Do not Underestimate Ingrown Toenails!
Experts state that ingrown toenails are a common foot health problem, especially frequently seen in the big toe, which can lead to serious pain and infection over time. They emphasize that this condition, which significantly affects the quality of daily life, usually arises due to improper nail cutting habits, wrong footwear choices, or genetic factors.
Highlighting that one of the main causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting habits, Podologist Meldağ Turhan recommends cutting the nails straight (not rounded), avoiding cutting them too short, and filing the sharp edges to prevent ingrown toenails.
Meldağ Turhan, Instructor at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Podology, shared important information about the causes, treatment methods, and prevention of ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails most commonly occur in the big toe
Podologist Meldağ Turhan stated that “Ingrown toenails are a common foot health issue, particularly seen in the big toe, which can lead to significant pain and infection over time. This condition, which significantly impacts daily life quality, typically develops due to improper nail trimming habits, unsuitable footwear choices, or genetic predisposition.”
The most common causes of ingrown toenails…
Explaining that ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail embeds into the skin and causes inflammation, Turhan listed the most common causes as follows:
- Improper Nail Cutting: Cutting nails too short or in an oval shape may cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight or Narrow Shoes: Especially shoes with narrow toe boxes or hard soles exert pressure on the toes, making it easier for the nail to dig into the skin.
- Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of ingrown toenails are at a higher risk.
- Trauma: Blows to the foot or repeated pressure on the nail increase the risk of ingrowth.
- Excessive Sweating and Poor Hygiene: Feet that remain moist and poorly ventilated are at higher risk for infection, which can worsen an ingrown nail.
Tight, narrow, high-heeled shoes can distort nail growth direction!
Pointing to the factors that trigger ingrown toenails, Turhan added: “Certain habits and environmental factors can aggravate ingrown toenails. Improper shoe choices such as tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can disrupt the natural growth direction of the nails. Nail cutting mistakes, such as cutting nails too short or rounded, can cause the nail to grow into the skin. Gait patterns: flat feet or postural imbalances exert extra pressure on the nails, increasing the risk of ingrowth. Poor foot hygiene: feet that are not washed regularly or not dried properly can easily develop infections around ingrown nails.”
How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?
Noting that ingrown toenails are usually diagnosed visually, Turhan said that “Podologists diagnose the condition by evaluating the following symptoms: redness and swelling around the nail edge, signs of inflammation or infection (discharge, foul odor), pain when walking or touching the area, and hardened tissue along the nail edge. If there is suspicion of infection, podologists carry out a detailed examination and may, at times, seek assistance through multidisciplinary referrals in collaboration with physicians.”
The most common treatment methods for ingrown toenails…
Turhan also stated that various methods can be used in the treatment of ingrown toenails, noting that while simple methods may be sufficient in the early stages, more advanced cases may require surgical intervention. Drawing attention to home remedies, Meldağ Turhan said that “Use of antiseptics; antiseptics can be applied around the nail to prevent infection. Choosing the right footwear; wearing shoes with a wide toe box and comfortable fit reduces pressure on the nail.”
What methods do podologists use to treat ingrown toenails?
Emphasizing the need to consult a podologist if the ingrown toenail has progressed or infection has developed, Lecturer Meldağ Turhan continued her remarks as follows: “Podologists apply the following techniques: Orthonyxia method; by applying a nail brace, the nail is redirected, preventing the ingrowth from worsening. Medical pedicure; using professional equipment to clean the nail area reduces the risk of infection. Packing methods; using special materials to lift the ingrown edge away from the nail bed.”
Nail cutting techniques are important in ingrown toenails!
Highlighting that one of the main causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting habits, Turhan warned, “To prevent ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight, not rounded, and do not cut them too short. Cutting the edges of the nail too deeply can lead to ingrowth. File down sharp edges; gently filing the tips will help prevent skin damage.”
Turhan also stated that in the treatment of ingrown toenails, podologists can collaborate with dermatologists and general surgeons: “In cases where infection has progressed or become chronic, dermatologists may recommend antibiotic or antiseptic treatments. In very advanced cases, surgical procedures may be carried out by surgeons or orthopedists.”
Professional support solves the problem
Turhan stated that ingrown toenails can negatively affect daily life but are a condition that can easily be prevented with early measures, saying, “With proper nail cutting, appropriate footwear selection, and regular foot care, the risk of ingrown toenails can be minimized. If you notice signs of ingrowth in your nail, it is important to consult a podologist for professional support before an infection develops. Remember, healthy feet directly affect your quality of life.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)