Ingrown toenail » Causes & treatments

An ingrown toenail is not only extremely painful. If left untreated, it can also pose an extreme health risk. But how does this phenomenon, which experts also refer to as unguis incarnatus or onchocryptosis, come about?

In this article, we will introduce you to the causes and different treatment options . We will also show you how to effectively prevent ingrown toenails so that you can go through life without any worries in the future.

What are the typical signs of ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail often causes severe pain . The edge of the nail grows into the surrounding tissue (nail fold). This becomes inflamed. It is

• red,
• swells
• and manifests itself with throbbing or stabbing pain.

Even light skin contact, such as stockings or the bed cover, can become torture.

If no treatment is given, disaster will take its course. So-called granulation tissue , colloquially known as "proud flesh", threatens to overgrow the nail .

Now the inflammation becomes stronger and therefore more painful . Especially if bacteria get into the wound. At this point at the latest, an ingrown toenail can be recognized by the secretion of

• tissue fluid,
• blood
• or even detect pus.

Causes and risk factors at a glance

Ingrown toenails do not appear overnight. There are certain risk factors that contribute to the development of Unguis incarnatus.

If you take these into account, you can actively prevent unpleasant and painful foot problems:

• Shoes that are too tight
• Incorrectly cut toenails
• Sweaty feet
• Diabetes, kidney and heart failure
• Roll nails (hereditary nail growth form)
• Anatomical condition of the nail bed (too wide)
• Obesity
• Cancer drugs

Frequency and typical course

An ingrown nail is not uncommon . One in five patients with foot problems is affected. The phenomenon is becoming increasingly common in the 50+ population, particularly as mobility decreases with age.

In addition, there is a natural change in the nail structure . Our nails become thicker as we get older and are no longer so easy to trim .

The three stages distinguished by doctors

Doctors divide the severity of ingrown toenails into three stages:

• Stage 1: At the beginning, the nail has already grown laterally into the nail fold. The surrounding tissue is red, sensitive to pressure and causes pain when walking.
  
• Stage 2: So-called granulation tissue is already growing over the edge of the nail. It owes its name to its external appearance with small, visible grains on the surface.
  
  These are called “granuloma” in Latin. In many cases, this form of skin growth is wet and festering.
  
• Stage 3: This phase is characterized by chronic inflammation, which can affect not only the nail fold but also the entire nail bed. It is usually accompanied by extensive overgrowth of the nail.

Health effects of ingrown toenails

If an ingrown toenail is treated early , the inflammation can in most cases be contained with simple means .

However, anyone who waits too long or belongs to a risk group (diabetics, people with weakened immune function) should seek medical help. This also applies if stage 3 has already been reached and fever and weakness also occur.

Expert advice: If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to phlegmon. This form of inflammation reaches deep into the tissue layers and can even cause blood poisoning.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

An ingrown toenail is usually diagnosed by the doctor without further examination, as the problem is usually recognizable at first glance.

If a nail has grown into the toe, those affected can usually feel and see it through redness and swelling . If you want to be on the safe side, you can also consult a professional podiatry practice for a diagnosis.

How to avoid ingrown toenails

With the right know-how, an ingrown toenail can be actively prevented . This includes the following components:

• Adequate nail care: Your nails should not be cut too short. It is best to use a glass file to shorten them. This is particularly gentle and effective and is also perfect for thick toenails.
  
  If you would like to learn more about nail and foot care, we recommend our guide article “ Caring for your feet ”
  
• The right footwear: When choosing your shoes, pay attention primarily to functionality. Even though appearance obviously plays an important role, fit is always the top priority when it comes to avoiding any foot problems.
  
  You can recognize suitable models by the fact that your toes have sufficient freedom of movement and the shoe is neither too tight nor too wide.
  
  You should also always keep an eye on breathability when buying shoes. This helps to reduce excessive sweating.
  
• Avoid sweaty feet : Sweating softens the skin, making it easier for nails to grow in. To counteract this natural process, our cooling and nourishing Feet Care Spray can be your ideal tool.
  
  It refreshes your feet in a unique way thanks to its purely natural formula. The aloe vera it contains is also said to have balancing properties. It also strengthens the skin and nail flora and can contribute to normal skin function.

Treatment: What really helps?

An ingrown nail always requires adequate treatment . This depends on the extent of the injury . If it is stage 3, you should definitely see a doctor or podiatrist.

