Why Do I Have an Ingrown Toenail?

Do you have pain at the edge of your toenail? Most likely you have an ingrown toenail which is a condition that develops at the corner as the toenail grows into the skin. When the toenail curves in it grows into the skin. An ingrown toenail does not pose a health risk to a healthy person but someone with an underlying problem needs to see an ingrown toenail specialist for an ingrown toenail treatment.

Why does an ingrown toenail form?

There are many causes of ingrown toenails

1. Improper cutting of the toenails. When the toenails are rounded or too short the toenails grow into the skin.
2. Improper fitting shoes that are tight at the toe box.
3. Tearing at the corner of the toenail.
4. Foot shape (Congenital). It means that if your toenail is large compared to your toe the surrounding tissue of the toenail border will naturally dig into the skin.
5. Trauma to the toe such as getting stepped on, having an object fall on the toe, or banging your toe.

What is an infected ingrown toenail?

Since the toenail grows into the skin around it, it may cause a tear and inflammation that creates a way for bacteria or fungus to enter the toenail. Some signs of an infected toenail include

1. Initially, the toenail feels swollen and hard.
2. Pain
3. Darkening or redness of the infected toenail.
4. Pus or liquid that comes out of the toe.
5. The feeling of warmth or hotness around the area.

Why am I like to develop an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is common and two out of 10 people in the population look for who to see for ingrown toenail. Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail but with a higher risk in athletes, adolescents, diabetic patients, poor blood circulation, severe nerve damage, and infection around the toenail.

How do I treat an ingrown toenail at home?

Yes, it is possible to treat an ingrown toenail at home to prevent further pain and prevent or control infections.

First, soak the foot in Epsom salt and warm water salt twice a day. Keep the foot clean and dry most of the time. Lift the toenail gently and place a clean dental floss or cotton underneath the toenail. Change this cotton or dental floss daily. Wear comfortable shoes with a roomy toe box or sandals. Use a bandage to protect the toenail and use an antibiotic cream to treat infections. When in pain use pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Is it safe to cut an ingrown toenail by myself?

You should not try to cut the ingrown toenail by yourself. If the symptoms do not get better with the home remedies above then consult a doctor for ingrown toenail who will cut the ingrown toenail for you. It is an ingrown toenail foot doctor to come up with an ingrown toenail treatment that will further help relieve the pain and discomfort. 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.