WHAT ARE INGROWN TOENAILS?
By: Robert H. Sheinberg, D.P.M., D.A.B.F.A.S.,
F.A.C.F.A.S.
An ingrown toenail is the result of a nail growing into the skin. It usually occurs at the inside or outside border of the big toe, but may occur in any nail.
CAUSES:
- Improper trimming of toenail.
- Injuries.
- Fungal toenail.
- Pressure from shoes that are tight.
- Inherited nail deformities.
SYMPTOMS:
- Pain is usually at the tip of the toe where the end of the nail meets the skin.
- Pain is worse with closed shoes.
- Redness around or at the tip of the toe.
- Occasionally drainage (pus).
- Foul odor.
TREATMENT:
- The corner of the nail will need to be removed to relieve the pain, pressure and infection.
- Occasional oral antibiotics.
- Permanent correction to prevent recurrence is done by removing a small piece of the edge of the toenail to lessen pain. A local anesthetic is used.