That pain at the end edge of your toenail is uncomfortable and disturbing. An ingrown toenail is when the nail grows into the skin causing pain and irritation to the skin. When the skin is broken, it poses risk to allow bacteria that can cause infections making the ingrown toenail more painful; see a doctor for ingrown toenail immediately. If you notice that you have painful, red, swollen, and hot toenails, it might be infected. Though one question sticks with you, why do you have ingrown toenails?
There are several reasons:
Heredity – Several ingrown toenails patients inherit the condition from one or both parents.
Improper trimming – This is one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails. Trimming the nails too short encourages the skin at the edges to fold over. A cut straight will be just fine.
Ill-fitting footwear – Too short or tight shoes crowd your feet, creating an environment for the development of painful ingrown toenails. This cause is common among teens and adolescents because of the body changes, they outgrow their footwear quickly. Often, they do not change the shoes immediately they feel tight, they wait for a while before getting a properly fitting pair of shoes.
Trauma – Dropping something, stubbing, or jamming your toe occasionally can cause ingrown toenails. Also, activities that put repeated pressure on the toes; such as ballet, running, and soccer, can cause the condition to develop.
Pedicures – This cause is common in women than men. Getting a pedicure from an inexperienced nail technician might trim the nail short. It will create room for the skin to fold over the toenail.
Poor circulation – Patients who suffer from underlying conditions that cause poor circulation are more vulnerable to the development of ingrown toenails. Patients suffering from heart disease and diabetes are vulnerable. People with a long history of tobacco abuse are more vulnerable to the development of ingrown toenails repeatedly.
If you fall under any of these groups, make an appointment with an ingrown toenail foot doctor. If not treated correctly, ingrown toenails may become painful. Contact Ejodamen B Shobowale, DPM of DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center for more information on ingrown toenails. Our doctor will give you the treatment you need to stay pain-free and on your feet.
You can manage the symptoms of an ingrown toenail especially if the toenail is not infected.
To reduce tenderness and swelling, soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes thrice a day.
Ensure that your feet are always dry, avoid sweat and dampness. Allow your feet to breathe.
Lift the toenail at the edge. Use a wedge and lift the nail, put a small piece of cotton under the edge and it will help the nail lift as it grows. Change the cotton daily to prevent infections.
If you experience redness and pain, apply antibiotic cream and cover the toe with a bandage to protect the toe.
Wear open-toed shoes or wide-toed shoes that will give the toes plenty of room without clamping them together.
In case you are in pain; the toe is tender or swollen you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If these home care tips do not work for your condition, who to see for ingrown toenails? Please book an appointment with our ingrown toenail specialist.
