Ingrown Toenail – Causes, Treatment, and Approach

 

An ingrown toenail is a common and painful condition that occurs when the edge of the nail begins to irritate the surrounding skin of the nail fold. This can lead to inflammation, pain, redness, swelling, and, in advanced cases, infection.

 

Causes of Ingrown Toenails:

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• Improper footwear – Tight, narrow shoes put pressure on the nails, promoting ingrowth.

• Incorrect nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges increases the risk of ingrown nails.

• Genetics and nail structure – Naturally curved or thick nails are more prone to ingrowing.

• Mechanical injuries – Repeated trauma to the toenail, e.g., during sports, can lead to problems.

• Moist environments – Excessive foot sweating softens the skin, facilitating nail ingrowth.                    

 

Our Approach to Treating Ingrown Toenails

 

At our clinic, we prioritize an individualized approach and patient comfort. Our goal is to ensure the patient fully understands the treatment process and to select the most effective method of therapy.

 

Stages of Treatment in Our Clinic:

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1. Alleviating Inflammation:

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• We reduce pain, redness, and swelling.

• If needed, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.

• For wounds that do not heal, we take a swab to identify potential bacterial infections,

  such as:

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• Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph),

• Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep),

• Anaerobic bacteria (less common).

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2. Removing the Irritating Nail Fragment:

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• We precisely remove the part of the nail causing irritation.

• We use tampons and separators to prevent further ingrowth and calm the inflammation.

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3. Footwear Advice:

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• We recommend wide, comfortable shoes to reduce pressure on the toes.

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4. Nail Growth Correction with Orthonyxia (Nail Braces):

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• Depending on the shape and thickness of the nail, we use different types of braces (metal, plastic, or mixed).

• The therapy usually lasts 2-12 months and offers a less invasive alternative to surgery.

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  Surgical Methods 

 

In advanced cases, when traditional methods fail, surgical treatment of ingrown toenails may be necessary:

 

  ​    Partial Nail Resection:

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• Removal of only the problematic part of the nail plate causing ingrowth.

• Advantages: Shorter healing time, less invasive appearance of the nail after surgery.

• Disadvantages: Risk of nail plate detachment (onycholysis) and recurrence.

 

Full Nail Resection:

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• Removal of the entire nail plate in cases of recurring infections or severe deformations.

• Consequences: Permanent loss of the nail, increased skin sensitivity, and limitations in activities and aesthetics.

 

Our clinic recommends surgical solutions only as a last resort, considering the permanent aesthetic and functional consequences. The skin may become more sensitive, affecting the patient’s quality of life. The procedure can be performed privately by a podiatrist, or we can refer the patient to an NHS podiatrist or surgeon.

 

 

   Nail Fold Surgery 

 

For cases of overgrown nail folds and frequent recurrences, we refer patients to nail fold plastic surgery at the renowned Podiatry Clinic of Dr. Ewa Ławniczak in Poznań Poland https://www.ewalawniczak.pl/plastyka-walu-paznokciowego/

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What does the procedure involve?

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• The surgeon removes excess soft tissue from the nail fold to prevent the skin from overlapping the nail. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with precise cutting and stitching to ensure an aesthetic appearance of the toe.

 

Advantages:

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• Permanent resolution of ingrown toenail issues.

• A natural, aesthetic look for the nail and toe.

 

Nail fold plastic surgery is the ideal solution for patients seeking a permanent, aesthetic, and safe outcome.

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

       Our Treatment Philosophy

 

At our clinic, we combine advanced diagnostics, non-invasive correction methods, and collaboration with renowned specialists. Our priority is the comfort, safety, and natural appearance of the patient’s foot. We invite you to a consultation to determine the best treatment method for your specific case.