INGROWN TOENAIL

This very common condition is often caused by the use of tight footwear over the years, the most problematic areas are more often the 1st toe and perhaps the side of the toe next to the second toe.

The nail plate can become distorted from repeated trauma to the growing area called the nail matrix. Sometimes picking or tearing the nail edge causes a small section to grow downwards with a resultant opening up of the area to possible infection. Footwear and type of hosiery can have a major bearing on whether things improve at all.  A shoe with a shallow toe box area, a narrow width fitting or even plastic  and fabric shoes will make it much more difficult to treat. Hosiery made from Nylon will increase the temperature inside a shoe, remember this material doesn’t absorb sweat—so where does it go? straight into the skin making it moist and smelly. The area that the nail grows along then becomes soft and the nail can puncture the skin allowing bacteria in —and a classic ingrown toenail can start.  Repeated trauma changes the  shape of the nail and allows the nail to dig in, again causing the ingrown toenail.

How can I treat it ?

First  thing is to allow plenty of room in footwear, they should also be made of leather allowing toes to move and the skin to breath. Our foot care products Catalogue contains easy to use nail clippers, because it certainly makes a difference to cut them properly- straight across if possible. The small ingrown nail file can be used to file carefully down the side therefore reducing the pressure on the skin. Finish off by using surgical spirit down the side to tighten up the skin. If you have a toe that presses against the second toe and hence aggravates the nail, use an ear shaped interdigital silicone wedge to separate them. Remember reducing the temperature can improve your general comfort, improvements can also be made by using ‘Fresh’ type Callusan Mousse

If the toe is badly infected or you have diabetes, a circulation problem or are taking anti-coagulants it’s very wise to consult your local Podiatrist or GP for advice. He may advise toenail surgery to either take away the nail or remove a small section permanently.