Ingrown toenails are a common condition that affects people of all ages.
Although they may seem harmless, they can quickly become painful and lead to complications if not treated properly.
Whether it’s a simple discomfort or a more serious infection, it’s important to know the best practices to treat this problem safely.
In this article, we will explain how to recognize an ingrown toenail, what to do at home and why consulting a podiatrist can make all the difference.
At MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau, our experienced professionals are here to offer you professional solutions adapted to your situation.
Follow our tips to prevent and treat this problem and quickly get your feet back to full health. 👇
What is an ingrown toenail?
Definition of an ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail pushes into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, pain, and inflammation.
This disease can affect any toe, but it usually affects the big toe.
If left untreated, it can worsen, leading to infections or other complications.
Common causes of ingrown toenails
- Ill-fitting shoes
Shoes that are narrow or too tight compress the nails and promote their penetration into the skin. - Poor cutting techniques
Cutting nails in a rounded or too short way increases the risk of them becoming ingrown. - Genetic predispositions
Some people have a natural curvature of the nail or more sensitive skin around the toes. - Repetitive strain injuries
Sports activities or frequent impacts on the toes can contribute to the appearance of an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail
- Pain around the nail, which intensifies when pressure is applied.
- Redness and swelling of the surrounding skin.
- Appearance of pus or infection if the problem persists without treatment.
Podiatrist’s tip : If you notice these symptoms, it is crucial to intervene quickly to prevent them from getting worse.
An accurate diagnosis by a podiatrist is essential to choosing the right treatment.
The importance of prompt care
An untreated ingrown toenail can lead to:
- A serious infection requiring antibiotics or surgery.
- Chronic pain affecting quality of life.
- Frequent recurrences if the underlying cause is not corrected.
At MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau, we offer professional solutions to safely treat your ingrown toenails and prevent complications.
Don’t wait until the situation gets worse to consult a competent professional.
Steps to treat an ingrown toenail at home
Prepare the affected area
Before any intervention, it is essential to disinfect and prepare the affected area:
- Soaking the foot : Submerge your foot in warm water with Epsom salt or antibacterial soap for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and soften the surrounding skin.
- Clean the area : After the foot bath, gently dry the foot with a clean towel to avoid any moisture that could promote infection.
Relieve and protect
Once the area is clean:
- Gently lift the nail : Place a small piece of unscented cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail to keep it away from the skin. Change the cotton every day to maintain good hygiene.
- Apply antibiotic cream : Spread a thin layer on inflamed skin to prevent infection.
- Protect with a bandage : Use a clean, loose bandage to protect the toe from friction and pressure.
When to stop home treatment?
These gestures are suitable for mild cases or at the beginning of a problem.
If the pain persists, if you observe pus or if the inflammation worsens, it is crucial to consult a professional such as your podiatrists at MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau to avoid any complications.
Why is it essential to consult a podiatrist?
The limits of home treatments
Home care can offer temporary relief, but it is not always enough to completely resolve the problem, especially if:
- visible infection (intense redness, heat, pus).
- severe or persistent pain despite care.
- recurrent or chronic ingrown toenails.
The benefits of professional treatment
- Accurate Assessment : A podiatrist identifies the specific causes of the ingrown toenail, whether it’s a bad cut, unsuitable shoes, or an abnormal curvature of the nail.
- Safe intervention : Podiatrists, like those at MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau, use sterile tools to remove the ingrown toenail painlessly and minimize the risk of infection.
- Prevention of recurrences : Personalized advice, such as wearing orthotics or appropriate cutting techniques, helps to avoid recurrences.
Special cases requiring immediate consultation
Certain conditions make a consultation even more urgent:
- patients with diabetes or vascular diseases.
- advanced infections with swelling and pus.
- children or the elderly, whose feet are more sensitive.
At MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau, we offer professional and adapted solutions to treat your ingrown toenails effectively, reduce pain and prevent complications.
Trust our professionals to quickly regain healthy feet.
Preventing ingrown toenails with good practices
The best way to avoid ingrown toenail pain and complications is to adopt simple but effective prevention habits.
Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy.
✔️ Nail Cutting Techniques
- Cut straight : Avoid rounding the corners of the nails too much, as this will help them sink into the skin.
- Don’t cut too short : Leave a visible edge to prevent the nail from becoming ingrown as it grows.
- Use the right tools : Use clean, quality scissors or nail clippers, preferably those that make a straight cut and not a rounded cut.
✔️ Choosing the right shoes
- Prioritize space : Shoes should offer enough toe room to reduce pressure on the nails.
- Avoid shoes that are too tight or pointed : They increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Adapt your shoes to your activities : For example, wear reinforced shoes for sports or crafts.
✔️ Foot hygiene and care
- Wash your feet regularly : Use a mild soap and dry them well, especially between the toes.
- Monitor your nails : Inspect their appearance regularly for any signs of incarceration or infection.
✔️ Seek professional advice
At MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau, our podiatrists can guide you in the best practices to avoid recurrences and preserve the health of your feet.
A simple consultation can make all the difference in preventing these inconveniences.
Protect your feet with appropriate and professional care
Ingrown toenails can quickly become painful and lead to complications if neglected.
Fortunately, proper home care and prompt consultation with a podiatrist can safely resolve the problem.
Adopt preventive measures to protect your feet and don’t wait for the pain to set in before taking action.
Trust MĂ©decine podiatrique du Plateau for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Make an appointment today to get your feet back in full health.
