If you notice that the skin around your toenail has become red, swollen and painful, especially when wearing shoes, you probably have an ingrown toenail. It could become infected if left untreated. The two main causes of ingrown toenails, which typically affect the big toe, are tight shoes and toenails that have been improperly cut. Other causes include stubbing your toe, picking or tearing your toenails or the skin around them, and having sweaty feet. Ingrown toenails are more common in older people, because the nails become thicker with age. The best way to avoid an ingrown toenail is to trim the nails straight across and not too short; wear shoes that fit well; and keep your feet clean and dry. If you have continual problems with ingrown toenails, or have developed an infection, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Ingrown toenails are more likely to develop in people who have diabetes and circulation problems. If you have either of these conditions, it is wise to visit a podiatrist regularly for treatment. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.