Why do ingrown toenails itch

A doctor will be able to diagnose an ingrown toenail with a physical exam. It is essential to seek advice from a doctor if the symptoms are severe, as several types of tumors can mimic the presentation of an ingrown toenail.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , people should treat an ingrown toenail as soon as they notice it. People could also add Epsom salt to the water while soaking.

They can also gently massage the side of the nail fold to reduce swelling. Learn how to cut an ingrown toenail safely here. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offer advice on what not to do with an ingrown toenail.

They recommend:. Anyone who follows home care advice for ingrown toenails, but does not see any improvement within 2—3 days should speak to a doctor.

It is also important to seek medical attention if there are signs of an infection. People with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the feet, or poor circulation, should see a doctor as soon as they notice an ingrown toenail. Doctors tend to perform this surgery under local anesthetic.

After the procedure, a doctor may apply a bandage and advise the person to rest until the following day. Most people say they have little or no pain afterward. Learn more about surgery for an ingrown toenail here. If someone treats an ingrown toenail before infection takes hold, the condition is usually harmless. Most people can manage an ingrown toenail at home. Sometimes, nails may become ingrown again.

If this is the case, a doctor may recommend a nail root removal procedure. They occur when the toenail grows into the toe, or when the skin grows over the nail.

The condition usually affects big toes, but it can develop with any toe. They will not go away without intervention, but people can usually treat them at home over a few days. To avoid ingrown toenails, people should use footwear that gives their toes lots of space.

Either variety can become problematic, but bacterial infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA , commonly known as a Staph infection, is antibiotic resistant and dangerous. This type of infection moves beyond impacting the immediate area of the toenail and can even spread into the bone. A serious Staph infection often requires weeks of intravenous antibiotics and in some severe cases, even surgery to treat.

Instead of dragging your feet , address your infected toenail as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and becoming a dangerous medical issue. If you want to attempt to treat an infected ingrown toenail yourself at home, keep the following tips in mind:. Try these home remedies for at the most a few days.

After it is lifted, we can place a splint, dental floss, or cotton underneath the nail to separate it from the toe. This option changes the way your toenail grows, encouraging it to extend above the edge of the skin. This treatment option will need to be performed daily at home, meaning you will need to replace the material daily after soaking your toe.

If your infected toenail is more severe, a partial removal of your toenail might be the best course of action. This procedure involves our professionals numbing the area in and around the ingrown nail, then removing the ingrown portion of your nail. Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose your toe with a physical exam.

If your toe seems infected, you might need an X-ray to show how deep the nail has grown into the skin. An X-ray can also reveal if your ingrown nail was caused by injury. If you need help finding a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. However, if your toenail has pierced the skin, or there is any sign of infection, seek medical treatment.

Signs of infection include:. Try home treatments for a few days to a few weeks. If the pain worsens or you find it difficult to walk or perform other activities because of the nail, see your doctor. If the toenail does not respond to home treatments or an infection occurs, you may need surgery. In cases of infection, stop all home treatments and see your doctor. There are different types of surgical treatments for ingrown toenails. Partial nail removal only involves removing the piece of nail that is digging into your skin.

Your doctor numbs your toe and then narrows the toenail. According to the NHS, partial nail removal is 98 percent effective for preventing future ingrown toenails. During a partial nail removal, the sides of the nail are cut away so that the edges are completely straight. A piece of cotton is placed under the remaining portion of the nail to keep the ingrown toenail from recurring.

Your doctor may also treat your toe with a compound called phenol, which keeps the nail from growing back. Total nail removal may be used if your ingrown nail is caused by thickening. Your doctor will give you a local pain injection and then remove the entire nail in a procedure called a matrixectomy.

After surgery, your doctor will send you home with your toe bandaged. You will probably need to keep your foot raised for the next one to two days and wear special footwear to allow your toe to heal properly. Avoid movement as much as possible. Your bandage is usually removed two days after surgery. Your doctor will advise you to wear open-toe shoes and to do daily salt water soaks until your toe heals. You will also be prescribed pain relief medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Your toenail will likely grow back a few months after a partial nail removal surgery. If the entire nail is removed down to the base the nail matrix under your skin , a toenail can take over a year to grow back. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can cause an infection in the bone in your toe.

A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area.