What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a foot condition that develops when the corner or edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It usually affects the big toe, but it can impact any toe.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail:
- Incorrectly Cut Toenails: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Improperly Fitting Shoes: Tight or ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on the toenails, leading to ingrowth.
- Tearing the Corner of Your Nail: Accidental tearing can cause the nail to grow incorrectly.
- Toe Trauma: Injuries such as stubbing your toe or getting it stepped on can contribute to the condition.
- Toe Shape: The natural shape of your toenail and surrounding tissue can predispose you to ingrown toenails. For instance, a larger nail or tissue that naturally grows around the nail can be contributing factors.
Potential Complications
While ingrown toenails typically don’t cause significant complications in healthy individuals, they can sometimes lead to:
- Infection: The area around the nail can become infected, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
- Scarring: Chronic cases may result in scarring of the nail fold.
- Bone Infection: In rare and severe cases, an untreated ingrown toenail infection can spread to the bone.
How to Manage an Ingrown Toenail
Before you can see a healthcare provider, you can take several steps to alleviate discomfort and prevent infection:
- Warm Epsom Salt Soaks: Soak your affected foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salts twice a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
- Antibiotic Cream: Apply an antibiotic cream to the affected area to prevent infection.
- Bandaging: Wrap the toe in a clean bandage to protect it until you can see a professional.
Professional Treatment
During a wellness pedicure, we use specific tools to gently remove and lift out the nail that is growing into the skin. Additionally, we use a tool to file the side of the nail straight to prevent it from growing into the sidewall of your skin. We also apply the BS Brace to the nail, which provides immediate relief and helps correct the toenail shape.
A BS Brace is a specialized device used in podiatry to treat ingrown toenails. It is a small, thin brace made of elastic composite material that is adhered to the surface of the toenail. The brace gently lifts the edges of the nail, reducing pressure on the surrounding skin and encouraging the nail to grow in a more natural, correct shape.
Here are some key points about the BS Brace:
- Immediate Relief: By lifting the edges of the nail, the BS Brace can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort caused by the ingrown toenail.
- Non-Invasive: The application of the brace is non-invasive, making it a preferred option for those who want to avoid surgical procedures.
- Corrective Action: Over time, the brace helps to correct the curvature of the nail, preventing future occurrences of ingrown toenails.
- Aesthetic: The brace is transparent and very thin, making it almost invisible on the nail.
The BS Brace is often used by professional pedicurists and podiatrists as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ingrown toenails.
Preventive Measures and Further Care
- Frequent Pedicures: Regular pedicures can help maintain proper toenail shape and prevent ingrown toenails.
- Severe Infections: If there is a severe infection, you may need to see a podiatrist for more advanced treatment.
By following these steps and seeking professional care, you can manage the symptoms of an ingrown toenail effectively and prevent further issues. For persistent or severe cases, always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure proper treatment and care.
At Complexions Spa, we offer a Wellness Pedicure performed by certified Master Pedicurists who undergo advanced training. Using specific tools, they gently remove and lift out the nail growing into the skin. Additionally, they use a tool to file the side of the nail straight to prevent it from growing into the sidewall of your skin. We also apply the BS Brace to the nail, providing immediate relief and helping to correct the toenail shape.
