December 2021

Before we move on to treatment and management, it would help to make it clear on exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe, since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

When left untreated, a simple ingrown toenail infection can lead to toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus is a form of infection that basically travels through the cracks in your nail / the cuts on your skin. It can change the colour of your toenail and make it much thicker than normal. It can also be very painful to deal with. Since toes are usually kept warm and may be damp due to sweat, they act as the perfect breeding ground for fungus, allowing it to thrive in these conditions. There are different types of fungi and even yeast that can affect the different parts of your nail. When left without treatment, the fungus can spread to your skin, the other toenails, and sometimes even your fingernails!

What does toenail fungus look like, you ask? Here’s your answer:

• A change in colour of your toenail, to either yellow, brown, and even white
• Thickened and often misshapen looking toenail
• Chalkiness / cloudiness in spots on your toenail
• Your toenail is separated from your nail bed
• Lots of breaks and cracks in one or multiple spots on your toenail

There are many ways toenail fungus can alter the visual appearance of your toenails. That’s why it’s important to know what it looks like, so you can treat it before it gets more serious.

How to Treat Fungal Toenail  

There are lots of different at-home treatments for toenail fungus. Which one is most effective to you depends on your situation and symptoms. Our podiatrists will be able to properly diagnose and treat your fungal toenail efficiently. In general, oral antifungal medicines are very effective and have great potential. You may even pair these pills with topical antifungal cream / medicine for best results.

Apart from that, there are a few home remedies:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.

We recommend seeing a podiatrist, however, because at-home treatments can go south very quickly if not performed correctly.

Ingrown Toenail Management

Another very important thing to take care of is ingrown toenail management. When you have an ingrown toenail, and you practice ingrown toenail management, you are generally safe from fungus and infection. Good foot care and hygiene is very important. Here’s how you can go about ingrown toenail management:

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put antibiotic / antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce the swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Now that you know some of the main things to know about ingrown toenail infections, it’ll be easier for you to identify an issue before it gets out of hand. Book an appointment with Buck Foot Clinic if you think you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection. Our podiatrists will be able to help you!

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us now

Here at Bucks Foot Clinic, we get a lot of clients that complain about ingrown toenail infections. This issue is very common, and one of the leading reasons it occurs so often is simply because you wear shoes that don’t fit you right. It’s very important to keep track of your ingrown toenail so it doesn’t turn into an ingrown toenail infection.

You should always look out for ingrown toenail symptoms so you can care for it from the get-go. There are a few home remedies on how to get rid of nail infections as well.

Read this article to learn more!

Ingrown toenails occur when the corner tip / edge of your nail pierces into your skin and grows back into it. This condition has the potential to be very painful, and it can happen to pretty much anyone. Ingrown toenails are very common in big toes.

If left untreated, your simple ingrown toenail could turn into an ingrown toenail infection. This can be dangerous as the infection can sometimes spread to your foot’s underlying bone structure.

Keep in mind that if you suffer from diabetes, or other conditions that affect circulation, you’re at high risk for developing ingrown toenails. You can also have serious complications if it turns into an ingrown toenail infection. Check in with a podiatrist before it gets to that stage.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

The best way to avoid an ingrown toenail infection is by keeping a lookout for ingrown toenail symptoms. When you know the symptoms of ingrown toenail, you can nip it in the bud before it turns into a worse problem.

You may be dealing with an ingrown toenail if:

• You have tenderness / pain in your toe on one or both sides of the nail
• The area surrounding your toenail is red
• Your toe swells up around the nail
• You notice infection in the tissue around your nail

If you notice the above symptoms, visit a podiatrist and nip the issue at the bud before it turns into an ingrown toenail infection.

Ingrown Toenail Infection Symptoms

If you leave your ingrown toenail untreated, it could lead to an infection. This infection is potentially serious, and your symptoms can start off simple enough then escalate highly.

Keep a lookout for the following early symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain on touching
• Pressure under the nail
• Hardening / Redness of skin around the nail
• Bleeding
• Throbbing
• Foul smell
• Oozing fluid / fluid buildup
• Pus or an abscess in affected toe
• Warmth emanating from the area around the nail

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

If you notice the first signs and symptoms listed above, don’t panic! There are a few home remedies you can use for minor infections. Here they are:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gasses that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

If your infection has more serious symptoms, or persists after taking the above measures, visit a podiatrist immediately.

Though the above home remedies help fight minor infections, they aren’t as effective as visiting a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to tackle the infection and help you prevent it from recurring. If you think you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection and want to know how to get rid of your nail infection, Book an Appointment with Us! We’ll be able to help you with all your podiatric needs.

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us now

Are you currently suffering from pain in your toenail? Toenail pain can manifest in many forms. You could experience pain in toenail when pressed, or pain in toenail in shoes. Either way, toenail pain is not fun.

There are lots of conditions and habits that could lead to pain in your toenail. You could experience pain from wearing tight shoes that don’t fit you right, or from cutting your nails shorter than necessary.

