Toe-tally painful! How to deal with ingrown nails

Ingrown nail… it is a pain you have to experience to believe. If you’ve ever dealt with an ingrown nail, you know just how excruciating the pain can be. The constant irritation and sensitivity around the nail are enough to make you want to scream.
For 31-year-old Nimisha Sharma (name changed), this was a problem she struggled with for years. Every time she brushed against the skin near her big toe, it felt like an electric shock of pain. It wasn’t until years later that she finally visited a doctor and found that she was dealing with an ingrown nail. The solution? Extraction.
But is nail extraction really the only way to tackle ingrown nails, or are there other solutions that can provide relief? Let’s find out from the experts.
“An ingrown nail refers to the growth of the edge or corner of a nail—most often a toenail—into the soft tissue around it, which may cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes pus formation,” Dr Priyanka Kuri, consultant dermatologist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, tells India Today.

The doctor adds that, in most cases, this is a result of poor trimming of the nails, wearing narrow or oversized shoes, and abrasions on the toe caused by excessive rubbing.
In addition to this, familial traits like curved nails or conditions that put pressure on the toes can increase an individual’s chances of suffering from ingrown nails. If not treated, the condition can worsen, leading to increased pain and other complications.
Further, Dr Shifa Yadav, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, shares some symptoms of ingrown nails:
“Ingrown nails primarily affect toenails, especially the big toe. However, they can also occur in fingernails, particularly on the thumbs,” says Dr Yadav.
Dr Kuri adds that for fingernails, causes may include nail-biting, cutting nails too deeply, or scratching. While both nail conditions have the same symptoms, the causes are different.
If an ingrown nail is left untreated, it may lead to several complications, ranging from minor discomfort to serious health concerns.
“Initially, pain, warmth, and swelling indicate an ingrown nail, which over time can lead to the development of pus, increased pain on the damaged side, and an inability to walk or move. One can also observe an overgrowth of skin and chronic infections in severe cases,” explains Dr Kuri.
Other health problems, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and immunosuppression, can make the condition worse.
The experts mention that ingrown nails can appear in people of all ages, but they are most often seen in teenagers and young adults due to the rapid growth of fingernails and their active lifestyles.
Athletes, as well as those who wear tight-fitting shoes or who do not trim their nails properly, are also at risk. Moreover, individuals with naturally curved nails or genetic predispositions are more easily affected by this problem.
Injuries to the toes or nails can also increase the risk of ingrown nails.
Dr Yadav tells us that an ingrown nail typically appears as a red, swollen area of skin around the side or corner of the nail.
Notice carefully to see if the nail itself is partially embedded in the skin or if there is pus or drainage from the affected area. If so, you might be dealing with an ingrown nail.
Other signs of irritation to the affected nail may also include thickening of the nail, constant changes in colour, or uneven edges.

When it comes to an ingrown nail, don’t miss the signs (Photo: Getty Images)

According to Dr Kuri, ingrown nails can be treated in different ways depending on their severity.
However, for severe cases or infected ingrown nails, medical treatment is necessary.
“In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. This is usually done under local anaesthesia. In severe cases, the doctor may need to remove part of the nail to prevent it from growing back into the skin,” says Dr Yadav.
Remember, it’s important to seek professional medical advice if your ingrown nail is severe, painful, or not improving with home treatment. Early treatment can help prevent complications and promote faster healing.