INGROWN TOENAIL

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition characterised by the nail growing inward or being too wide, piercing and breaking the delicate skin surrounding it. Initially, this may lead to minor toenail pain or inflammation, sometimes resulting in a weeping toe.

However, if left untreated, it can progress to a painful, red, swollen nail bed and infection, potentially necessitating antibiotic treatment for the affected area.

The 5 most common causes of Ingrown Toenails:

Incorrectly cutting the nail or picking at the toenails.
Ill fitting shoes.
Toe trauma such as stubbing your toenail.
Congenital factors - The shape of your nail and nail bed.
Underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor blood circulation.

Ingrown Nails are usually more common in teenagers who have sweaty feet, or older people whose nails tend to get thicker over time.

Treatment options for Ingrown Toenail

While ingrown toenails can cause pain and embarrassment, they are a common issue and are treatable!

With a 98% success rate in curing ingrown nails, there's no need to suffer in silence.

At the Gold Coast Foot Clinic our podiatrist does an initial assessment of the patients toenail pain. The most common procedure we perform is a procedure that involves removing a wedge of nail from the nail border (under local anaesthetic).

If there is an issue with recurring ingrown toenail, and this causes ongoing pain and discomfort, we may recommend a permanent wedge resection procedure. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the toe and the offending nail wedge is removed. Next, a chemical called phenol is applied in the area where the section of nail was removed to prevent re-growth, this results in a permanently narrower nail plate that will not become ingrown again.

Generally, after this procedure, the nail region will drain for approximately 4 weeks. During that time the patient will need to dress the region with a simple sterile gauze and apply a gel that acts as a cleaning agent.

Chronic Infected Ingrown Nails

If left untreated chronically infected ingrown toenails can lead to a more serious bone infection or osteomyelitis. Eventually the infection can spread to deeper tissues in the skin and nail, so it is recommended to seek a podiatrist’s opinion if you are concerned about recurring or infected ingrown toenails.

Often simple treatments can fix the problem quickly.

In most cases, antibiotics, or over the counter creams or ointments will not resolve the issue long term.

Our qualified Podiatrists offer the following treatment options for chronic or infected nails:

Conservative care and removal of the offending nail corner
Temporary or permanent wedge resection procedure
Total nail avulsion procedure; removal of the entire nail

Diabetes and Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown nail infections can be more serious if you suffer from Diabetes. This is due to sensitive nerves and a lack of blood flow to the toes which can delay healing.

It is important to see a qualified and experienced podiatrist to treat problems early on to avoid future complications.

The good news is that recent advances in diabetic wound care have proven to be successful in the treatment of the nail.

At the Gold Coast Foot Clinic, we use a specialised hydrogel product (supplied to each patient after an ingrown toenail procedure). The gel product is applied over the post-operative nail and increases wound healing time.

For more information on Diabetic Feet Care.

Fungal Nail Treatments and Ingrown Toenails

Fungal Nail conditions can cause ingrown toenails and vice versa.

Neither condition should ever be ignored as with no treatment the nail fungus and toenail pain can worsen and can cause further problems.

Our clinic can provide patients with treatment for fungal nails. More information on Fungal Nail treatment options..

You will be required to attend an initial consult and depending on the severity of the Fungal Nail Condition, a variety of treatments are available.

Fungal Nail treatments:

Lunala Laser (cold laser treatment for Fungal Nails).
Surgical toenail removal if required.
Periodic appointments to check on progress.

This condition should never be ignored as with no treatment it will get worse and cause further toe pain.

If you are located on the Gold Coast, and require treatment for an ingrown and / or fungal nail, call us to book an initial appointment. We service all Gold Coast areas including Robina, Broadbeach , Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Palm Beach, Elanora and Surfers Paradise.