Ingrown Nails

Overview of Ingrown Nails

If your nails grow inside the skin instead of above it, ingrown nails ( درلحمی ناخن ) happen. Mostly, toenails are affected as compared to the fingernails, especially your big toe.

Signs and Symptoms of Ingrown Nails

When the nails grow into your skin, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Hardness

If your ingrown nails get infected, some other symptoms will appear such as:

  • Bleeding
  • Redness
  • Pus coming out of your toe
  • Pain
  • Feeling hot or shivery

Types of Ingrown Nails

Causes of Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails occur if you:

  • Cut your toenails too short
  • Trim improperly
  • Wear tight shoes that press your nail into your toe
  • Injure your toe during a sport or an accident
  • Put repeated stress on your toes
  • Family history

If your nail continuously grows inside the skin, it can lead to serious changes. The tissues in that area may be permanently changed which results in nail infection, more pain, and increased swelling.

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Risk Factors of Ingrown Nails

Some of the major factors that can increase your risk of suffering from ingrown toenails are:

  • Being an adolescent, a person's feet tend to perspire more, which softens the nail and skin
  • Not taking care of nail health
  • Bad nail-cutting habits such as cutting the nail too short or rounding the nails from the corners
  • Wearing shoes that can constrict the toes
  • Risk of toe injuries due to activities such as kicking and running
  • Having health conditions such as diabetes as it can lead to poor blood flow

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Prevention

You can prevent ingrown nails by proper grooming such as:

  • Before cutting, soak your feet to make the nails soft.
  • Always use nail clippers to cut the nail in straightway. Make sure to leave enough nails to cover the toe to protect it.
  • Avoid the use of scissors, which can’t perfectly cut from the corners.
  • Wear proper size socks and shoes.
  • Women should avoid tight, pointed, and high-heeled shoes. These types of shoes can cause ingrown nails by pressing the toes.
  • Take care of your young children's nails.

If your symptoms get worse after home remedies you have to visit the doctor.

The doctor may:

  • Advise Antibiotics: Oral or topical medication may help you to get rid of your infection.
  • Lift the Nail: If your problem is mild and free of infection, your doctor may use a splint to lift your nail. The doctor will change the position of the nail to help it grow above the skin.
  • Remove Your Infected Nail: Your doctor may cut the area of the nail that’s growing into your skin. However, your toe will be numbed before surgery.
  • Remove All of Your Infected Nail: If ingrown nails are continuously growing on the same toe or finger, your doctor may surgically remove your whole nail. it can take up to 4 months for your nail to grow back.
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Diagnosis

Your general healthcare doctor or certified podiatrist can help you in the diagnosis of an ingrown toenail while inspecting it. They'll examine the skin at the edge of the nail and diagnose the ingrown nail where it is growing over the nail.

Treatment of Ingrown Nails | When to Consult a Doctor

Treatment of ingrown nails depends upon the severity of the condition. You can treat your ingrown nails at home if it is not infected. You can manage the symptoms by:

  • Keep Feet Dry: Keep your feet dry and avoid sweat or dampness.
  • Soaking Your Feet: Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. It will help to reduce swelling and tenderness.
  • Lift Your Nail: Put a piece of cotton under the edge of your nail to lift it as it grows out.
  • Apply Antibiotic Cream: Use topical antibiotic cream and cover with a bandage to prevent infection.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Avoid tight shoes and high heels. Prefer open-toed shoes or shoes which provide plenty of room in the toe.
  • Take Pain Relievers: You can reduce swelling and tenderness by using medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as per the doctor’s prescription.

In case of any concerning signs and symptoms, you need to reach out to a certified dermatologist to get customized treatment.