for the rest of the day.
Nails should not be cut until the ingrown flesh has passed, waiting for them to grow.
Creams with antibiotics help pass the infection, if any. After applying the cream, it should be closed with a bandage.
Comfortable shoes should be worn. As long as the ingrown toenail complaints continue, shoes or sandals with an open nose should be preferred.
Painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium can help relieve foot pain. If the ingrown toenail does not pass despite the methods applied at home, if the finger is excessively swollen and painful, if severe sensitivity develops in the area, temperature increase develops and pus flows, if the person has diabetes, the most correct behavior is to see a doctor. If the doctor observes signs of infection due to ingrown toenails, oral antibiotic treatment begins. In case of severe ingrown disease, part or all of the nail is removed by surgery. To prepare the patient for surgery, the foot is first cleaned with antiseptic solutions and the nail bed is anesthetized by an injection of an anesthetic substance.
Then the ingrown part of the nail is removed together with the nail bed or by pulling it all. Finally, a heated electrical device called cautery, or an acidic solution such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid, is used to destroy the nail root in the part that causes the ingrown part. If partial nail excision is performed, the process is completed by suturing. The operation is finished with proper dressing. Sutures are removed within 15 days. At the end of the operation, resting for a few days and elevation of the foot (not sagging the foot, not stepping on it too much) is recommended.