You could also be suffering from pain due to infections. If you have diabetes or another circulatory issue, you’re very likely to develop an infection that could lead to pain in your toenails.

Most times, toenail pain is easy to treat at home. But, you should always check in with a podiatrist because the pain may be related to something more serious.

There are 4 main reasons you could be experiencing pain in your toenails. Read on to learn more.

1. Toenail Trauma

Toenail trauma can occur when you drop something heavy on your foot, or if you fall, stub your toe, or even wear shoes that don’t fit you right. You could also experience toenail trauma from exercising.

You’ll experience minor bruising, but it’ll go away on its own. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to allow your feet to heal and ease the pain.

If your pain is severe, however, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to drain the blood out from under the affected nail. Never do this at home, because it could lead to a severe infection.

In some instances of toenail trauma, your toenail may just fall off entirely. The nail will regrow within the next few months. In case this occurs, make sure you keep your toe dry and clean at all times. Wear shoes to protect the sensitive area that is normally covered by the nail. Avoid shoes that put pressure on your toes.

You can take over the counter pain relievers to deal with the pain. Make sure to keep your foot elevated, because this helps decrease the swelling in your feet and toes.

If you still suffer from pain and there’s discolouration, or if you notice a dark area of “growth” under the infected nail, see a doctor immediately to rule out tumours.

Symptoms:

• Reddish-black bruise under your nail
• Pressure under your nail
• Pain in toenail
• Visible and distinct separation from skin and nail

2. Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenail happens when your skin that surrounds your nail grows over the tip. When you cut your toenails shorter than you need to, or if you wear shoes that are too tight, you make yourself susceptible to ingrown toenails. When untreated, an ingrown toenail can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to infections like paronychia.

If your ingrown toenail is not significantly bad and doesn’t show signs of infection (like drainage and warmth), it can be treated at home. Soak your feet in warm water multiple times a day, this will help you with the tenderness and redness.

To give yourself relief when you have an ingrown toenail, take over the counter medicines for the pain and make sure to wear shoes that fit you well, i.e. don’t pinch your toes. This will allow your nail to heal as well.

If at-home treatments don’t help you, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to trim or partially remove the affected nail. If you notice your simple ingrown nail is worsening, visit a podiatrist immediately. You’ll know it’s worse if you notice pus, an unpleasant smell, and discharge.

If you have a condition like diabetes, visit a doctor or podiatrist as soon as you notice an infected ingrown toenail. You’re at high risk of developing a severe infection.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail and skin surrounding it
• Redness around nail
• Fluid-filled bump on edge of your nail bed

3. Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection that affects the skin around your nails. Though it usually affects your fingernails, it can also affect your toenails.

You are at an increased risk of developing a paronychia if you suffer from trauma to your toenail or have an untreated ingrown toenail. These issues make it very easy for bacteria to enter your system and give you an infection.

Often a simple foot soak can help ease pain and swelling. If even after frequent foot soaks your symptoms worsen, if you see pus or infection, or if you suffer from any immune system issues like diabetes, you would have to see your physician and get the infection drained.

With paronychia, you have to be on the lookout for any signs of cellulitis. These signs could include pain, redness, and warmth of the cellulite-laden skin. These symptoms could present a serious bacterial infection, communicable to the surrounding tissue. If these symptoms do occur, see your physician immediately and be prepared for antibiotics.

With increased severity of cellulitis, you might see red streaks on your legs, fever, and nausea. If this does happen, you should get immediate medical care.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Warmth in skin and redness
• Swollen toe
• Pus
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

4. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can affect your toenails or the skin on your feet and toes. When they affect your toenails, it’s called Onychomycosis. When it affects your skin, it could be athlete’s foot.

Onychomycosis can discolour and thicken your toenail. You may also experience pain, specifically when pressure is applied to your nail while wearing shoes.

You can usually treat this condition with medicated nail polish, which is available at most pharmacies near you. If you notice your symptoms get worse or do not go away, visit a podiatrist and they’ll be able to find the right antifungal medicine for you!

Symptoms:

• Discolouration and thickening of nail
• Pain in toenail
• Nail splitting
• Itchy or painful feet or toes
• Skin peeling between your toes
• Redness

Other Causes

If any of the above isn’t the culprits, you may be suffering from something else. You could be suffering from a condition in which pain in toenail is a symptom, but not the main symptom. You could be suffering from a chronic illness like arthritis, liver or lung disease, bursitis, or even psoriasis. This is why it’s important to visit a podiatrist to ensure you aren’t suffering from something worse.

If you suffer from pain in toenail, pain in toenail when pressed, or pain in toenail in shoes, it’s important to monitor it. If you suffer from any of the below, call a podiatrist immediately:

• You pain in toenail doesn’t get better after at-home treatment
• The pain affects your everyday activities
• You notice discharge or pus
• There’s a foul odor
• Red streaks on your foot
• You have pain in toenail and you are diabetic

If you suffer from the above, contact a podiatrist immediately. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric treatment.

