INGROWN NAILS

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe.

What causes ingrown toenails?

  • badly cut toenails – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges,
    will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the
    skin

  • wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the
    skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it's pressed on to your toenail

  • sweaty feet – if the skin around your toenails is soft, it's easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it

  • injury

Most common treatment:

  • Lifting the nail. For a slightly ingrown nail, Foot Health Practitioner may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton under it. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge, usually in 2 to 12 weeks.

  • Taping the nail. With this method, Foot Health Practitioner pulls the skin away from the ingrown nail with tape.

  • Partially removing the nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail (inflamed skin, pain and pus), your foot health care provider may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. It could take 2 to 4 months for your toenail to grow back.

You should  see your foot health care provider as soon as possible if you develop an ingrown toenail.

Your feet will thank you!!