What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by incorrect nail cutting, tight footwear, injury, or the natural shape of the nail.
What Could Happen If You Leave an Ingrown Toenail Untreated
It may cause swelling, throbbing pain, and inflamed skin when the side or corner of your toenail curves down into the surrounding soft flesh. This common condition can eventually trigger more complicated health problems.
- Leaving it could lead to an infection around the toenail, worsening pain, and a fever. Prevent the problem from spreading into the bone underneath the nail and entering the bloodstream to cause eventual sepsis.
- We suggest taking care of the issue sooner rather than later, especially if you have peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet. Should your case be severe, we may suggest removal or a surgical procedure.
- Severe pain in your toe, a discharge, and inflamed skin that seems to be spreading indicate you require the high-quality, personalised ingrown toenail treatment we provide to reduce the discomfort and prevent complications.
- Consider making an appointment if your toe feels warm or hot, you have trouble walking, or your skin is red and either hardened, overgrown or too soft.
We dedicate ourselves to maintaining leg and foot health, preventing escalating health concerns, and delivering ongoing, outcome-focused care to patients across Sydney with our practices located near Westmead 2150, New South Wales.
An ingrowing toenail can frequently heal without surgery. We can remedy minor ingrown toenails by gently taking the nail out of the flesh and cutting it correctly so it can no longer puncture the skin, this should only be done my a professional and trained podiatrist.
- It is possible to permanently prevent ingrown toenails if they are a chronic problem. After draining the pus, we may use antibiotics as an infected ingrown toenail treatment. We can remove the ingrowing part and its root with a laser, chemical, or another method.
- Our experienced podiatrist can remove either part of or the entire nail in a minor ingrown toenail surgery procedure in Westmead
- and the surrounding area. The partial process might entail numbing the toe, cutting the sides of the toenail away, and making the remaining nail completely straight.
- We may put a substance under the edges of the leftover nail to stop it from growing back and treat the toe with disinfectants and antiseptics.
- Should we decide that the best course of action is to remove the entire toenail, we may remove it and the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back, then prescribe antibiotics and rest for a full recovery.
We invite people with persistent foot problems, diabetes, poor blood circulation or nerve damage in their foot or leg to visit us regularly for nail care and check-ups.
How Do Toenails Become Ingrown?
Guildford Podiatry Centre Serving the Residents Of Westmead
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and sometimes infection. Several factors can contribute to this condition:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage them to grow into the skin.
- Tight Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toenails, causing them to grow inward.
- Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something on it, can cause the nail to grow abnormally.
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to ingrown toenails due to the shape of their nails or toes.
- Poor Foot Hygiene: Lack of proper foot care can lead to issues that make ingrown toenails more likely.
- Sweaty Feet: Excess moisture can soften the skin and increase the risk of ingrown nails
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If someone is experiencing pain or signs of infection, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare
What to Expect From Our Ingrown Toenail Treatment
- A thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of your ingrown toenail
- A customised treatment plan based on your specific case
- Gentle, effective removal of the ingrown nail
- Pain management options to minimise discomfort during and after treatment
- Follow-up care and guidance to help prevent recurrence
Don't wait to deal with a painful ingrown toenail — book an appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthy toe.
More Suggestions From Guildford Podiatry Centre
Get rid of tights, socks, and shoes that press on your toenails and wear well-fitting shoes to prevent this painful hindrance.
- Trim your toenails straight across rather than tapering them or rounding the corners, and refrain from cutting them too short. Fight the need to tear or pick at the corners. Doing so can only cause trouble.
- Sweaty feet may result in skin getting too soft, making it easier for toenails to dig into it, so keep your feet clean and dry.
- You may want a professional to look at an injured toe to ensure all is well, especially if the nails are fan-shaped or have naturally curved edges.
Please send us a message or call if you need more information or want to make an appointment.