What Are Ingrown Toenails Caused By?

If you’re living with ingrown toenails in Meriden, CT, let Dr. Tina Boucher at Central Connecticut Footcare Center help you find relief and optimal foot health.

Guide to Ingrown Toenail Causes and Treatment

Ingrown toenails can be a real pain. They can cause swollen, tender, and very sore toes, which can make putting on shoes or sometimes even walking uncomfortable. Understanding what causes ingrown toenails, how to prevent them, and what to do when you have one is essential to healing and getting back to normal.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails? 

There are actually a few reasons one might develop ingrown toenails. For some, it happens due to some sort of trauma, such as stubbing the toe, which could impact the direction in which the nail forms. For some others, the nail is simply too large for the toe.

However, in most cases, it’s simply how the feet are cared for. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too tight puts undue pressure on the toes, negatively impacting nail growth.

Trimming the nails improperly also causes ingrown toenails. Most people trim their toenails in a curve, following the natural shape of the toe. Unfortunately, this can cause the nail to grow under the skin.

How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

In nearly all cases, ingrown toenails can be prevented with a few simple steps.

• Ensure that your shoes have plenty of space for your toes.
• Avoid or limit your time being barefoot, as trauma is more severe to bare toes.
• Cut your nails straight across and do not cut them all the way. Leave a bit of white so that the nails can go properly.
• If your toenail is, in fact, too large for the toes, seek treatment and guidance from a podiatrist.

How To Treat an Ingrown Toenail

In many cases, you can take care of an ingrown toenail at home with a few steps, such as:

• Soak your feet in Epsom salt and warm water twice a day.
• Place something small and soft like cotton beneath the nail to encourage proper growth. Be sure to change the cotton each day.
• Give your toes plenty of space in your shoes.
• If it’s infected, use antibiotic cream.

If the condition hasn’t improved within a few days, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.

If you need assistance with current ingrown toenails or would like to prevent them from occurring in the first place, our team at Central Connecticut Footcare Center in Meriden, CT is here for you. Call (203) 238-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boucher today.