Ingrown Toenails Explained - Senior Podiatrist Elliott Yeldham, East Coast Podiatry

Ingrown nails occur when the edges of a nail grow in such a manner that it pierces the flesh around the toe and the toenail gets embedded under the skin. This causes toes to look swollen, there will be irritation around the toe, redness, swelling, pain, inflammation and infection. Ingrown toenails occur in both women and men, and all age groups run the risk of this condition. Ingrown toenails in babies, toddlers and children are also common. While our big toes are the most susceptible to this condition, our other toenails and fingernails may also suffer from this condition, with the latter being at a lower risk than the others

Ingrown nails grow to the point where they may penetrate the skin on the side of the nail causing painful wounds, allowing the infection to take hold if left untreated. If inadequately treated, this condition may recur over time. While antibiotics may be used for treating the infection, medication alone will not cure ingrown nails.

What causes ingrown toenails to occur?

✓Improperly trimmed nails leaving a spike at the corner
✓Crowding of toes due to tight footwear
✓Trauma to the toes.

When the nail is ingrown and breaks the skin, the wound will not heal properly unless the spike is removed. Infection can often be missed, leading to further problems.

People with eyesight problems, mobility issues, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, and children/teenagers should avoid any form of self-treatment and seek immediate medical attention as ingrown nails can have complex complications and heightened risks for these groups.

It is extremely important to protect the affected toe(s) from the risk of infection. For example, you can clean your toe with saline solution and apply an antiseptic to the affected area. Cover it with a plaster and seek a podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment as home remedies may not keep ingrown nails from recurring.

How to cure ingrown toenails?

Similar to having a piece of glass or splinter embedded in your skin, the offending spike of the ingrown toenail requires immediate medical attention and must be removed promptly.

A podiatrist is a foot specialist qualified to perform various treatments for nail conditions, including infections and ingrown toenails. The particular treatment for this condition will include removing the spike and cutting back the nail to a length which will promote the nail to grow straight without causing more pain. The podiatrist will apply a suitable dressing to help encourage wound healing and reduce any localised infection. The wound dressing will need to be changed regularly to prevent infection.

Podiatrists are experts in performing small delicate procedures with razor-sharp precision, incurring only minimal damage to the areas around the ingrown nail. Seeking professional treatment has several advantages.

✓No stitches
✓Swift Recovery
✓Low chance of recurring
✓Aesthetically Pleasing Results

In the case of pincer toenails or incurvated toenails that lead to chronic pain and infections, the podiatrist may recommend nail surgery instead of routine nail care.

Please consult with our podiatrist to find out if you are suitable for this procedure as restrictions may apply depending on the status of your health.

See a Podiatrist today!

EAST COAST PODIATRY CENTRE ( ECPC )

Clinic Locations:

Orchard Clinic
302 Orchard Road . Tong Building #09-02 . Singapore 238862
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Kembangan Clinic
18 Jalan Masjid . Kembangan Plaza # B1-02/04/05 . Singapore 418944
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Novena Clinic
10 Sinaran Drive . Novena Medical Center #08-12/13 . Singapore 307506
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