Description

Ingrown toenails are due to the penetration of the edges of the nail plate into the soft tissue of the toe. It begins with a painful irritation that often becomes infected. With bacterial invasion, the nail margin becomes red and swollen often demonstrating drainage or pus. In people who have diabetes or poor circulation this relatively minor problem can become quite severe. In this instance a simple ingrown toenail can result in gangrene of the toe. These patients should seek medical attention at the earliest sign of an ingrown toenail. There are several causes of ingrown toenails: a hereditary tendency to form ingrown toenails, improperly cutting the toenails either too short or cutting into the side of the nail, and ill-fitting shoes. Children will often develop ingrown toenails as a result of pealing or tearing their toenails off instead of trimming them with a nail clipper. Once an ingrown toenail starts, they will often reoccur. Many people perform "bathroom" surgery to cut the nail margin out, only to have it reoccur months later as the nail grows out.

Treatment

Treatment for ingrown toenails is relatively painless. The injection to numb the toe may hurt some, but a skilled doctor has techniques to minimize this discomfort. Once the toe is numb, the nail margin is removed. Continuation of the infection is possible which can be controlled easily with oral antibiotics.

If this is a recurring problem, the doctor will recommend permanent removal of the nail margin. Using the same procedure, the nail margin is removed and the nail root in this area is destroyed. The doctor uses an acid to kill the root of the nail. It may take a few weeks for the nail margin to completely heal, but there are generally no restrictions in activity, bathing or wearing shoes. There are very few complications associated with this procedure. Reoccurrence of the ingrown toenail can occur a small percentage of the time.

The information provided in this web site is not intended to be a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. The material is provided for information purposes alone. Visitors should not exclusively rely on answers provided in this web site. Specific questions should be directed to your own health care provider. Dr. Tina Starkweather makes no claims, expressed or implied as to the accuracy and timeliness of any advice, services, or other information referenced in the web site. Additionally, Dr. Tina Starkweather is not obligated to follow-up or contact visitors to this site, nor is it liable in any manner for the decisions of visitors whose actions are based on information found in this web site.