
Myths and facts of ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition, and they're caused by factors of congenital origin, meaning those inherent to the person, or by factors related to lifestyle and nail care. However, there are many myths and truths about the subject that we will reveal right now in this article.
The pain of an ingrown toenail can be so intense that just a little touch would shake the entire body. In the beginning, it may not look that bad, but if left unattended, the consequences can be painful.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
When a toenail becomes ingrown, the nail curls downward and grows into the skin, usually at the edges of the nail (the sides of the nail). This ingrown toenail irritates the skin, often causing pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.
And … Can it become infected?
If an ingrown toenail causes a break in the skin, bacteria can enter and cause an infection in the area, often characterized by drainage and odor.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
- An inherited condition.
- Trauma (stubbing your toe on something, having an object fall on your toe. Also, doing activities that involve repetitive pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.)
- Cutting an ingrown toenail too short stimulates the adjacent skin to fold over the nail.
- Wear shoes that are too tight or too small.
- Get previous toenail fungal infections or if you have lost a nail due to trauma.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons provides this valuable information on the myths and facts about ingrown toenails:
Myths
Cutting a notch (a "V") in the nail will reduce the nail's tendency to bend downward. Repeated nail edge trimming is a good way to treat ingrown toenails. Putting cotton under the nail will relieve the pain. You can buy effective treatments for ingrown toenails at a drugstore.
|
Truths Repeated nail trimming doesn't correct future nail growth, and may even make the condition worse. Putting cotton under the nail can be harmful. Cotton can harbor bacteria and encourage infection. Over-the-counter topical medications may mask the pain, but do not solve the underlying problem.
|
We hope this information will be useful in a way that’s easier to understand. Soon we will bring you more information related to this important topic. See you next time!
Blog posts

Magnesium Spray: Sleep, Recovery, and Skin Health Explained
Magnesium Spray: Sleep, Recovery, and Skin Health Explained In today’s fast-paced world, quality sleep, efficient recovery, and glowing skin are often seen as luxuries. But what if one natural mine...
Read more
How to Get Rid of Yellow Toenails Fast
Yellow toenails can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially when sandal season rolls around. Whether caused by fungal infections, nail polish, or other conditions, discoloration is a sign you...
Read more
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus: What Works?
Introduction Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is more common than most people think. It starts as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and can grow into a persistent infection that discolor...
Read more
How the Right Diet Can Help Prevent Foot Fungus
Foot fungus, such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, is a common yet frustrating condition that can affect anyone. While good hygiene and proper foot care are essential for prevention, many peop...
Read more
How Moisturizing Your Feet Can Help Prevent Nail Fungus: Essential Tips for Healthy Feet
Keeping your feet healthy often starts with a simple step: moisturizing. While most people remember to moisturize their hands and face, feet are often neglected, even though they’re exposed to cond...
Read more
The differences between athletes foot and nail fungal and how to treat them
Athlete's foot and nail fungus are two common fungal infections that affect the feet. While they share some similarities, they are not the same condition. In this blog, we'll explore the difference...
Read more
How do you easily prevent dry feet?
As we age, our skin becomes drier and less elastic, making it more susceptible to cracking and dryness. The feet are particularly vulnerable to dryness because they bear the weight of our body and ...
Read more
Podiatrists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who are able to identify problems with the feet and legs and offer appropriate solutions. This article gives you more information about pod...
Read more
Why are your child's feet so stinky?
If your child's feet smell unpleasant, we explain why and how you might be able to solve it. In this way, this common childhood problem will no longer be embarrassing for the little ones. Let's beg...
Read more