Toe-tally painful! How to deal with ingrown nails

If you're experiencing redness and pain around your nail that is becoming increasingly unbearable, you may be dealing with an ingrown nail. It can cause significant discomfort and complications if left untreated.

In Short

• An ingrown nail happens when the edge or corner of a nail grows into the surrounding skin
• Symptoms of an ingrown nail include pain, redness, swelling, pus, and difficulty walking
• Never leave an ingrown nail untreated, as it can lead to infection and increased pain

Ingrown nail... it is a pain you have to experience to believe. If you've ever dealt with an ingrown nail, you know just how excruciating the pain can be. The constant irritation and sensitivity around the nail are enough to make you want to scream.

For 31-year-old Nimisha Sharma (name changed), this was a problem she struggled with for years. Every time she brushed against the skin near her big toe, it felt like an electric shock of pain. It wasn’t until years later that she finally visited a doctor and found that she was dealing with an ingrown nail. The solution? Extraction.

But is nail extraction really the only way to tackle ingrown nails, or are there other solutions that can provide relief? Let's find out from the experts.

What is it?

"An ingrown nail refers to the growth of the edge or corner of a nail—most often a toenail—into the soft tissue around it, which may cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes pus formation," Dr Priyanka Kuri, consultant dermatologist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, tells India Today.

The doctor adds that, in most cases, this is a result of poor trimming of the nails, wearing narrow or oversized shoes, and abrasions on the toe caused by excessive rubbing.

In addition to this, familial traits like curved nails or conditions that put pressure on the toes can increase an individual’s chances of suffering from ingrown nails. If not treated, the condition can worsen, leading to increased pain and other complications.

Further, Dr Shifa Yadav, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, shares some symptoms of ingrown nails:

• Pain and tenderness: This is the most common symptom, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area.
• Redness and swelling: The skin around the ingrown nail becomes inflamed.
• Pus: If the ingrown nail becomes infected, pus may form.
• Difficulty walking: In severe cases, walking can be painful due to the pressure on the affected toe.

"Ingrown nails primarily affect toenails, especially the big toe. However, they can also occur in fingernails, particularly on the thumbs," says Dr Yadav.

Dr Kuri adds that for fingernails, causes may include nail-biting, cutting nails too deeply, or scratching. While both nail conditions have the same symptoms, the causes are different.

Don't ignore ingrown nail

If an ingrown nail is left untreated, it may lead to several complications, ranging from minor discomfort to serious health concerns.

"Initially, pain, warmth, and swelling indicate an ingrown nail, which over time can lead to the development of pus, increased pain on the damaged side, and an inability to walk or move. One can also observe an overgrowth of skin and chronic infections in severe cases," explains Dr Kuri.

Other health problems, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and immunosuppression, can make the condition worse.

The experts mention that ingrown nails can appear in people of all ages, but they are most often seen in teenagers and young adults due to the rapid growth of fingernails and their active lifestyles.

Athletes, as well as those who wear tight-fitting shoes or who do not trim their nails properly, are also at risk. Moreover, individuals with naturally curved nails or genetic predispositions are more easily affected by this problem.

Injuries to the toes or nails can also increase the risk of ingrown nails.

How to know if you are dealing with one?

Dr Yadav tells us that an ingrown nail typically appears as a red, swollen area of skin around the side or corner of the nail.

Notice carefully to see if the nail itself is partially embedded in the skin or if there is pus or drainage from the affected area. If so, you might be dealing with an ingrown nail.

Other signs of irritation to the affected nail may also include thickening of the nail, constant changes in colour, or uneven edges.

Dealing with ingrown nail

According to Dr Kuri, ingrown nails can be treated in different ways depending on their severity.

• For mild cases, home remedies like dipping the affected area in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day will help decrease inflammation and soften the nail.
• Applying a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time can also help.
• Probing the ingrown corner with a clean earbud or some dental floss can also help guide the nail to grow properly.
• Pain and infection can also be controlled with painkillers and antiseptic creams.

However, for severe cases or infected ingrown nails, medical treatment is necessary.

"In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. This is usually done under local anaesthesia. In severe cases, the doctor may need to remove part of the nail to prevent it from growing back into the skin," says Dr Yadav.

Preventing ingrown nail

• Experts mention that more and more people nowadays suffer from ingrown nails due to poor nail trimming practices that lead to nail-related infections. Avoid cutting nails too short, as this increases the risk of pressure pushing the nail into the surrounding tissue.
• Additionally, the choice of shoes is another aspect that should not be overlooked. Ill-fitting shoes compress the toes, causing ingrown nails, commonly seen with the big toe.
• Athletes or those who engage in activities that are hard on the feet should wear protective footwear to help avoid trauma.

• Good foot care practices, such as cleaning and drying the nails to prevent infections, also help prevent ingrown nails.
• Those with curved nails or a history of ingrown nails are encouraged to keep track of how their nails grow and to visit a medical practitioner regularly to manage the issue.

Remember, it’s important to seek professional medical advice if your ingrown nail is severe, painful, or not improving with home treatment. Early treatment can help prevent complications and promote faster healing.