An ingrown toenail is when the nail grows into the skin, causing pain and sometimes an infection. Although the toe is a relatively small part of the body, this condition can cause significant pain. There are a few simple causes for an ingrown toenail, such as ill-fitting shoes and toenails that are trimmed too short. Heredity also plays a part in developing ingrown toenails, because if the toenails have a tendency to curve downward, they are more likely to become ingrown. When you stub your toenail on an object, that injury has the potential to cause an ingrown toenail if a piece of the toenail digs into the skin. There are effective treatments for ingrown toenails that range from at-home treatment to minor surgery.
At-home Treatment
For a simple, at-home treatment, HealthCommunities.com recommends "soaking the feet in warm soapy or salt water, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, apply a mild antiseptic solution to the area, and bandage the toe." When soaking the foot in the warm water, massaging the area to reduce the inflammation is also a good idea. You can also try an over-the-counter medication, such as an antibiotic ointment or anti-fungal cream, though FootHealthFacts.org says they might not be effective. An at-home treatment not recommended is to repeatedly keep cutting the nail, as that could actually worsen the situation.
Antibiotics
If the at-home treatment does not work or the toenail gets infected, then a topical or oral antibiotic may be needed. An infection is manifest as redness, swelling, and/or pain and should be treated by a physician as soon as possible. An oral or topical antibiotic may help to stop the progression or spread of the infection. If the infection were to progress, it could spread to the entire toe, and eventually, the bone.
Surgery
If ingrown toenails persist, then a portion of the nail or the whole toenail may need to be removed. The initial surgery will require an in-office visit where the doctor numbs the area with an anesthetic and removes part of the nail border. Additional surgery to remove the nail root may be required if the toenail becomes ingrown again, according to FootHealthFacts.org. After the toenail is removed, then an oral antibiotic may be prescribed again to make sure the infection is completely gone. To help prevent further ingrown toenails, the nails need to be kept trimmed and proper-fitting shoes should be worn.
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