Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Home Remedies, and Permanent Solutions at 1 Health
If you have ever experienced the sharp, throbbing pain of an ingrown toenail, you know how debilitating it can be. Even the weight of a bedsheet can feel unbearable.
Medically known as onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the soft skin of the toe, causing pain, redness, and inflammation. While common, it is a condition that often requires professional care to prevent infection and permanent recurrence.
At 1 Health in Wigram, we provide comprehensive assessment and surgical solutions to get you back on your feet pain-free.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Understanding why ingrown toenails happen is the first step to prevention. The most common culprits include:
- Improper Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges encourages the skin to fold over the nail.
- Ill-fitting Footwear: Shoes with tight toe boxes (like high heels or narrow work boots) compress the toes together.
- Trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can damage the nail bed.
- Genetics: Some people are simply born with naturally curved nails (pincer nails).
When Can You Treat It at Home?
If caught early (Stage 1), where there is mild redness but no infection, you may be able to manage it at home.
Recommended Home Remedies:
- Warm Soaks: Soak your foot in warm, soapy water or Epsom salts for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
- Elevation: Keep the foot raised to reduce swelling.
- Proper Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry.
- Sensible Footwear: Wear open-toed sandals or shoes with a wide toe box until it heals.
Important: Do not attempt "bathroom surgery." Digging at the nail or cutting a "V" notch in the center are myths that often worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection.
When to See a Doctor
You should book a consultation with our General Practice team if:
- Home remedies haven't worked after 3 days.
- You notice signs of infection (pus, severe redness, spreading heat).
- You have diabetes or poor circulation (foot issues can escalate quickly in these cases).
Wedge Resection: The Permanent Solution
For recurring or infected ingrown toenails, antibiotics alone are rarely enough. The most effective long-term treatment is a minor surgical procedure called a Wedge Resection (Partial Nail Avulsion).
This procedure is performed right here at 1 Health under local anaesthetic.
How the Procedure Works
- Local Anaesthetic: We numb the toe using a digital nerve block. You will feel a brief sting during the injection, but the procedure itself is painless.
- Removal: We carefully remove the sliver of nail that is digging into the skin.
- Chemical Matrixectomy (Phenolisation): This is the crucial step. We apply a chemical called Phenol to the nail root (matrix). This prevents that specific edge of the nail from ever growing back.
This technique offers a 95–98% success rate, making it the gold standard for treating ingrown toenails permanently.
Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery is generally quick and manageable. Most patients can walk immediately afterward, though we recommend bringing open-toed sandals to your appointment to accommodate the dressing.
- Days 1–2: Rest and elevate your foot. Keep the dressing dry.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter paracetamol is usually sufficient (avoid aspirin/ibuprofen as they can increase bleeding risk).
- Salt Water Soaks: Starting 24–48 hours after surgery, soak the toe daily to encourage healing.
- Healing Timeline: Full healing typically takes 4–6 weeks, but you can usually return to work or school within a day or two.
Prevent Recurrence
Once your toe has healed, follow these tips to keep your feet healthy:
- Trim Correctly: Cut toenails straight across, not rounded at the corners.
- Choose the Right Shoes: Ensure there is wiggle room for your toes.
- Protect Your Feet: If your work involves heavy lifting, wear protective footwear.
Ready to Walk Pain-Free?
Don't suffer in silence. If an ingrown toenail is affecting your daily life, our experienced medical team can help.
Contact 1 Health today to schedule your assessment and discuss whether a Wedge Resection is right for you.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every person’s health situation is different. For personalised guidance or diagnosis, please consult a qualified clinician.
