Ingrown Toenails

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is usually made through a physical examination. A healthcare provider looks closely at the affected toe, the nail edge and the surrounding skin. Your symptoms, such as pain, swelling or drainage, also help confirm the condition.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on how severe the ingrown toenail is and whether home care has already been attempted. Mild cases may improve with simple techniques, while more advanced cases may require procedures performed by a healthcare professional.

Lifting the Nail

For a slightly ingrown toenail, the nail edge may be gently lifted. Cotton, dental floss or a small splint is placed underneath the lifted edge to help the nail grow above the skin. This process may take 2 to 12 weeks. Daily soaking and replacement of the material are often needed. Sometimes, cotton coated with a fixing solution is used to make it stay in place without daily changes. A corticosteroid cream may also be recommended after soaking.

Taping the Nail

Taping is another approach used to gently pull the skin away from the nail edge. This helps reduce pressure and allows the nail to grow properly.

Gutter Splinting

A gutter splint may be placed under the ingrown edge of the nail. After numbing the toe, a narrow slit tube is slipped under the nail. The splint remains in place until the nail grows above the skin edge and often provides immediate pain relief.

Partial Nail Removal

If the ingrown toenail is more severe and involves significant inflammation, pain or pus, part of the nail may be removed. The toe is numbed, and only the ingrown portion is trimmed or removed. It typically takes 2 to 4 months for the nail to grow back.

Nail and Tissue Removal

For repeated or chronic ingrown toenails, a portion of the nail and the underlying nail bed tissue may be removed. This helps prevent that part of the nail from growing again. A chemical, laser or other method is used during the procedure after numbing the toe.

Aftercare and Recovery

After any nail-removal procedure, pain relievers can help manage discomfort. A wet compress may be applied for a few minutes over the next few days to reduce swelling. Resting and elevating the toe for 12 to 24 hours is recommended.

When returning to activities, avoid anything that puts pressure on the toe. Swimming and hot tubs should be avoided until cleared by your healthcare provider. Showering is typically allowed the day after the procedure. If the toe is not healing or symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Recurrence

Even after successful treatment, ingrown toenails can return. Surgical approaches generally offer a better chance of preventing recurrence compared to non-surgical methods.