If you've ever experienced an ingrown toenail, then you know that it is not fun. You also probably know that asking for help or advice for how to treat ingrown toenails can sometimes feel awkward or embarrassing. In reality, though, ingrown toenails are pretty common.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Roy Seidenberg, ingrown toenails can be caused by nail-growth pattern (meaning that some people are simply more genetically prone to them than others), chronic trauma, cutting toenails too short, or tight shoes. This means that even if you don't hear anyone else talking about it, you are definitely not the only one who's ever experienced an ingrown toenail. Luckily for all of us, though, there are plenty of expert-backed treatments and solutions that are sure to give you relief in no time.
First thing’s first: It’s important to understand exactly what ingrown toenails are before treating and preventing them. The painful issue occurs when the corner of a toenail grows into the soft tissue on either side of the nail, and according to Coral Gables-based podiatrist Francisco J. Oliva, they usually occur after improper cutting of the corners of the toenails. As the toenail grows, it gets trapped in the skin fold, and the skin becomes inflamed and painful.
Experts like Oliva say that the best way to avoid ingrown toenails is by making sure they're cut properly: as straight as possible, rather than curved. This also means paying close attention to what's happening to your nails during a pedicure, and of course, only making appointments with licensed nail professionals.
If something goes wrong and you do experience an ingrown toenail for whatever reason, it's important to know that they can also be a source of infection. This is why, in most cases, it's best to see a board-certified podiatrist to treat the nail and surrounding area right away.
"Many people believe that ingrown toenails simply cause discomfort. But they can be the cause of infections. This is why I recommend that you don’t attempt to treat an ingrown toenail at home." says New Jersey-based podiatrist Velimir Petkov, who says you could worsen the problem if you attempt to perform "bathroom surgery" on your own.
However, if your pain is very mild or you're simply unable to visit a podiatrist, Petkov suggests soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day. "This will soften your skin and reduce any inflammation," he tells Allure.
Another at-home treatment for mild ingrown toenails is toe taping, according to primary care physician Ehsan Ali of Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor. This is done, he says, by using a sticky, elastic tape to pull the fleshy skin of your toe (aka your lateral nail fold) away from the nail plate. "The tape is placed on the nail fold, stretched around the toe, and fixed on the [other side of your toe, near] the nail," Ali explains.
Regardless of the severity of your pain, the most effective treatment is always to see a doctor and seek guidance right away. This is especially true if you are diabetic, have blood circulation problems, or the area around your nails becomes red, inflamed, warm, and painful to the touch. This could be a sign of bacterial infection, according to Petkov.
"If you begin to experience these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist sooner than later. He or she will be able to treat the problem in their office using a local anesthetic," Petkov says. "The longer you wait, the more likely it is for your condition to worsen." Both Petkov and Oliva note that the most common and effective in-office treatment for ingrown toenails is called a matrixectomy, and basically entails having part of your toenail removed so it stops getting trapped under the skin. "The only painful portion is the anesthetic injection administered to the site before the procedure," Petkov explains. "Once the affected toe and the area around it get numb, you should feel no pain and be comfortable."
There is a little downtime after you have the procedure. "The recovery timeframe for an ingrown toenail removal can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on the severity," Petkov says. He usually advises his patients take over-the-counter pain medication and soak in an Epsom salt bath for up to 15 minutes per day. "Sometimes an antibiotic may need to be prescribed if the ingrown toenail is infected," he explains.
Your doctor might also apply a medication called Phenol, which kills the root of the ingrown nail border so it won't grow back. "It should only be handled by an experienced professional to avoid permanent burns and damage to your skin," Petkov cautions.
Granted, the idea of having to have your foot numbed and nail pulled probably doesn't sound too good to anyone — but it's always good to know that most doctors can fix the painful problem relatively quickly. And if you're lucky enough to not have experienced an ingrown toenail yet, take this as a reminder to always wear properly-fitting shoes and cut your toenails carefully.
More on feet:
- The 13 Best Foot Creams for Dry, Achy Feet
- The Best Insoles for Every Type of Shoe
- Here's What "Toe Jam" Is Actually Made Of
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