If you've noticed a red, inflamed corner of your index toe, it may be an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are painful and may make walking or wearing shoes seem unbearable. In most cases, ingrown toenails may be treated at home. If the toenail gets infected or particularly painful, however, care from a podiatrist may be necessary. Consult your doctor before using home remedies to treat your ingrown toenail.
Significance
An ingrown toenail creates a viscous cycle that may be difficult to break. As the toe becomes irritated, either due to an injury, ill-fitting footwear or cutting the toenail too short, the skin around the nail begins to swell, according to MayoClinic.com. As the surrounding skin swells, the nail digs further into the swollen area, irritating the toe and causing more swelling.
Types
Ingrown toenails occur most often on the outer edge of the big toe because, while walking, the edge of the toe may rub against your shoe. According to Dermnet NZ, the nail on any toe, including the index toe or second toe, may become ingrown. The index toe may become ingrown due to ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes together or improper toenail cutting, which may cause the sharp edge of the toenail to grow into the skin.
Prevention
To prevent your index toenail from becoming ingrown, cut the nail properly. Cut the nail straight across rather than curving the nail to mimic the shape of your toe, recommends MayoClinic.com. Cut your toenails even with the edge of your toe -- keeping your nails too long or cutting them below the nail bed may cause ingrown toenails.
Home Remedies
Dermnet NZ recommends soaking the foot four times a day in warm water. Keep the foot in the bath for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the foot twice a day with water and soap to prevent the index toe from becoming infected. After soaking, roll a small piece of cotton between your fingers to create a thin wisp. Lift up the corner of the toenail that is causing irritation and carefully place the cotton underneath the nail to keep the skin and the nail from touching. Remove the old cotton and replace with new cotton each time you soak your foot.
Expert Insight
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, partial or full toenail removal may be necessary to heal the toe. If pain, discharge and excessive swelling occurs, contact a doctor, who will determine the best way to stop the irritation. If the entire toenail is removed, it may take three to four months for the nail to grow back. Additionally, the nail that grows back after full toenail removal may be deformed or misshapen.
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