Medical dermatology · Nails
Ingrown toenail: causes, care and treatment
An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, happens when the side edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection and inflamed tissue. It is most common in the big toe and is linked to improper trimming, tight shoes and the shape of the nail. In recurrent cases, partial nail avulsion with matricectomy, performed in the office, keeps the corner from ingrowing again. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, diagnosis and treatment are carried out by dermatologists.
Symptoms and how to recognize it
- Pain at the side of the nail, worse when wearing shoes or walking
- Redness and swelling of the surrounding skin
- Pus, when there is infection
- Growth of red, bleeding tissue (granuloma) at the side
Causes and risk factors
The main causes are improper nail trimming, rounded or too short at the corners, tight or pointed shoes, a naturally curved nail, trauma, excessive foot sweating and sports that put pressure on the toes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical, made by the dermatologist by examining the nail and the surrounding skin and checking for infection and inflamed tissue.
Treatments
- Care and treatment of inflammationCorrect trimming, suitable shoes and medications for inflammation or infection, in mild cases.
- Dermatologic surgeryPartial nail avulsion with matricectomy in recurrent cases, so the nail grows narrower.
Living with it and prevention
- Trim toenails straight across, without cutting deep into the corners.
- Wear shoes with room for your toes.
- Keep your feet dry and clean.
- Seek evaluation as soon as the pain starts, before infection sets in.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist when pain and inflammation do not improve within a few days, when there is pus or red tissue at the side of the nail, or when the nail ingrows repeatedly. People with diabetes should seek evaluation early.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does cutting the corner of the nail solve it?
It relieves the pain for a while, but cutting the corner rounded or deep is one of the main reasons the nail ingrows again.
What is partial nail avulsion with matricectomy?
It is a minor procedure, under local anesthesia, that removes the ingrowing edge of the nail and cauterizes the root of that corner so it does not grow back. The nail becomes slightly narrower.
Can the ingrown nail come back after the procedure?
With matricectomy, the risk of recurrence is low. Even so, correct trimming and suitable shoes remain important.
Can I treat it at home?
In mild cases, warm soaks, roomy shoes and correct trimming can help. With intense pain, pus or tissue growth, a medical evaluation is needed.
Team
Medical team
See also