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1. INGROWN TOENAIL
What Is an Ingrown Toenail? What Causes an Home care:
Ingrown Toenail?
W hen a toenail is ingrown, the
nail is curved downward and
grows into the skin, usually at the
Ingrown toenails can develop for
various reasons. In many people,
If you don’t have an infection or any
of the above conditions, you can soak
your foot in room-temperature water
nail borders (the sides of the nail). the tendency to have this common (add Epsom’s salt if you wish), and
This “digging in” of the nail irritates disorder is inherited. In other cases, gently massage the side of the nail
the skin, often creating pain, redness, an ingrown toenail is the result of fold to help reduce the inflammation.
swelling, and warmth in the toe. trauma, such as stubbing your toe, Avoid attempting “bathroom
having an object fall on your toe, or surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail
engaging in activities that involve can cause the condition to worsen
repeated pressure on the toes, such over time. If your symptoms fail to
as kicking or running. improve, it’s time to see a foot and
The most common cause of ankle surgeon.
ingrown toenails is improper
trimming. Cutting your nails too Physician care:
short encourages the skin next to the The foot and ankle surgeon will
nail to fold over the nail. Another examine your toe and select the
Ingrown nail cause of ingrown toenails is wearing treatment best suited for you.
shoes that are tight or short. Treatment may include:
Certain nail conditions are often • Oral antibiotics. If an infection is
associated with ingrown toenails. present, an oral antibiotic may be
For example, if you have had a prescribed.
toenail fungal infection or if you • Surgery. A simple procedure,
have lost a nail through trauma, often performed in the office, is
you are at greater risk for developing commonly needed to ease the
an ingrown toenail. pain and remove the offending
nail. Surgery may involve numbing
Normal nail Treatment the toe and removing a corner of
Sometimes initial treatment for the nail, a larger portion of the
If an ingrown nail causes a break ingrown toenails can be safely nail, or the entire nail.
in the skin, bacteria may enter and performed at home. However, home • Permanent removal. Various
cause an infection in the area, which treatment is strongly discouraged if techniques may be used to destroy
is often marked by drainage and a you suspect you have an infection, or or remove the nail root. This treat-
foul odor. However, even if your toe if you have a medical condition that ment prevents the recurrence of an
isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a puts your feet at high risk—for ingrown toenail. Your surgeon will
nail that curves downward into the example, diabetes, nerve damage in determine the most appropriate
skin can progress to an infection. the foot, or poor circulation. procedure for you.

2. line, and don’t cut them too short. in the toe box. Also avoid shoes that
You should be able to get your are loose, because they too cause
fingernail under the sides and pressure on the toes, especially
end of the nail. when you run or walk briskly. ▲
• Avoid poorly-fitting shoes. Don’t
wear shoes that are short or tight
Before After
Following nail surgery, a light The Truth About Home Treatment
bandage will be applied. Most Myths Truths
people experience very little pain
Cutting a notch (a “V”) in the nail Cutting a “V” does not affect
after surgery and may resume will reduce the tendency for the nail the growth of the toenail. New
normal activity the next day. If your to curve downward. nail growth will continue to
surgeon has prescribed an oral curve downward.
antibiotic, be sure to take all the
Repeated trimming of the nail Repeated nail trimming fails
medication, even if your symptoms borders is a good way to treat to correct future nail growth and
have improved. ingrown toenails. can make the condition worse.
Cotton placed under the nail will Cotton placed under the nail can
Preventing Ingrown Toenails relieve the pain. be harmful. It can easily harbor
Many cases of ingrown toenails may bacteria and encourage infection.
be prevented by following these two
You can buy effective ingrown Over-the-counter topical medications
important tips:
toenail treatments at the drug store. may mask the pain, but they fail to
• Trim your nails properly. Cut address the underlying problem.
your toenails in a fairly straight
This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and
Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 5,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of
Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.
The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education,
research and the promotion of the highest professional standards.
Copyright © 2005, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com