Ingrown toenail » Causes & treatments

The most important information at a glance

• Learn about typical signs and possible causes of ingrown toenails.

• Find out which measures can help to alleviate the situation.

• Discover tips for foot and nail care to support a well-groomed feeling on your feet.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail – also known medically as unguis incarnatus – occurs when the side edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. The affected area can be sensitive to pressure, reddened, and prone to swelling. Depending on the severity, tissue fluid or pus may also be present.

What are the typical signs of ingrown toenails?

An ingrown toenail often causes severe pain . This is because the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding tissue (nail fold), which becomes inflamed.

• red,
• swells
• and manifests itself with throbbing or stabbing pains.

Even light skin contact, such as with stockings or a bed blanket, can become torture.

If left untreated , the problem will worsen. So-called granulation tissue , also known colloquially as "proud flesh," threatens to overgrow the nail .

Now the inflammation intensifies and becomes more painful, especially if bacteria enter the wound. At this point, an ingrown toenail can be identified by the discharge of...

• Tissue fluid
• blood
• or even detect pus.

Overview of causes and risk factors

Ingrown toenails don't develop overnight. There are certain risk factors that contribute to their development.

By taking these points into account, you can actively prevent unpleasant and painful foot problems:

• Shoes that are too tight
• Incorrectly cut toenails
• sweaty feet
• Diabetes, kidney and heart failure
• Involuted nails (hereditary nail growth pattern)
• Anatomical condition of the nail bed (too wide)
• Obesity
• Cancer drugs

Frequency and typical course

An ingrown toenail is not uncommon . One in five patients with foot problems is affected. The phenomenon increases significantly in the population over 50, especially with decreasing mobility in old age.

In addition, there is the natural change in nail structure . Our nails become thicker with age and are no longer so easy to shorten .

The three stages distinguished by medical professionals

The severity of ingrown toenails is divided into three stages by medical professionals:

• Stage 1: At the beginning, the nail is already ingrown laterally into the nail fold . The surrounding tissue is reddened, sensitive to pressure, and causes pain when walking.
  
• Stage 2: So-called granulation tissue is already growing beyond the edge of the nail. It owes its name to its external appearance with small, visible granules on the surface.
  
  These are called "granulomas" in Latin. In many cases, this form of skin growth oozes and oozes pus.
  
• Stage 3: This phase is characterized by chronic inflammation that can affect not only the nail fold but also the entire nail bed . It is usually accompanied by extensive overgrowth of the nail.

Health effects of ingrown toenails

If an ingrown toenail is treated early , the inflammation can usually be contained with simple means .

However, anyone who waits too long or belongs to a risk group (diabetics, people with weakened immune systems) should seek medical help. This also applies if stage 3 has already been reached and fever and weakness are also present.

Expert advice: If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to phlegmon. This form of inflammation extends into deep tissue layers and can even trigger blood poisoning.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

An ingrown toenail is usually diagnosed by a doctor without further examinations, as the problem is recognizable at first glance in most cases.

If a toenail is ingrown , those affected usually notice it through redness and swelling . If you want to be absolutely sure, you can also consult a professional podiatrist for a diagnosis.

How to prevent ingrown toenails

With the right know-how, ingrown toenails can be actively prevented . This includes the following elements:

• Proper nail care: Your nails should not be cut too short. It's best to use a glass nail file for shortening them . This is particularly gentle and effective and is also perfect for thick toenails.
  
  If you would like to learn more about nail and foot care, we recommend our guide article " Footy Care ".
  
• Proper footwear: When choosing your shoes, prioritize functionality above all else. While appearance certainly plays an important role, fit is always paramount in preventing foot problems.
  
  Suitable models can be identified by the fact that your toes have sufficient freedom of movement and the shoe is neither too tight nor too wide.
  
  You should also always keep breathability in mind when buying shoes. This helps to reduce excessive sweating.
  
• Avoid sweaty feet : Sweating softens the skin, which can make ingrown toenails more likely. To counteract this natural process, our cooling and nourishing Feet Care Spray can be your ideal tool.
  
  It refreshes your feet in a unique way thanks to its all-natural formula. The aloe vera it contains is also said to have balancing properties. Furthermore, it strengthens the skin and nail flora and can contribute to normal skin function.

Treatment: What really helps?

An ingrown toenail always requires appropriate treatment . This depends on the extent of the injury . At stage 3, you should definitely consult a doctor or podiatrist.

