If you cut the sides of your nails, especially toenails, very short, you pave the way for ingrown nail. Many people cut their nails curved in line with the shape of the fingers, rather than leaving them cornered. A nail cut in this way is likely to grow into the finger skin. In such a case, the side of the nail bends and sinks into the skin. Wearing too tight or too small shoes can lead to ingrown toenails, as well.
In case of an ingrown nail, the finger becomes hard, swollen and sensitive. In the following period, redness and infection may occur and these causes further increase the sensitivity. Although this condition can be seen in all toes, it is most commonly seen in the big toe. Ingrowth of the nail into the soft tissue and the soft tissue’s progression over the nail lead to the same consequence. Sometimes, redness, pain, and swelling are accompanied by abscess.
Ingrown toenails can develop due to many factors. Some cases are congenital, and in such cases, the nail is bigger than the normal size for the thumb. Ingrown toenail may develop as a result of traumas, such as stubbing the toe or having it stepped on. However, wearing narrow shoes and cutting the nails incorrectly are the most common causes.
Ingrown toenail should be treated immediately after diagnosis. If it had been diagnosed before the development of any infection , simple home treatment can be adequate. These are:
- Soaking the foot into lukewarm water 3-4 times a day.
- Keeping the foot completely dry in other parts of the day.
- Wearing comfortable shoes, preferably sandals, until the redness and swelling in the foot disappear.
- Taking simple painkillers.
If symptoms cannot be eliminated within 2-3 days, or if they further deteriorate, the person should definitely see a doctor.
If the swelling and redness have significantly increased, and if there is a discharge, it means that the toe is infected and should definitely be treated by a doctor. For remedying a situation, you may need to use antibiotics and undergo a surgery intended for the correction of the nail bed. This surgery is done under local anesthesia. Because the shape of the nail bed will have been corrected after the surgery, the nail will not grow into the soft tissue. Removal of the nail does not give positive results in the treatment of such conditions; however, the nail may need to be removed in case of fungus or in a similar situation.