Ingrown Toenail: Symptoms and Treatment Options
A foot disease known as an ingrown toenail occurs when the nail's corner grows into the skin. It usually affects the big toe.
Ingrown toenails(onychocryptosis)often occur when people cut their toenails by tapering the corner of the nails. If the toenail curves into the shape of the toe, it can grow into the skin. The ingrown toenail ICD-10 code for an ingrown toenail is L60.0. This code is used when the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.
These are common and do not usually pose a health risk to healthy people, however,If treatment is delayed, they may result in infections that extend to the foot's underlying bone structure.
Types of Ingrown Toenail
- Mild: The toenail slightly penetrates the skin, causing minor redness and swelling without infection.
- Moderate: The toenail grows more into the skin, leading to increased pain, redness, and swelling, often with the beginning of infection.
- Severe: The toenail deeply embeds into the skin, causing significant pain, swelling, infection, and sometimes the formation of pus.
- Recurrent: Occurs when ingrown toenails keep coming back after treatment, often due to improper nail trimming or footwear.
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Get A Second OpinionIngrown Toenail Causes
Here are some of the causes of ingrown toenails:
- Footwear Shoes and socks: that squeeze the toes and are too tight increase the chance of ingrown toenails.
- Cutting toenails too short: Not cutting straight or trimming the edges of the toenail can cause the surrounding skin to fold over the nail. The nail can then push on that skin and pierce it.
- Toenail injury: It can result by kicking something hard, dropping something on your toe, and other accidents.
- An unusual curvature: This increases the risk of the nail growing into the soft tissue, causing inflammation and possible infection.
- Postur: The way a person walks or stands can affect the likelihood of developing these toenails.
- Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating: It is more likely to form if the skin on the toes and feet is warm and wet.
- Fungal infections can increase the risk.
- Heredity: It can be hereditary.
- Genetic factors: Some people have longer toenails from birth.
Who is Likely to Have An Ingrown Toenail?
People who are at risk & likely to get this include:
- Adolescents
- Athletes
- Diabetes
- severe injury to the nerves of the foot or leg.
- Poor blood circulation
- An infection around the nail.
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
It start with minor symptoms that can escalate. Pay attention to the initial symptoms of this condition to avoid ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) infections and other complications.
- Redness or hardening of the skin around the nail
- Swelling
- Pain when touched
- Pressure under the nail
- Throbbing
- Bleeding
- Accumulation or exudation of fluid
- Bad smell
- Heat in the area around the nail
- Pus-filled abscess where the nail-pierced the skin
- Excessive growth of new and inflamed tissue at the edges of the nail
- Thick and cracked yellow nails, specifically in fungal infections
Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
Non-Surgical Treatment
Ingrown toenail should be treated as soon as it is detected. If they are detected early (before infection stars), home remedies for ingrown toenails can prevent the need for further treatment:
- Soak the feet in lukewarm water 3-4 times a day.
- Keep the feet dry for the rest of the day.
- Consider wearing sandals until the condition improves.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat pain.
- If it does not improve in 2 or 3 days, or if the condition worsens, call the doctor.
Surgical Treatment
- If there is excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, and discharge, the toenail is likely infected and should be treated by a doctor.
- A person may need to take oral antibiotics.
- The surgeon may perform a surgical excision of a portion of the nail, surrounding soft tissue, underlying nail bed, and even the growth center.
- Ingrown Toenail Surgery is effective in preventing the edge of the nail from growing inwards and cutting the fleshy folds as the toenail grows forward.
- Permanent ingrown toenail removal may be recommended for children with chronic and recurrent infected ingrown nails.
When to See a Doctor for Ingrown Toenail
- Severe Pain: If the pain becomes intense and persistent, despite home remedies.
- Infection Signs: If there is noticeable redness, swelling, pus, or warmth around the toenail.
- Chronic Condition: If the ingrown toenail keeps recurring or doesn't improve with self-care.
- Difficulty Walking: If the ingrown toenail affects your ability to walk comfortably.
- Underlying Health Conditions: If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, infections can be more serious.
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies for Ingrown Toenail
- Warm Water Soak: Dip your foot in warm, soapy water to soften the skin and reduce swelling.
- Epsom Salt: Add Epsom salt to the soak for ingrown toenail pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
- Cotton Lift: Gently place clean cotton under the nail to lift it away from the skin.
- Antiseptic Ointment: Apply to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear open-toed or loose shoes to avoid pressure on the toe.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak your foot in diluted apple cider vinegar to prevent infection.
If ingrown toenail pain or infection persists, it’s best to consult a doctor.