In all other cases, however, an ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home using the following methods.

Ingrown toenail: The role of foot baths in treatment

Anyone wishing to successfully treat an ingrown toenail should not underestimate the role of foot baths . A salt foot bath contributes significantly to success. This soothing foot bath optimally prepares the nail for further treatment.

Sea salt and baking soda are particularly important in this regard. They are considered antiseptic and anti-inflammatory . Essential oils can also help alleviate foot problems.

Our foot bath salt is a purely natural composition made from 100% natural ingredients that have proven effective in supporting the treatment of athlete's foot and nail fungus. This article explains how to prepare a foot bath with salt .

After soaking the toenails, the affected skin can usually be easily pushed back from the edge of the nail using a rosewood stick . Afterwards, you can apply an anti-inflammatory tincture or ointment .

How effective are tamponades and traction bandages?

To relieve the affected nail and at the same time shield the nail edge from the adjacent tissue , tamponades or traction bandages are often recommended .

• During a tamponade, the edge of the nail is lifted and a compress is inserted.
  
  
• A traction bandage consists of several plasters . As the name suggests, they are applied under tension to expose the nail edge by permanently pulling back the affected skin.

Both methods should ideally not be performed by the patient themselves , but rather by experienced podiatrists. Only then is the application of tamponades and traction bandages likely to be successful.

Nail correction braces: A professional solution for nail problems

Nail correction braces are another treatment option for ingrown toenails . They are used in podiatry to lift the nail and thus prevent further ingrowth.

Various models are used . Often, the device is hooked on both sides below the nail, creating gentle pressure that permanently lifts the nail slightly. Corrective braces made of plastic work similarly, but they are glued to the nail.

Treating an ingrown toenail with a brace generally does not cause side effects . However, the method requires some patience, as the treatment period can last several months, during which the nail correction brace must be regularly tightened.

However, due to possible sensory disturbances in the feet, diabetics should refrain from this method or discuss the procedure with their doctor beforehand.

Under what circumstances is surgery unavoidable?

In most cases, the symptoms can be successfully treated at home or with the help of experienced podiatrists. However, under the following circumstances, an ingrown toenail requires surgery :

• Severe pus formation
• The inflammation spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Fever/Fatigue
• Severe pain

Useful tips for everyday life

Those who suffer from an ingrown toenail are reminded of it at every turn. Often, the pain makes sleep impossible.

However, with the following easy-to-implement tips, you can sustainably alleviate the symptoms with minimal effort:

• Use a toe spacer: Even contact with the adjacent toe can cause severe pain. A toe-relieving bandage can provide quick relief.
  
  Obtain a small foam wedge from the pharmacy. Place it between your toes and secure them with a gauze bandage.
  
• Wear seamless stockings: We don't usually consciously notice the seams on stockings. However, those suffering from an ingrown toenail certainly do.
  
  For this reason, it is best to wear socks without toe seams that are cut as wide as possible.
  
• Give your foot some freedom at night : Even the bedsheet can cause severe pain on the affected toe. Make sure it's not pressing down on it.
  
  You can drape them over the foot of the bed to create a kind of tent for your feet. Don't have a footboard? No problem. A small stack of pillows can easily create a substitute.
  
• Get support in good time: It is best to consult a podiatrist at the first signs.

Why is the risk increased in people with diabetes and in old age?

An ingrown toenail can pose a serious health risk for people with diabetes. Due to their condition, those affected often suffer from circulatory and wound healing problems, which is why nail problems can go unnoticed for a long time.

Ingrown toenails are also common in old age. This is primarily due to changes in the nail's structure. The feet and toes also change over time, which makes nail care even more difficult.

Conclusion

An ingrown toenail is not only extremely bothersome for those affected, but also extremely painful. However, regular foot baths with soothing foot bath salts lay the foundation for healthy toenails. Proper care is another important element in both treatment and prevention.

Our foot spray has proven particularly effective. To prevent ingrown toenails, you should avoid using nail clippers and similar tools as much as possible. Instead, use our high-quality glass file to trim your nails gently.

FAQ

Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?

In some cases, an ingrown toenail can heal on its own if you treat it with a foot bath and an anti-inflammatory ointment or tincture.

How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to heal?

If a toenail is ingrown, it can take several weeks for it to heal completely. In rare cases, it can even take several months. Both the stage of the ingrown toenail and the treatment methods used play an important role in this.

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