Ingrown toenail: causes and tips to avoid the problem

Nails are considered an altered form of the upper layer of skin tissue (epidermis) hardened by a protein called keratin, and have the important function of protecting the tips of the fingers and toes.

Any person, of any age, can eventually, throughout their life, suffer from nail changes (nails) for numerous reasons. Nails can, for example, become thicker, brittle, discolored, uneven. In some cases, they can even fall off, leaving a new nail to grow later.

However, one of the most common problems of nail pathology is the well-known ingrown nail, or onychocryptosis (technical name), which occurs when a nail tip penetrates the soft tissues that are around it.

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The ingrown toenail can bother women and men of all ages, causing pain, discomfort and even more serious inflammation. Nails are more often ingrown in the foot, more specifically in the hallux (the famous big toe).

Cleide Trindade, a podiatrist at the Monde K salon, comments, however, that ingrown toenails can occur on both hands and feet (although they are more common in the latter). “That’s because, in most cases, nails become ingrown due to people cutting the wrong way.”

But anyway, why does the nail jam? Why do some people suffer more from this problem than others? How to prevent this from happening? Below you will clarify your main doubts on the subject.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Podiatrist José dos Santos, a professional at Walter’s Coiffeur, points out that ingrown toenails usually occur due to the use of tight shoes, incorrect nail cutting and hereditary factors.

That is, those who have family members with a history of ingrown toenails may be more likely to develop the problem (sometimes even in the first years of life). But this is not a rule / a determining factor.

Cleide explains that, normally, the ingrown toenail is caused by the wrong cut. “When nails are cut too short or with rounded ends, which can cause the nail to turn and grow inward, for example; or when there is extra pressure on the toes (in the case of a tight shoe, for example).”

It is worth noting that ingrown toenails can occur due to the morphology of the nail itself (nails curved inwards) and/or the anatomy of the fingers (chubby sides, for example).

Thus, in summary, the main causes of ingrown nails can be highlighted:

• Incorrect cut;
• Wearing tight shoes;
• Shape of nails and/or fingers;
• Hereditary factors.

In this context, you can check out the main tips to take care of your nails in the best possible way, avoiding this unpleasant problem.

7 tips to have beautiful nails and without ingrown

The main guidelines to prevent nails from becoming ingrown are:

1. Keep the nail always square;
2. Wear shoes with wide toes that do not put pressure on your toes;
3. Wear closed shoes only when necessary, leaving the nails free whenever possible (using flip-flops, flat sandals);
4. Cut the nail every 15 days or at least once a month to maintain the correct cut;
5. Especially if you have frequent ingrown toenails, it is essential to keep in touch with your podiatrist regularly, not letting other inexperienced people cut your nails;
6. Don’t try to cut your nails at home, especially if you’ve had an ingrown toenail problem.
7. Don’t be “poking” and/or trying to get rid of a nail that you think is ingrown.

How to treat ingrown toenails

Check out the answers from professionals below for those who usually have it frequently or are currently having ingrown toenails:

1. Should I try to clear a jam? How to do this safely?

“Do not try to clear the jam under any circumstances, as this may worsen the problem. The podiatrist is the professional qualified to treat existing podopathies in the feet. Using appropriate, sterilized instruments. The procedure is done quickly and effectively”, guides José.

Cleide comments that, if it’s not something that’s really bothering her, the person can cut that nail, leaving the foot soaking in warm water to soften it; always using a very clean and sharp nail clipper, and not cutting the nail too short. “But, the right thing is not to keep picking at the nail and seek help from a professional, preferably a podiatrist”, she says.

“If this is the case, the professional will start a treatment with orthosis, devices to clear nails, which are glued on top of the nail to clear it. The device is a type of button, metallic wire or bracket, the same used on teeth, it is glued on top of the nail, pressing the corners and pulling the nail upwards”, adds the podiatrist.

“There are still other precautions that the podiatrist can take, in which an anesthetic is placed on the nail and the spicule, corner of the nail, is removed; and, after cleaning, a bandage is applied. The treatment can take up to 6 months”, explains Cleide.

As each case is different and the ingrown nail may or may not be in a more serious situation, the ideal is always to seek professional help.

2. I have an ingrown toenail. Should I go to the podiatrist?

José comments that, generally, the person can only realize that their nail is ingrown when they feel discomfort or severe pain, as there is no way to diagnose the problem. “When you feel discomfort, you should immediately seek a podiatrist.”

Cleide reinforces that whenever the nail is bothering, the person should look for a podiatrist, so as not to let the situation reach a critical state. “The maintenance of the treatment should be done once a month”, she guides.

3. And when the ingrown toenail has pus? What to do?

José explains that, in this case, a procedure called spiculotomy is performed, removing the spicule (nail). “This agent that causes inflammation is removed using scalpels. An occlusive dressing is placed, and the patient must return within 24 hours for evaluation. This being the deadline for improvement of cases.”

In cases of ingrown toenails with pus, the importance of not touching the site is reinforced, trying to unclog it and/or remove the pus – which would only aggravate the problem.

4. Is there any surgery to treat ingrown toenails?

“There is, it is the nail canthoplasty, which is a surgery to remove the corners of the nails”, says Cleide.

In addition to removing the lateral portion of the nail plate where there is an ingrown nail, the nail root is removed or cauterized at that location to prevent the problem from returning.

5. What should you not do in case of an ingrown toenail?

The basic rule, according to Cleide, is not to keep touching that nail, so that it doesn’t ignite anymore.

Look for a professional qualified to treat the nail, as any mistake can aggravate the problem.

6. Is there any medicine I can apply in case of pain and inflammation due to an ingrown toenail?

“Yes, menthol ointment, camphor and eucalyptus oil, very common in Vick Vaporub, as it relieves pain and helps against inflammation”, guides Cleide.

7. Are there any home remedy options?

Cleide suggests putting your foot in hot salt water to relieve pain and provide comfort.

It is worth mentioning, however, that this measure, as well as the idea of ​​applying the ointment, can help relieve the pain, but will not solve the problem. Therefore, going to the podiatrist remains indispensable.

The ingrown toenail, in addition to causing pain and discomfort, if left untreated, can evolve into a granuloma, also known as “spongy meat”. In this case, in addition to the severe pain, the lesion bleeds easily, the person can no longer wear shoes and sometimes finds it difficult to walk normally.

For all this, be careful is little! Keep your nails trimmed squarely; if you already have a greater tendency to ingrown your nails, cut them only with a professional you trust; avoid wearing shoes that are too closed and tight; and, finally, in case of an ingrown condition, be careful not to worsen the condition and immediately seek the help of a podiatrist.