Summary about Disease
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin of the toe, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe.
Symptoms
Pain along the side of the toenail
Redness around the toenail
Swelling around the toenail
Tenderness to touch
Infection of the tissue around the toenail (pus or drainage)
Causes
Improper trimming of toenails (cutting them too short or rounding the edges)
Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow
Toenail injury
Poor foot hygiene
Certain foot conditions (e.g., fungal infections)
Genetic predisposition
Medicine Used
Topical antibiotics (if infection is present) - Examples: mupirocin, bacitracin
Oral antibiotics (for severe infections) - Examples: cephalexin, doxycycline
Pain relievers (over-the-counter) - Examples: ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Antiseptic soaks (e.g., Epsom salt soaks)
Is Communicable
No, an ingrown toenail is not communicable (not contagious). It is not caused by a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent that can be spread from person to person. However, a secondary infection that develops as a result of the ingrown toenail can potentially be communicable, but that's a separate issue.
Precautions
Trim toenails straight across.
Avoid cutting toenails too short.
Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room.
Maintain good foot hygiene.
Inspect feet regularly for signs of ingrown toenails.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, seek professional foot care.
How long does an outbreak last?
Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can last for weeks or even months. With proper home care (soaking, topical antibiotics if infected) it might resolve in 1-2 weeks. If it's severe or doesn't improve, professional treatment (partial or full nail avulsion) is needed, and healing will depend on the procedure and individual factors, typically 2-4 weeks.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination of the toe by a healthcare professional (doctor, podiatrist). No specific tests are usually required. The characteristic signs of redness, swelling, and pain where the nail is growing into the skin are usually sufficient for diagnosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early Stage: Mild discomfort or pressure along the side of the toenail.
Progressive Stage: Increased pain, redness, and swelling.
Infected Stage: Pus or drainage, increased pain, and potential spreading of infection. The timeline from early stage to infected stage can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on factors like hygiene and treatment.
Important Considerations
Individuals with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease are at higher risk of complications from ingrown toenails and should seek prompt medical attention.
Do not attempt to dig out the ingrown nail yourself, as this can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection.
If home remedies are ineffective, seek professional medical treatment from a podiatrist or doctor.
Recurrent ingrown toenails may require surgical correction of the nail bed.