Do you also have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain? Let's learn about ingrown toenails from A to Z!

Oh, do you sometimes feel like your toe, especially your big toe , is just burning, feels tight, or feels a little painful when you walk? Maybe your nail is growing into the skin. We doctors call this `( Ingrown Toenail )`. This is actually a common thing for most people, but it can be a bit annoying if not taken care of properly. So let's talk about this properly today, okay?

What exactly is an ingrown toenail?

Simply put, an ``Ingrown Toenail'' is when one side, or sometimes both sides, of your toenail grows into the skin where the nail meets it. Think of it like your big toenail growing into the skin on one side. This is when the pain and swelling start to occur.

There are bacteria on our feet and inside our shoes. So when the nail goes into the skin, it becomes like a small wound, and an infection can easily occur. Most of the time , this ``(Ingrown Toenail)`` condition is seen in the big toe. But it can also happen in other toes.

How do these nails get in? What are the reasons?

There could be several reasons for this. Let's look at the main ones.

Cutting nails incorrectly:

This is the main and most common reason. Most of the time, when we cut our nails, we cut them too short . When we cut them too short, the skin on both sides of the nail grows over the corners and covers them. Then, when the nail grows back, that skin grows inward from the corners. It's like getting lost and not being able to find your way.

Another thing is that some people break their nails instead of cutting them, or they cut the nails into a pointed, rounded shape. Even then, since the nail doesn't have a clear corner, the new nail's corner tries to go in under the skin.

We'll talk about how to cut your nails correctly later, it's very important!

If you don't put on your shoes properly...

The shoes you wear also have a big impact on this.

• Tight shoes: Imagine wearing a pair of tight, tight shoes . The nail pushes up against the skin on both sides, trying to get in. This risk is especially high when wearing shoes that are narrow in the front.
• Short shoes: This can also happen if the shoes are too short . The toes are pressed forward and the nails try to dig into the soft skin.

"Oh, doctor, this toe started hurting after I put on a new pair of shoes," is something we often hear.

Due to finger injuries

Sometimes, when a finger is seriously injured, for example, if something heavy falls on it, the nail can come off. When that happens, the new nail may grow inward. So, you need to be careful even if you are injured .

By continuously doing the same action

This may seem like a strange reason. But sometimes, when you do the same thing over and over again, especially if it affects your toes, you can develop an ingrown toenail. For example, a soccer player who kicks the ball repeatedly gets a lot of pressure on their toes. That can also be a reason for this. Dancers and runners can also be at risk.

How do you know for sure if an ingrown toenail is present? What are the symptoms?

The first symptoms are usually like this:

• Pain: Pain may occur on the side where the nail goes in, when touching the toe, putting on shoes, or even just standing.
• Swelling: The skin around the ingrown toenail looks swollen.
• Skin discoloration: The skin in that area turns pink or red.

If you have these symptoms, your nail may be starting to turn inward.

More symptoms if there is an infection!

Now, as mentioned earlier, when the nail goes deep into the skin, it can become infected with bacteria. If such an infection occurs, in addition to the previous symptoms, other things will occur:

• Increasing pain: The pain becomes worse than before.
• A liquid or something like ``pus'' comes out: Something like pus, whether yellow or white, can come out.
• Feeling warm to the touch: The infected area feels warmer than other areas.
• A bad smell coming from the finger: Sometimes an infection can cause a bad odor.
• You may get a fever.

If you have symptoms of this type of infection, you should definitely see a doctor immediately, rather than trying to treat it at home. The condition can become serious if the infection spreads.

What are the home remedies and how to prevent it?

Okay, now let's see what things you can do at home once this starts, and how to avoid this annoying situation.

Things you can do at home (in the early stages and if there is no infection)

• Hot water treatment: Soak your foot in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day. You can add a pinch of salt or a few drops of an antiseptic solution to the water. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
• Gently lift the nail: After your foot is dry, take a small piece of clean cotton wool or dental floss and carefully place it under the ingrown nail, trying to lift the nail slightly above the skin. However, if this causes more pain, do not do it. Use a new piece of cotton wool once a day.
• Apply an antiseptic cream : You can apply a small amount of antiseptic cream to the area to prevent infection.
• Let your feet breathe: Wear sandals or keep your feet exposed as much as possible. Avoid wearing tight shoes.
• Painkillers: If the pain is severe, you can take a painkiller like Paracetamol.

Do these things to avoid - these are the most important!

• Trim your nails properly: This is the first and most important thing.
• When cutting your nails , cut straight across. Don't try to round the corners.
• Don't cut your nails too short. Don't cut them too close to the skin. Cut them so that you leave a little bit of the white part of the nail.
• The best time to trim your nails is after a bath. Then the nails are soft and easy to trim.
• Wear shoes that are the right size and are light on your feet:
• Choose shoes that fit your feet perfectly . Avoid tight, short shoes.
• The front part of the shoe (toe box) should be roomy enough to allow your toes to move freely .
• Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily with soap and dry them thoroughly. Keep them clean, especially between your toes. This can help prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
• Pay special attention: If you have a disease like diabetes mellitus , or if you have neuropathy , you need to take extra care of your feet. Check your feet daily. If you notice anything like a small wound, a change in skin color, or swelling, see a doctor right away. Because for these people, even a small problem can become a big problem.

When should I see a doctor?

Not all ingrown toenails can be cured with home remedies. You should definitely seek medical advice in these cases:

• If the pain and swelling do not subside after two or three days of home care.
• If the pain is too much to bear.
• If the swelling and redness seem to be spreading along the finger.
• If there is pus, the finger is warm, has a bad odor, or feels like it has a fever (these are clear signs of an infection).
• If you have a condition like diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease, it's safest to see a doctor about even the smallest problem.

The doctor will examine your finger and, if necessary, give you antibiotics to control the infection. Sometimes, if the pain is severe and recurring, a minor surgical procedure may be needed to remove a small piece of the ingrown nail or part of the entire nail . This is usually done with minimal pain due to numbness.

Remember the most important thing! (Take-Home Message)

So, I hope you now have a better understanding of the ``Ingrown Toenail'' or ingrown toenail that we talked about today.

• Simply put, this is a condition that happens to many people, but can be a bit annoying if not managed properly.
• This can be largely prevented by small but very important things like trimming your nails properly, wearing shoes that fit your feet, and keeping your feet clean .
• Start treating your symptoms at home as soon as they start. However, if your condition worsens, you develop signs of infection, or you have a risk factor like diabetes, it's important to see a doctor right away.
• Your legs are very valuable to you, they carry you around all day long. So take good care of them!

If you have any more questions about this, don't be shy and ask a doctor. Stay healthy!

Ingrown Toenail, Toenail Pain, Foot Infections, Nail Trimming, Shoes, Foot Health, Diabetes and Feet