Ingrown nails occur when the edges of a nail become embedded under the skin, causing irritation, redness, swelling, pain, inflammation and infection. The big toe is the most susceptible to this condition.
Ingrown nails rupture the skin on the side of the nail causing wounds that will eventually allow infection to take hold. If inadequately treated, this condition may recur overtime. Oral antibiotics alone will not cure ingrown nails.
Improperly trimmed nails often leaves a spike at the corner
Crowding of toes due to tight footwear
Trauma to the feet
When the nail is ingrown (breaking the skin), the wound will not heal properly if the spike is not removed. Infection can often be missed and lead to further problems.
People with eyesight problems, mobility issues, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, children/teenagers should avoid any form of self-treatment and seek immediate medical attention.
Please clean your toe with normal saline and apply an antiseptic solution to the affected area, cover it with a plaster and seek a podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment.
Similar to having a piece of glass or splinter embedded in your skin, the offending spike of the ingrown toenail requires immediate medical attention and must be removed promptly.
A podiatrist is a foot specialist qualified to perform various nail infection treatments. The treatment method will include removing the spike and cutting back the nail to a length which will promote the nail to grow straight without causing more pain. The podiatrist will apply a suitable dressing to help encourage wound healing and reduce any localised infection. The wound dressing will need to be changed regularly to prevent infection.
In the case of incurvated toenails causing chronic pain and infections, the Podiatrist may recommend nail surgery instead of routine nail care.
Podiatrists are experts in performing small delicate procedures with razor-sharp precision, incurring only minimal damage to the areas around the ingrown nail.
Please consult with our Podiatrist to find out if you are suitable for this procedure as restrictions may apply depending on the status of your health.