In all other cases, however, an ingrown toenail can usually be treated yourself using the following options.

Ingrown toenail: The role of the foot bath in treatment

If you want to successfully treat an ingrown nail , you should not underestimate the role of a foot bath . A salt foot bath contributes significantly to success. This soothing foot bath prepares the nail as best as possible for further treatment.

Sea salt and baking soda are particularly important. Sea salt and baking soda are considered antiseptic and anti-inflammatory . But essential oils can also help relieve foot pain.

Our foot bath salt is a purely natural composition of 100% natural ingredients that have proven to be very effective in treating foot and nail fungus. In this article, you will learn how to take a foot bath with salt .

After soaking the toenails, the affected skin can usually be pushed back from the edge of the nail very easily using a rosewood stick . You can then apply an anti-inflammatory tincture or ointment .

How effective are tamponades and traction bandages?

In order to relieve the affected nail and at the same time to shield the nail edge from the adjacent tissue , tamponades or traction bandages are often recommended .

• During a tamponade , the edge of the nail is lifted and a compress is inserted.
  
  
• A traction bandage consists of several plasters . As the name suggests, they are applied under tension to expose the nail edge by permanently pulling back the affected skin.

Both methods should not be carried out by yourself , but should be carried out by experienced podiatrists. Only then will the use of tampons and traction bandages be successful.

Nail correction braces: A professional solution for nail problems

Nail correction braces are also an option for treating ingrown toenails . They are used in podiatry to lift the nail and thus prevent further ingrown nails.

Different models are used . The device is often hooked into place on both sides underneath the nail and creates a slight pressure that permanently lifts the nail slightly. Plastic corrective braces work in a similar way. However, they are glued to the nail.

If an ingrown toenail is treated with a brace , there are usually no side effects . However, the method requires a little patience, as the application period can be several months, during which the nail correction brace must be tightened regularly.

However, diabetics should avoid this method due to possible sensory disturbances in the feet or should discuss the procedure with their doctor beforehand.

Under what circumstances is surgery unavoidable?

In most cases, the symptoms can be successfully treated by yourself or with the help of experienced podiatrists. However, an ingrown toenail requires surgery under the following circumstances:

• Severe pus formation
• Spread of inflammation to surrounding tissue
• Fever/fatigue
• Severe pain

Useful tips for everyday life

Anyone who suffers from an ingrown toenail is reminded of it at every step. Often, the pain makes it impossible to sleep.

However, with the following easy-to-implement tips, you can sustainably alleviate the symptoms with little effort:

• Use a spacer: Even contact with the neighboring toe can cause severe pain. However, you can quickly get relief with a pressure-relieving bandage.
  
  Get a small foam wedge from the pharmacy. Place it between the toes and secure the toes with a gauze bandage.
  
• Wear stockings without seams: We don't usually consciously notice the seams on stockings. However, if you suffer from an ingrown toenail, you do.
  
  For this reason, it is best to wear stockings without toe seams that are cut as wide as possible.
  
• Give your foot some freedom at night : Even the bedclothes can cause severe pain on the affected toe. Make sure that you do not rest them against the bedclothes.
  
  You can also drape them over the foot end and create a kind of tent for your feet. Don't have a footboard on your bed? No problem. With a small pillow tower, you can have a replacement in no time.
  
• Get help in good time: It is best to see a podiatrist at the first signs.

Why is the risk increased in diabetes and in old age?

An ingrown nail can pose a serious health risk if you have diabetes. Those affected often suffer from circulatory and wound healing problems due to their disease, which is why nail problems can go unnoticed for a long time.

As we get older, it is also common for a toe to become ingrown. This is primarily due to the change in nail structure. The feet and toes also change, which makes nail care even more difficult.

Conclusion

An ingrown toenail is not only extremely annoying for those affected, but also extremely painful. However, by regularly using a foot bath with soothing foot bath salts, you lay the foundation for healthy toenails. Another important component in treatment and prevention is care.

Our Feet Care Spray has proven particularly effective . To prevent ingrown nails, you should avoid using nail clippers and the like. Instead, use our high-quality glass file to trim your nails particularly gently.

FAQ

Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?

In some cases, an ingrown toenail can heal on its own if you treat it with a foot bath and an anti-inflammatory ointment or tincture.

How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to heal?

If a toenail is ingrown, it can take several weeks for it to heal completely. In rare cases, it can take several months. Both the stage and the treatment methods play an important role.

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