Ingrown toenails: what causes them, how to relieve them and when to seek help

Ingrown toenails are a common but often underestimated problem.

They occur when the edge of the nail grows into the skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and, in more serious cases, infection. This condition can affect anyone, but is more common in teenagers, athletes and people with diabetes or changes to the shape of their nails.

In this article, we'll explain what causes ingrown toenails, how to relieve the symptoms and when it's really necessary to seek professional help. We'll also show you how the intervention of a specialist makes a difference in preventing complications.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, the most common being incorrect nail cutting. When the nail is cut too round or too short, the edge can grow into the skin.

Other common causes include:

• Wearing tight or unsuitable footwear, which puts pressure on the toes
• Repeated trauma, such as from sporting activities
•  Deformities in the nail or finger, which encourage ingrowth
• Abnormal growth of the nail (e.g. in the shape of a pincer)
• Hypersudoresis (excessive perspiration), which softens the skin
• Lack of hygiene or fungal infections that alter the structure of the nail

In diabetic feet, the risk is greater due to the loss of sensitivity and the skin's reduced ability to heal. In these cases, an ingrown toenail can develop into a serious wound, with a real risk of generalized infection.

How to relieve the symptoms of an ingrown toenail

In the early stages, it is possible to alleviate some of the discomfort with home measures, although it is important to be careful not to aggravate the situation. Here are some suggestions:

• Make foot baths with warm water and coarse salt for 15-20 minutes to soften the skin
• Keep your feet clean and dry, avoiding damp environments that encourage bacteria
• Wear wide, comfortable shoes that don't put pressure on the affected toe
• Never cut or pull the ingrown part of the nail at home
• Don't apply ointments or antibiotics without a professional recommendation.

If the pain persists, if there is pus, intense redness or if there is already an infection, it is best to see a specialist immediately.

When should you seek professional help to treat an ingrown toenail?

People often try to treat ingrown toenails at home, but this can lead to a worsening of the condition and the development of complications such as fungal infections, cellulitis or even abscesses.

At Centro Podológico de Lisboa, we treat ingrown toenails safely, painlessly and effectively, adapted to the needs of each patient. Professional intervention is especially important in the following cases:

• Pain that is not relieved by home care
• Signs of infection (pus, smell, secretion)
• Recurrent episodes of ingrown toenails
• Presence of systemic diseases, such as diabetes
• Deformed or abnormally growing nails

Podiatric treatment may include:

• Technical cutting of the nail, to correct the direction of growth
• Careful removal of the ingrown spicule
• Guidance on suitable footwear
• Fitting of orthoses for nail correction, when necessary
• Prevention of recurrences

The role of prevention: take care today so as not to suffer tomorrow

The best way to prevent ingrown toenails from reappearing is to adopt healthy, preventative habits:

• Cut your nails straight across, without rounding the corners
• Don't cut them too short or leave loose ends
• Wear footwear that respects the anatomy of your feet
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places
• See a professional regularly to have your nails cut.

For people with diabetic feet, frequent monitoring is also recommended to ensure the integrity of the skin and nails. Find out more about specific care for diabetic feet.

Frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails

• Do ingrown toenails heal on their own?
  In most cases, no. Ingrown nails tend to get worse over time and can lead to infections. Proper treatment is essential.
• What should I not do if I have an ingrown toenail?
  Avoid cutting your nail at home, applying homemade recipes or using contaminated pliers and scissors. This can aggravate the situation.
• Is the treatment painful?
  No. At Centro Podológico de Lisboa, we use gentle and painless techniques, always focusing on the patient's comfort.
• Can I continue to wear normal shoes during treatment?
  Yes, but prefer open or wide shoes, so as not to increase the pressure on the affected toe.
• Can the ingrown toenail come back?
  It can, especially if cutting habits or the type of footwear are not corrected. Podiatric care is important to prevent recurrences.

Conclusion

Ingrown toenails are not just an aesthetic problem - they can profoundly affect quality of life. Pain when walking, persistent inflammation and the risk of infection make it essential to seek appropriate treatment.

If you feel discomfort or notice signs of ingrown toes, don't put it off. Make an appointment at Centro Podológico de Lisboa and give your feet back the comfort and freedom of walking without pain.