Ingrowing ToenailWhat is Ingrowing Toenail ?Onychocryptosis or an ingrowing toenail is a condition when the sides or corners of the toe nail curl down and dig into the skin leading to swelling, pain and redness. In other words, the skin almost pierces the flesh and feels like a painful splinter in the toe. The condition is also followed by bleeding and pus in more severe cases.
The SymptomsAs the edge of the toenail digs into the skin fold beside the nail, the skin tends to become red, hot, tender and swollen. Sometimes, bacteria from skin get into the inflamed skin and an infection can set in. The condition of ingrowing toenail is most common with the big toe and is very common in active and sporty people owing to the amount they sweat. In addition, women are also more likely to get it as they normally cut nails too low in order to relieve pressure and discomfort of an involuted nail. If left untreated, the ingrowing toenail can progress to an infection or even an abscess leading to surgical intervention.
CausesThe two most important causes of ingrown toenails are ill-fitting footwear and improperly trimmed nails. An ingrowing toenail occurs primarily when the side of the nail curves inwards. This further grows to form a spike which then digs into the flesh at the side of the toe, further leading to pain, swelling and a low-grade persistent infection. The irritation of the nail spike breaks down the protective covering of the skin, giving way to germs, leading to infection. Here are some of the common causes that explain the occurrence of ingrown toenails: • Faulty shape of the nail In addition, individuals who have brittle nails with sharp edges or are in the habit of breaking bits of nails that are sticking out are more likely to develop ingrowing toenails.
Treatment OptionsNormally, a physical exam will include checking temperature, pulse and blood pressure, a detailed examination of the foot, toenail and the lymph nodes in the groin and an x-ray of the foot, if required. Blood tests are carried out to check the presence of an infection. In cases where an infection is present, an oral antibiotic is normally advised. Antibiotic creams such as Neosporin and Bacitracin are also recommended. In certain cases, surgical intervention is required. It is a fairly simple procedure that involves numbing the toe and removing a corner of the nail, a larger portion of the nail or even the entire nail. In extreme cases, certain techniques are used to destroy or remove the nail root to prevent recurrence of an ingrown nail.
Prevention and Self CareExtensive treatment can be easily avoided if the discomfort and pain associated to ingrown toenails is spotted and treated early on with self-care measures.
Here are some of the preferred home care measures: • Keep your affected foot soaked in warm salty water 3-4 times a day Another effective home remedy is to gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail from the embedded position and insert some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin. This packing should be changed everyday, as long as in use. However, it is important for you to consult your podiatrist if you see no improvement in 2-3 days or if the condition worsens further.  
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