Symptoms and Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

Our nails normally extend out from the skin and grow accordingly. But occasionally, we may face the problem of having ingrown toenails as well. This condition is characterized by a curved nail which grows into the skin at the edges. While a mild curvature does not affect normal life, severe curving of the nail may cause redness and inflammation in the area. This may become painful with the area being prone to infection.

Causes- The great toenail becomes ingrown most often. This occurs in children who play soccer or football and keep bruising their toes every so often. Wearing pointed shoes cause compression of the toes and may be one of the leading reasons for ingrown toenails. Fungal infections may also affect the toes causing ingrowth. Physical injury cause inflammation of the toes and may lead to ingrown nails as well. Defective nail cutting techniques can also hamper the normal growth of nails. People who sweat excessively should take care to keep their feet dry as they are at an increased risk for fungal infection and ingrown toenails.

Symptoms- A dull pain in the toe may be felt initially. This becomes more pronounced during walking or running. Tenderness and inflammation along the edges of the nail are the first signs of inflamed nails. The pain and the swelling increases as the skin edge becomes more hard. There may be oozing out of pus or blood in extreme cases. Presence of fluids within the affected area indicates infection of the ingrown toenail.

Treatment- Soaking the affected feet in warm water feels helps to reduce the pain caused by ingrown toenails. Adding Epsom salt to the water and soaking the foot in it several times during the day will help to combat infection. Tight foot wear, be it shoes or socks, should be avoided at all costs. It is advisable to see a doctor if the inflammation and pain continues inspite of soaking the feet daily. Diabetics usually have poor circulation and should not attempt to self treat themselves.