An ingrown toenail can cause much pain. It occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of growing straight outward. This most commonly affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to inflammation, infection, and difficulty walking comfortably.
Why do they happen?
Several factors can contribute to the pain of ingrown toenails. One of the most common causes is improper nail trimming. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin. Tight shoes, high heels, or footwear that squeezes the toes can also create pressure that changes the direction of nail growth. Genetics may play a role as well, as some people naturally have more curved nails. Repetitive pressure from activities such as running, sports, or standing for long periods can increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
When a nail presses into the skin, the body recognizes it as an injury. This triggers an inflammatory response, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. If bacteria enter the area, infection can develop, resulting in increased pain, drainage, and worsening inflammation.
Can they be prevented?
Good news! Many ingrown toenails can be prevented. Toenails should be trimmed straight across rather than curved at the edges. Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room helps reduce pressure on the nails. Regular foot care, good hygiene, and routine monitoring of nail growth can also help prevent problems before they become painful.
Immediate pain relief.
If you are experiencing tenderness, redness, or discomfort around your toenails, professional foot care may help you find relief and restore comfort. At Dérmica, our Ingrown Toenail Pedicure is designed to provide relief while promoting healthier nail growth. This specialized service focuses on carefully cleaning the affected area, reducing pressure around the nail, and addressing excess buildup that may contribute to discomfort.
Regular maintenance can help keep nails properly shaped and reduce the likelihood of recurring issues. Healthy feet are an important part of overall wellness, and caring for them early can prevent more serious problems in the future.
Dérmica offers ingrown nail treatment in Edmonton, AB.
Is an ingrown toenail causing you pain?
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown outside of the nail grooves where the nail typically grows along. The nail grooves are like tracks that guide the nail out towards the tip of the toe.
This causes the nail to grow into the side walls (the skin tissue that surrounds the sides of the nail) creating pressure and at times breaking through the skin. This can then lead to infection and inflammation, severe pain, and trouble walking and wearing closed-toe shoes. They can even cause pain during sleeping from any pressure, for example sheets, blankets, or socks.
We start off by assessing the severity of the ingrown toenail. If there is an active infection that is beyond the point of treatment, you are first referred to your physician to address the infection.
But if the toenail is found to be treatable with the Ingrown pedicure, the technician will prepare the nail by using softening agents. The sides of the nail are then cleared of any debris and buildup. Finally, the nail is trimmed accordingly using specialized tools.
Your technician will ensure that you feel sufficient relief. This process can take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half depending on how severe it is or if the use of topical anaesthetic is necessary.
Dérmica ensures quality service by providing a complimentary follow up within the first 2 weeks once the swelling has dissipated. If the condition has not resolved. Your technician may include the use of a specialized serum in order to prevent or minimize future occurrences.
Ingrown toenail removal can cause immediate relief. An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown outside of the nail grooves where the nail typically grows along. The nail grooves are like tracks that guide the nail out towards the tip of the toe. Sometimes the nail grooves are diverted due to genetics. Sometimes they can become diverted by an injury or constant pressure on the toenail.
This causes the nail to grow into the side walls (the skin tissue that surrounds the sides of the nail) creating pressure and at times breaking through the skin. This can then lead to infection and inflammation, severe pain, and trouble walking and wearing closed-toe shoes. They can even cause pain during sleeping from any pressure, for example sheets, blankets, or socks.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by improper cutting. Typically the nail is cut too short or cut into the sidewall corners of the nail and left jagged with the a portion that can then pierce through the skin as it grows upwards and gets snagged in the skin.
Can work boots cause ingrown toenails?
Considering the amount of moisture and pressure that can occur in the heavy work boots, it can aggravate the condition if it is pre-existing, or it can potentially cause enough trauma to the nail to cause an ingrown toenail.
Can a pedicure remove an ingrown toenail?
A basic pedicure cannot remove an ingrown toenail. The training is different to perform this type of pedicure due to the fact that improper methods can cause infections. At Dérmica, we offer advanced pedicures. The pedicure performed to remove ingrown toenails is called the “Ingrown pedicure“.
In the Ingrown pedicure, the nails are properly prepared for removal . The area is kept clean and sanitized while specialized tools and extraction methods are used. Plus, proper aftercare instructions for home care are provided.
Can I wear work boots after ingrown toenail removal?
Once the ingrown nail is removed, immediate relief is felt. It is recommended that you let the ingrown area heal. We recommend waiting about 72 hours onward, depending on how deep the ingrown was, before you start wearing work boots again.
Are ingrown toenails recurring after the Ingrown pedicure?
Ingrown toenails can be recurring if they are due to genetics, or caused by trauma to the root of the nail or untreated fungus.
The ingrown pedicure can correct ingrown nails if they are not due to genetics. For example, if you have deformed toenails naturally, ingrown toenails will always happen. They can be maintained with an Ingrown pedicure twice a year in combination with regular pedicures every 2-3 months.
On the other hand, if the ingrown nail is due to injury, the Ingrown pedicure can correct the ingrown nail permanently.
An ingrown toenail is caused by an overgrowth of nail along the side of the nail. Consequently, this condition creates pressure which can lead to swelling, a lot of pain, and even infections. The extra nail growth can be caused by many factors. For example, incorrect nail cutting, trauma or injury to the nail, or genetics.
Can an ingrown toenail heal itself?
With proper nail care, cutting, and trimming, an ingrown toenail can grow out by itself. However, in certain cases, the ingrown nail will continue to come back.
For instance, ingrown toenails due to the way the shoe forms pressure on the foot will return as long as the specific shoes are in use.
In cases where its hereditary or due to the shape of the foot, ingrown toenails may have to be surgically removed or sometimes the whole toenail is surgically removed.
What happens of an ingrown toenail is left untreated?
If it’s a mild condition ingrown toenails can be treated with proper foot care and nail care.
On the other hand, they can turn into an infection which can turn sepsis. In other words, the infection makes its ways to your bloodstream and can become severe.
How do we fix ingrown toenails?
In mild cases, your service provider will clean the area and file down the sides, properly trim and monitor growth.
DIY and tips to prevent ingrown toenails
do not cut nails down too short
wear properly fitted shoes
above all, practice regular foot care including cleaning around the nails or regular pedicures
