What can I do if I think I have an Ingrown Toenail?
- taylaforland
- Jul 4, 2022
- 3 min read
How to tell if you have an ingrowing toenail? At-home management tips, when to see a professional for ingrowing toenail treatment and which professional to see!
I suffered with ingrowing toenails on and off for years! It is one of the biggest reasons podiatry was such a magnetic career to me. This taught me quickly that prevention and early treatment are essential to success in managing this condition and ensuring it is not a lifelong struggle. I'm very happy to say my ingrown toenails are well under control these days!
Ingrowing toenails can be spontaneous, painful and affect people of all ages for many different reasons. They can be a risk for infection if left untreated, and can often be treated with minimal discomfort if you know the signs to watch out for and who to go to for help.
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How do I know if it's an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails occurs when a section of toenail digs into the surrounding skin. This nail may just be applying pressure to the skin, or it may be puncturing into it. If the nail has injured the surrounding skin, it can pose a risk for infection.
Signs & Symptoms of an ingrowing toenail:
Pain in the side of the nail where it meets the skin (sulci)
Swelling in the skin surrounding the nail
Pain on pressure (usually from shoes)
Redness in the skin surrounding the nail
Oozing (if infected) - pus, blood, clearer fluid
Odour (if infected)
What can I do at-home to manage an ingrowing toenail?
Applying the following advice at an early stage can prevent an ingrowing toenail from requiring professional intervention, prevent the issue from occurring again, and also manage the early symptoms to decrease pain and discomfort.
Below are some general tips on what to avoid if you suspect you might have an ingrowing toenail and some at-home management strategies.
What to avoid to prevent an ingrown toenail from worsening?
Avoid tight socks and footwear
Avoid heavy physical activity until symptoms are under control, or until a podiatrist recommends it
Avoid picking the toenails, instead trim the free nail edge only
Avoid cutting or trimming down the sides of the nails especially if you suspect there might be an ingrown segment of toenail
Avoid tight bandaids or bandages that can apply extra pressure
Avoid public spas, pools, foot baths etc.
Avoid pedicurist shops that aren't able to properly clean and sterilise equipment
What can I do to manage an ingrown toenail at home?
Make an appointment with a podiatrist or trained healthcare professional, or at least make sure you know the professional resources around you
Warm saline foot baths - soak the affected toe/foot in lukewarm water with 1-2 tablespoons of salt dissolved in it
Apply a topical antiseptic cream or liquid to the affected nail and surrounding skin. Examples include: Betadine or Savlon
Cover loosely with a breathable dressing and change at least once a day - avoid leaving a wet dressing in contact with the toe
Monitor signs and symptoms for signs of worsening and improvement. Ensure redness and pain are decreasing. If not, it's essential you seek professional treatment. The earlier, the better!
When to see a podiatrist or professional?
It is important to know when to see a professional, especially if you're experiencing symptoms of infection. The following are a few signs professional intervention is necessary:
If redness, pain, swelling is getting worse
If pus, or odour is noticed
If symptoms have not resolved within a week
If you are a sportsperson, athlete or very active and symptoms are impacting your ability to perform and/or participate
If you have a history of ingrown toenails
If you're unsure of the symptoms, or if symptoms are inconsistent
Why see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
Podiatrists are the experts in treating and managing ingrown toenails, it's our bread and butter. Having experienced them myself, I did not want anyone else digging around in such a tender area. Finding an experienced podiatrist that you trust can make a great deal of difference in understanding you condition, and ensuring thorough and considerate treatment.
Reach out for more info!
If you're concerned about an ingrown toenail or would like further information, contact me at Tayla Forland Dance Podiatrist to make an appointment or to learn more about treatment options. I'd love to help get you back to moving and living pain-free!
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