There are many genetic factors that can make you prone to ingrowing toenails, including your posture (the way you stand), your gait (the way you walk) and any foot deformity such as a bunion, hammer toes or excessive pronation of the feet (when your foot rolls inward excessively). Your nails may also have a natural tendency to splay or curl out instead of growing straight, encouraging your nail to grow outwards or inwards into the flesh. Firstly, learn to cut your nails properly. Nail cutters aren’t a good idea because the curved cutting edge can cut the flesh, and nail scissors can slip. It’s best to use nail nippers (available from chemists) because they have a smaller cutting blade but a longer handle. Cut your nails straight across and don’t cut too low at the edge or down the side. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin. Also, cut them after a bath or shower when the nail is much softer. Nail cleaner: This is a tiny tool with a thin, spoon-like tip. Its purpose is to scoop out any dirt that has accumulated beneath the front edge of the toenail.

If you have diabetes, are taking steroids or are on anti-coagulants, don’t attempt to cut your nails or remove an ingrowing spikes of nail yourself. When should I see a podiatrist? Less common is a fungal infection or in some cases particular types of medication, for example isotretinoin. Who gets it? One of the biggest reasons at-home nail treatment is unsuccessful is because it takes months of daily diligence to correct a growth problem and many people simply neglect caring for their toes over time. FAQ Q. What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrowing toenail is where a piece of nail pierces the flesh of the toe. It can feel as if you have a splinter, and be extremely painful and inflamed or infected. In more severe cases, it can cause pus and bleeding. Ingrowing toenails most commonly affect the big toenail, but can affect the other toes too. A nail that is curling (involuted or convoluted) into the flesh, but isn’t actually piercing the skin, isn't an ingrowing toenail but can feel very painful and can also appear red and inflamed. What causes it? The downside is for some individuals it can take as long as 6 to 12 months to be effective. After nail growth has been corrected, improper trimming, constrictive footwear, or repeated actions can cause the problem to return.For any bleeding or discharge from an infection, or even excessive healing flesh (hypergranulation tissue) around the nail, antibiotics will be prescribed to manage the infection as well as having the offending spike removed Toenail brace: This small metal band clamps over the toe like the toenail corrector and also gently pulls the edges of the nail out of the nail folds. The difference is this device is meant to be worn long-term. For involuted nails, part of the nail that is curling into the flesh is removed and then the edges of the nail are filed to a smooth surface

In some instances when poor hygiene is ruled out, repeated fungal infections in the toenail may be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as poor circulation or diabetes. Key considerations Toenail 101 For the most basic painful and irritable ingrowing toenail, the offending spike of nail will be removed and the toe covered with an antiseptic dressing A. When the edge or corner of a toenail (usually on the big toe) grows into the skin surrounding the nail, you have an ingrown toenail. You’ll likely first notice an ingrown toenail because it’s uncomfortable. The skin around the nail may be swollen, tender, red, or hard. As the condition advances, the pain will intensify, possibly making it hard to wear shoes or walk. The area surrounding the toenail may even begin to bleed or ooze pus. An ingrown toenail won’t go away on its own, so you must take action to remedy the situation. With the proper tools and procedures, most ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Q. What causes an ingrown toenail?Besides heredity, there are three main reasons why a toenail may grow incorrectly: improper trimming, constrictive footwear, and repeated activity. The biggest defense against toenail issues is proper foot care. Good hygiene can prevent many problems from ever happening. Here are some tips that can help you take better care of your feet and toenails. Adhesive tape: Some toenail correction sets include adhesive tape that is applied over the toenail brace to help hold it in place for extended periods of time. Improper trimming: One of the biggest reasons people have problems with ingrown toenails is because they round the toenail when they trim it. If you cut the corners off the front of your toenail, as the dead cells are pushed forward, they will burrow into the nail folds and cause pain and possibly infection. Constrictive footwear: Footwear that is too tight around the toes applies pressure to the toenails. Again, as dead cells are pushed forward, they conform to the pressure and grow in the direction of least resistance, which is often up or into the nail folds.