Ingrown Toenails

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potentially an infection. While it is most common in the big toe, it can affect any toe. Over time, if left untreated, the nail can cut deeper into the skin, leading to localised inflammation and infection, potentially even cellulitis or onychomycosis (bone infection) in more severe cases. This condition can significantly limit your choice of footwear and daily activities.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

Incorrect Nail Cutting: Cutting nails too short or rounding off the corners can lead to an ingrown nail.
Aggressive Pedicures: Improper nail trimming during pedicures may result in an ingrown nail.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or poorly fitted can place excess pressure on the toes, leading to ingrown nails.
Toenail Injuries: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can cause trauma that results in an ingrown toenail.
Nail Picking: Habitual nail picking or improper maintenance can lead to toenail issues.
Sports Activities: Sports that involve running, sliding, or pressure on the toes can cause the toenail edges to curl and dig into the skin, leading to ingrown nails.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail:

Pain: Often localised to the side of the toe where the nail is digging into the skin.
Redness: Inflammation around the affected area.
Swelling: The surrounding tissue becomes swollen due to pressure from the ingrown nail.
Pus or Blood Exudate: In severe cases, infection can occur, leading to discharge from the site.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails:

At-Home Care: If infection is present, it’s important to consult a GP for antibiotics. At home, you can soak the affected toe in a salt and warm water solution for 10-15 minutes. Keep the area clean and sterilised with Betadine and dress it with a Band-Aid to prevent further infection.
Note: While antibiotics can help with infection, they do not address the ingrown nail itself. The nail spicule (the part of the nail digging into the skin) must be removed for full resolution of the condition.
Treatment Options from a Podiatrist:
1. Nail Spicule Removal: The offending piece of nail can be removed with minimal discomfort, often without the need for local anesthesia.
2. Nail Surgery: In more severe cases, partial or total removal of the nail may be necessary, typically under local anesthesia.
3. Nail Bracing: This is a non-surgical option used especially for children, patients on anti-coagulants, those who are needle-phobic, or individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., diabetes). The brace helps to straighten the nail and prevent further growth into the skin.

Prevention:

Proper Nail Care: Cut toenails straight across, avoiding trimming them too short or rounding the edges.
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit correctly and do not put undue pressure on the toes.
Avoid Injury: Be cautious to prevent stubbing your toes or other trauma to the toenails.

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to seek professional treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications and ensure proper healing.

Open hours

Monday

8am – 7pm

Tuesday

8am – 7pm

Wednesday

8am – 7pm

Thursday

8am – 7pm

Friday

8am – 7pm

Saturday

8am – 1pm

SUnday

CLOSED

Contact us to book an appointment

If you would like to learn more about our services, or have some questions regarding our treatment options in our Mount Lawley clinic, feel free to give us a call.

You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.