What Is Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a common painful nail condition of the feet that occurs when the nail is cut into the sides of the skin of the toe. It is often caused by the way the toenail is cut or the natural curve of the nail. Some of the common ingrown toenail treatments in Singapore include ingrown toenail removal either through partial or total nail avulsion, which will be done under local anaesthesia.
An ingrown toenail can cause serious pain when wearing shoes or walking. The condition usually starts when a nail grows into the skin of the toe, causing a small wound. If not treated early, the skin break will not heal and an infection can happen. The result is a red, hot, and swollen toe, often seen with pus discharging from the sides.
Causes of Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are generally caused by the way you trim your nails or a change in the shape of the toenails. Individuals with toenails that are either highly curved, known as involuted nails, or very wide nail plates, are at high risk of developing the problem. Without proper management, it can lead to recurrent ingrown toenails.
Other common causes include:
- Trauma to the toenail (e.g stubbed toe, stepped on by others)
- Cutting toenails in a curved manner (“rainbow-shaped”)
- Tight-fitting footwear
- Picking the nails
- Regular pedicure sessions
Factors that can lead to a change in nail shape:
- Fungal nails
- Repeated trauma or single high-impact trauma to the nail
- Flat feet (Pes Planus)
- Bunions
- Toe deformities (e.g hammertoes, clawed toes)
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Signs & Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail
- Nail edge that curves into the sides of the skin
- Painful, inflamed sides of the toenail with surrounding redness, warmth, and pus on occasion.
- Bleeding from the sides of the affected toenail
- Pain when wearing enclosed footwear
- Sometimes an extra piece of “flesh” grows out, also known as a granuloma
Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Singapore
Treatment options for ingrown toenails in Singapore can provide temporary pain relief or a permanent cure. Understanding the cause and likelihood of recurrence is essential before deciding the best treatment option.
A permanent solution to manage ingrown toenails is usually done using a minimally invasive procedure known as partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy. It is a quick, painless, clinically proven ingrown toenail removal procedure and normally used for recurrent cases.
Other treatment options in Singapore include:
- Trimming the nail spike for short-term pain relief
- Nail bracing to lift the nail edge off the skin
- Antibiotics may be given by your medical professional to manage any infections
- Antiseptic foot soaks to prevent infections
- Proper wound care daily if there is active bleeding or discharge
- Customised foot orthoses may be considered if flat feet or bunions are present
Preventing an Ingrown Toenail in Singapore
Repeated episodes of an ingrown toenail can easily happen once you have had it before, therefore it is essential to know how to prevent the condition from occurring.
Steps that you can do to prevent this include:
- Avoid tight-fitting footwear
- Cutting nails straight across and not curved down the edges
- Round any sharp nail edges with a file after each trim
What Should I Do If I Have an Ingrown Toenail in Singapore?
Things you should do when you have an ingrown toenail:
- Avoid doing pedicure
- Do not attempt to pick or pull out any nail spikes yourself
- Keep the area covered with an antiseptic dressing
- Seek medical attention if the area becomes red, swollen, or pus is seen
Improper handling of this condition can result in severe infection, especially in patients with low immunity. Many patients often neglect the condition in its early stages and have severe pain and infection.
If you are experiencing pain at the sides of the toenail, seek a medical professional or podiatrist early to receive proper ingrown toenail management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ingrown Toenail Treatments in Singapore?
The most common cause of foot arch pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band that supports the arch of your foot. It typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch, which often strikes you on your first step in the morning.
What are the Types of Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery in Singapore?
- Partial nail avulsion: This is the most common type of ingrown toenail removal surgery in Singapore. It involves removing a small portion of the affected toenail, usually from the side or the corner.
- Total nail avulsion: In rare cases, you may need to remove the entire toenail. This is typically only necessary if the toenail is severely infected or damaged.
- Nail matrixectomy: This used to be a more invasive form of ingrown toenail removal surgery. It involves removing a portion of the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces the nail. However, this procedure has become much less invasive and is done with partial nail avulsion. This is typically only recommended in severe or recurrent cases.
Can children develop arch pain?
Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition:
- Trim your toenails straight across: Avoid cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges, as this can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Select the right shoes for you and avoid shoes that are too tight or too narrow.
- Avoid picking your nails: Picking the nails can leave a sharp nail spike deep in the skin.
- Avoid trauma to your toes: Try to avoid injuring your toes or putting too much pressure on them.
- Seek prompt medical attention: If you notice any signs or symptoms, such as pain, redness, or swelling, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails. You will also keep your feet healthy and comfortable.
