What does an ingrown toenail look like

If it is done under a local anesthetic, the patient will be awake but the area is numbed, so they will not feel anything. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be necessary. If the nail has become very thick or distorted, the whole nail may be taken out, again under a local anesthetic. This is not usually very painful, and most people can get back to normal activity the next day.

If the ingrown toenail keeps coming back, the cells in the nail bed may be removed so that the toenail cannot grow again. Although the doctor will use a local anesthetic, the toe may feel tender when the anesthetic wears off.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for example, Tylenol, or paracetamol, may help. For 1 to 2 weeks, the patient will have to wear either very soft and spacious footwear or open-toed sandals. This can result in infection.

The area affected becomes red, swollen, warm, and painful. There may be bleeding and pus. If you suspect that you may have an ingrowing toenail, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Anyone with symptoms of infection should seek medical help, either with a primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, or a foot care specialist known as a podiatrist.

The nail may feel painful in response to pressure, and there may be inflamed and overgrown skin at the tip of the toe. The ingrowing toenail may also leak blood and white or yellow pus. Footwear : Shoes and socks that crowd the toes and toenails increase the chance of an ingrown toenail. Shoes can be too tight because they are too short, too narrow at the end, or too flat at the end.

Tight-fitting socks, tights, or stockings may cause ingrown toenails. Cutting the toenails too short : Not cutting straight across or cutting the edges of the toenail can encourage the surrounding skin to fold over the nail. The nail can then push into that skin and pierce it. Toenail injury : Dropping something on the toe, kicking something hard, and other accidents can lead to ingrown toenails.

An unusual curvature : This increases the risk that the toenail will grow into the soft tissue, causing inflammation and possible infection. Posture : How a person walks or stands can affect the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails. Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating : If the skin on the toes and feet is moist and warm, there is a higher chance of developing an ingrown toenail.

A fungal infection can increase the risk. What is an ingrown toenail? What causes an ingrown toenail? What does an ingrown toenail look like? How do I care for and cut an ingrown toenail? How does a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail? How to prevent ingrown toenails? Back to top An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown downward into the flesh.

Back to top Ingrown toenails can affect any person, but they are especially common in people with naturally sweaty feet and those with thicker toenails. Genetic predisposition, including irregular toenails that curve inward Poor posture Toenail injury, which can include a stubbed toe, kicking a ball, and dropping a heavy object on the foot Incorrectly cutting toenails Poor foot hygiene, including not keeping the feet dry or clean Ill-fitting footwear, especially that which places pressure on the big toes tight, narrow, and flat shoes While some people are genetically predisposed to developing ingrown toenails, most will develop the abnormality as a result of lifestyle.

Back to top An ingrown toenail is fairly recognizable. Back to top When in its early stage, an ingrown toenail is relatively easy to care for. Back to top Visiting a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail will result in one or more treatment options.

Lift — Lifting the nail is a great option for slightly ingrown toenails. In this procedure, the doctor will carefully lift the ingrown edge and place a splint underneath. This will separate the nail from the skin, helping the nail grow above the skin and reducing pain or swelling. Partial Removal — More severe ingrown toenails will require a trim, or partial removal.

The doctor may use a local anesthetic before the procedure, and this will typically utilize a surgical blade or nail clipper. In this case, the doctor may suggest removing a portion of the nail and underlying tissue. By removing the tissue, the podiatrist will ensure that part of the nail does not grow back. This procedure often uses a chemical or laser to remove the nail and tissue. Most prevention techniques involve small lifestyle changes including: Wearing comfortably fitting shoes and socks.

Wearing protective footwear, like steel-toe boots, if working in hazardous condition. Maintaining good foot hygiene, including washing and drying the feet. Accessed Oct. Foot care. American Diabetes Association. Tintinalli JE, et al. Soft tissue problems of the foot. New York, N. Eekhof JAH, et al. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Canale ST, et al. Disorders of nails and skin.

In: Campbells Operative Orthopaedics. Philadelphia, Pa. Goldsmith LA, et al.