Ingrown Toenail Clinic
Ingrown Toenail Services
As we grow older and our bodies develop, we slowly become more prone to developing an ingrown toenail. This can occur at any stage in our lives and is often something that we cannot control. However, if the toenail is not treated, they can cause a wide number of problems within your life and in serious cases can limit your ability to walk due to the pain. Our team can help you with our ingrown toenail treatment or ingrown toenail removal. At our ingrown toenail clinic, we have worked with a wide range of individuals, providing each and every one of them with a practical solution to the problems that they are experiencing. In many circumstances, you may not require professional help for your ingrown toenail, being able to treat it all from the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the ways you can try to treat your toenail should you believe it has become ingrown.
Soften the skin around your toe by soaking it in warm water two to three times a day. Repeat this for a few days as it will stop your nail from growing into your toe.
Throughout the rest of the week, keep your foot away from any damp or humid conditions, ensuring that it stays dry when it is not being soaked.
Wear appropriate footwear and in particular comfortable shoes or sandals to prevent any collision with your toenail.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, take an over the counter painkiller to counteract.
If this does not work after four to five days and you are still experiencing significant pain, it is that you consult a professional.
Whilst you are doing this to assist your toe, avoid all of the following:
- Cutting your toenail ; this is often a mistake that many people do and can cause significantly more harm than good
- Under no circumstances should you pick your toe, even if it is to release the nail. This will increase the pain level and also increase the risk of infection.
- Avoid any tight or pointy footwear which may work to aggravate your toe even further.
What are Ingrown Toenails Caused By?
As we grow older, we can become more prone to developing ingrown toenails, but what are they actually caused by? They are more common in individuals who are prone to sweaty feet, such as teenagers who are going through puberty. Additionally, they are often found in older people, as our toenails thicken as we grow older.
All of the following will make you significantly more prone to developing an ingrown toenail and should be avoided whenever possible.
By cutting toenails incorrectly, you put yourself at risk of an ingrown toenail. This is especially true if you fail to cut around the nail, as you may cause your nail to grow directly into your toe.
Naturally growing irregular, curved toenails. Although unavoidable, you will be more prone to developing an ingrown nail.
Consistently wearing footwear that places a lot of pressure on the big toes, this also includes socks and stockings that are too tight. If you do this often, you place yourself at a much higher risk.
Any form of toenail injury such as stubbing it on a desk, dropping a heavy object onto your foot or continuously kicking a ball in a certain area of your foot.
Poor posture can cause an ingrown toenail due to the pressure on your feet.
Consistently poor foot hygiene. In particular – having wet or sweaty feet without washing them on a daily basis.
By using your feet in physical activities, you might also be putting yourself at a greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Sports such as football, ballet and kickboxing all place you at a much higher risk.
Treatment Services
Should your symptoms persist for over a week, we can provide you with an ingrown toenail treatment through our ingrown toenail removal services. We will remove the toenail for you, ensuring that your toes are feeling as good as new! Drop by our ingrown toenail clinic today and find out how our ingrown toenail treatment and ingrown toenail removal services can help you with the problems that you are experiencing!
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
Ingrown toenails have a way of making themselves known. When your toe turns red, becomes swollen, or exhibits inflammation, it’s a signal to pay attention. The discomfort, especially while wearing shoes or walking, is another indicator. Additionally, the presence of pus or excessive skin growth around the nail area generally indicates the presence of an ingrown toenail.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Balancing Style and Comfort : Opting for trendy footwear over comfort can quickly escalate into an issue. Shoes that are too tight have the potential to push nails into the adjacent skin, prompting inward growth.
Nail Trimming Mishaps : Carelessly cutting nails too short or neglecting to trim them straight across opens the door to the possibility of developing ingrown toenails.
Accidental Toe Trauma : Even minor toe injuries can disrupt proper nail growth, becoming a catalyst for the emergence of ingrown nails.
Nail Fungus : Presence of a fungal infection might cause toenails to thicken or widen, heightening the risk of nails growing into the skin.
Influence of Nail Shape : Individuals with naturally curved or fan-shaped nails from birth are unfortunately more susceptible to experiencing ingrown toenail issues.
Ingrown Toenail Treatments
Anteh’s ingrown toenail clinic offers a variety of treatments.
To begin, there’s the slant-back procedure, a conservative approach that entails removing a small nail segment without anaesthesia.
Another option is nail bracing, a secure and non-intrusive technique that gradually corrects toenail alignment.
Should these approaches prove ineffective, a partial nail avulsion is available. This minor surgical intervention involves trimming the affected nail edges and using a chemical to inhibit future growth issues.
Post-Treatment Prevention
Nail Trimming Tips : Keep in mind to trim your nails in a straight line and avoid excessive shortening.
Perfect Shoe Fit : Opt for well-fitting shoes to ensure your toes remain comfortable.
Prioritize Cleanliness : Maintaining clean and dry feet significantly contributes to preventing potential issues.
Scheduled Foot Assessments : Stay proactive about foot health with regular check-ups, particularly if you have conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, at Anteh Dispensary urgent care, our team of medical professionals can provide assistance in removing an ingrown toenail. Our experts are capable of evaluating the seriousness of the condition and determining the best course of action, which may involve extracting the nail.
It is not recommended to seek treatment for an ingrown toenail at a nail salon. Instead, it’s best to consult with a medical professional who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition to prevent further complications.
There are various permanent solutions available for ingrown toenails. These include lifting the nail, taping the nail to prevent it from growing into the skin, placing a gutter splint under the nail, partially removing the nail or removing the nail and tissue completely. The most suitable solution depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail and should be performed by a qualified medical professional.
The removal of an ingrown toenail can cause some pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. However, local anaesthesia is usually administered to numb the toe and minimize pain during the removal process. After the procedure, over-the-counter pain medication can help manage any discomfort or pain. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the medical professional to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
A pair of sterile nail clippers or scissors is the go-to tool for treating an ingrown toenail in most cases. Nevertheless, if the ingrown toenail is severe, a healthcare professional may utilize additional instruments like a scalpel, nail lifter, or a nail file to effectively deal with the problem.
Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, such as genetics, incorrect nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or toe injury. Taking appropriate measures to address these factors can aid in preventing ingrown toenails. However, in certain situations, medical intervention may be required to treat chronic ingrown toenails effectively.