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. Ingrown toenails usually happen to the big toes. The most common reason for ingrown toenails is cutting toenails too short. When people cut their nails too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail.
This causes the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut or cut in a rounded shape also tend to become ingrown because they don't have clear corners. As they grow, a new corner grows under the skin and gets stuck. Ingrown toenails, if caught early, can be treated at home without a doctor visit. If you notice a slight pain and see that your nail is starting to grow into the skin along the side, you can relieve the pain and try to avoid infection.
Try soaking your affected foot in warm saltwater for 20 minutes at a time, 2—3 times a day, to relieve discomfort. To make saltwater, get a bucket of warm clean water or fill a bathtub just enough to soak your toe. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. Your big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail.
You can treat ingrown toenails at home. However, they can cause complications that might require medical treatment. Your risk of complications is higher if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation. Ingrown toenails occur in both men and women. According to the National Health Services NHS , ingrown toenails may be more common in people with sweaty feet, such as teenagers.
Older people may also be at higher risk because toenails thicken with age. Using your feet extensively during athletic activities can make you especially prone to getting ingrown toenails. Activities in which you repeatedly kick an object or put pressure on your feet for long periods of time can cause toenail damage and increase your risk of ingrown toenails. These activities include:. Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose your toe with a physical exam.
If your toe seems infected, you might need an X-ray to show how deep the nail has grown into the skin. An X-ray can also reveal if your ingrown nail was caused by injury.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. However, if your toenail has pierced the skin, or there is any sign of infection, seek medical treatment. Signs of infection include:. Try home treatments for a few days to a few weeks. If the pain worsens or you find it difficult to walk or perform other activities because of the nail, see your doctor.
It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain. You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe. If you go to a GP, they'll usually suggest you try these things first.
0コメント