Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are not uncommon at all. I'm sure you've had one or at least know someone affected by it. They can really hurt if untreated, and infection can slow down the healing process tremendously.

People who have ingrown toenails usually have nails that are curved downward, this causes the mail to grown into the skin. Your skin reacts to the nail and infection can occur. The skin becomes red and can swell. If it swells too much it can really make wearing shoes uncomfortable. The infection can start smelling bad as well if enough bacteria nest in the infected area. An infection does not have to occur immediately, it can take a few weeks.

Ingrown toenails are mostly caused by genetics, you inherit it from your parents (for example). But other causes are damage to the toe because of your toe hitting an object, or sports such as soccer and running. It's important to trim your toenail properly. Don't cut your nails too short, there is a bigger chance of the toenail deforming and moving into your flesh. But don't keep them too long either as the longer they are the more fragile they become. Also, make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable, and when shopping don't pick those shoes that are 1 size too small. They may look better on you, but in the end you'd wish you'd have bought the bigger sized ones. We have heard many stories of people buying shoes that are too small because of aesthetics. Their toenails became the victims of their vanity. Pain taught them a lesson, no doubt.

Keep your feet and toenails clean. Don't neglect your feet, they are immensely important! Taking a foot bath will ease the skin and softens your toenails, making it much easier to trim them correctly.

If after following the general guidelines for healthy toenails/feet above still made you end up with an ingrown toenail, then perhaps it's time to see a doctor. Doctors will be able to cut off parts of the nail along the sides to keep the toenail from growing into your flesh again. This procedure can be quite painful (the injection causes most of the pain). If all else fails then it may be inevitable to remove the nail completely. We do strongly urge you to follow all tips above before taking this route. The last procedure is both painful and does not guarantee that the nail will grow back.