INGROUGHT NAILS
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge of the nail presses into or grows into the surrounding skin. This often leads to pain, redness, inflammation, or even pus formation. The big toe is particularly frequently affected.
At the Decamed Skin and Laser Center, we treat ingrown nails gently, effectively, and with modern surgical techniques that enable long-term freedom from discomfort, often immediately after the procedure.
Table of Contents
- What is an ingrown toenail?
- Causes & Risk Factors
- Symptoms
- When is treatment necessary?
- Treatment options
- Surgical nail edge correction
- Healing & Aftercare
- prevention
- FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when:
- the nail grows too far downwards at the side
- the nail plate is too wide
- The skin around the nail edge can swell or become calloused.
This leads to a painful vicious cycle of pressure, inflammation, and tissue growth.
2. Causes & Risk Factors
2. Causes & Risk Factors
Common causes:
- Incorrect nail cutting
- Shoes that are too tight
- excessive sweating
- Foot deformities
- genetically wide nails
- repeated micro-injuries
Risk factors:
- Adolescents and young adults (rapid nail growth)
- sportsman
- People with diabetes
3. Symptoms
3. Symptoms
Typical symptoms:
- Pressure pain at the edge of the nail
- Redness & Swelling
- Pus formation or weeping sores
- keratinized or wildly growing tissue (granulation tissue)
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
4. When is treatment necessary?
4. When is treatment necessary?
Treatment is indicated in the following cases:
- increasing pain
- inflammation or pus
- recurring complaints
- limitations when walking or playing sports
- unsuccessful self-help measures
If left untreated, it can lead to deep infections, especially in high-risk patients (e.g., diabetes).
5. Treatment options
5. Treatment options
In early stages, the following can help:
- foot baths
- gentle nail correction
- Tamponade (small pad under the nail edge)
- antiseptic creams
- Relief of the position
If these measures are insufficient or the symptoms recur, surgical correction is the most effective and sustainable solution.
6. Surgical nail edge correction (partial removal of the nail edge)
6. Surgical nail edge correction (partial removal of the nail edge)
The surgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
1. Local anesthesia
The toe becomes completely pain-free.
2. Removal of the ingrown part of the nail
The ingrown nail section is precisely removed.
3. Treatment of the nail bed (matrix resection)
To prevent the nail from growing back in, a narrow portion of the nail matrix is cauterized or surgically removed.
4. Wound care
A small bandage is required, and subsequent walking with minimal pain is possible.
INFOBOX :
The combination of partial removal and matrix resection is considered the gold standard and prevents regrowth in over 90% of cases.
7. Healing & Aftercare
7. Healing & Aftercare
After the procedure:
- Elevate your foot on the first day
- Dressing change as instructed
- Showers are often allowed after 24–48 hours.
- Mild pain possible, easily treatable
- athletic activity after 1–2 weeks
- Complete healing within a few weeks
Scars are minimal and barely visible.
8. Prevention
8. Prevention
✔ Cut nails straight across, not rounded
✔ Wear well-fitting shoes
✔ Perform regular foot and nail care
✔ Treat sweaty feet
✔ Avoid pressure points
✔ Get treatment early at the first signs
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the treatment painful?
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
How soon can I walk again?
Usually immediately after the procedure, with careful weight-bearing.
Will an ingrown toenail grow back?
Matrix resection is rare.
Can I have multiple nails treated?
Yes, if necessary.
Will the problem go away on its own?
In mild cases, yes, but in cases of recurring symptoms, surgery is advisable.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails are painful and can significantly impact daily life. With modern, gentle nail edge correction, the discomfort can be eliminated quickly, effectively, and permanently. This allows you to regain freedom of movement and quality of life, often immediately after the procedure.