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us now

If you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably dealing with a nasty nail infection and want to know how to get rid of your nail infection. There are a few ways to go about it, but one of the best and quickest ways is to go in for nail surgery.

To know more about what nail surgery is, who does nail surgery, and how to get rid of a nail infection, read on!

Lots of people ask the question, “What is nail surgery?”. Nail surgery is considered a minor procedure. It is usually conducted under local anesthetic, to help alleviate pain and infection in toenails.

During nail surgery, a podiatrist might remove one or two sections from your nail, on each side. In some forms of nail surgery, your podiatrist may have to remove your whole nail, depending on the extent of infection / injury.

Once the nail surgery is over, the podiatrist will use a form of treatment to prevent the affected nail from growing again.

Who Does Nail Surgery?

 Now that you know what nail surgery is, you’re probably wondering who does nail surgery.

Nail surgery is done by certified professional Podiatrists. Never get nail surgery from anyone who is not professionally equipped to handle it.

Why Should You Go In For Nail Surgery?

If you have an ingrown, distorted, or fungal toenail, it could lead to lots of pain and can even get infected further. Most conservative and common treatments in clinics will help alleviate the symptoms for a while, but the issue tends to recur when the nail grows back.

Nail surgery offers a permanent solution to your nail issue, and prevents problems from recurring in the future.

What’s The Alternative to Nail Surgery?

There are a few common routine treatments that act as alternatives to nail surgery. They aren’t permanent solutions, however, and only help for immediate and short-term relief. A common treatment used is cutting the nail back, but the nail often regrows with the same issue.

Every patient is different and has a different pain-tolerance. This is why we aim to alleviate their pain as fast as possible, according to the treatment that suits them best. Though, when a patient comes in with a chronic infected nail, nail surgery is the only safe and viable option.

What Happens In Nail Surgery?

During nail surgery, your podiatrist will inject your affected toe with local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain. After the toe becomes numb, the infected nail or nails are removed. After which, Phenol (a chemical) is applied to the area to prevent the nail from regrowing.

Once this is done, your podiatrist will dress your toe heavily and the dressing will have to stay on for 2-3 days and be kept dry.

After Nail Surgery?

 After you’ve gone through nail surgery and the toe has been dressed, you have to keep the dressing dry and on for 2-3 days. After which, you’ll need to redress your toe.

Your podiatrist will give you written instructions on how to redress your toe properly. You’ll have to follow their instructions well. The average healing period after nail surgery is around 3-6 weeks. After your nail surgery, you can return to work in 24 hours. You can only go on with sporting activities once the toe is fully healed.

How Effective Is Nail Surgery?

Nail surgery is a permanent solution to your problem. Regrowth can occur occasionally, but this is in much less than 5% cases out of thousands.

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

 There are a few home remedies for infected nails, but we advise you to see a podiatrist. These home remedies give instant relief, but aren’t a permanent solution.

A few common home remedies are as follows:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

Lots of people ask the question, “What is nail surgery?”. Nail surgery is considered a minor procedure. It is usually conducted under local anesthetic, to help alleviate pain and infection in toenails.

During nail surgery, a podiatrist might remove one or two sections from your nail, on each side. In some forms of nail surgery, your podiatrist may have to remove your whole nail, depending on the extent of infection / injury.

Once the nail surgery is over, the podiatrist will use a form of treatment to prevent the affected nail from growing again.

Who Does Nail Surgery?

 Now that you know what nail surgery is, you’re probably wondering who does nail surgery.

Nail surgery is done by certified professional Podiatrists. Never get nail surgery from anyone who is not professionally equipped to handle it.

Why Should You Go In For Nail Surgery?
If you have an ingrown, distorted, or fungal toenail, it could lead to lots of pain and can even get infected further. Most conservative and common treatments in clinics will help alleviate the symptoms for a while, but the issue tends to recur when the nail grows back.

Nail surgery offers a permanent solution to your nail issue, and prevents problems from recurring in the future.

What’s The Alternative to Nail Surgery?

There are a few common routine treatments that act as alternatives to nail surgery. They aren’t permanent solutions, however, and only help for immediate and short-term relief. A common treatment used is cutting the nail back, but the nail often regrows with the same issue.

Every patient is different and has a different pain-tolerance. This is why we aim to alleviate their pain as fast as possible, according to the treatment that suits them best. Though, when a patient comes in with a chronic infected nail, nail surgery is the only safe and viable option.

What Happens In Nail Surgery?
During nail surgery, your podiatrist will inject your affected toe with local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain. After the toe becomes numb, the infected nail or nails are removed. After which, Phenol (a chemical) is applied to the area to prevent the nail from regrowing.

Once this is done, your podiatrist will dress your toe heavily and the dressing will have to stay on for 2-3 days and be kept dry.

After Nail Surgery?

 After you’ve gone through nail surgery and the toe has been dressed, you have to keep the dressing dry and on for 2-3 days. After which, you’ll need to redress your toe.

Your podiatrist will give you written instructions on how to redress your toe properly. You’ll have to follow their instructions well. The average healing period after nail surgery is around 3-6 weeks. After your nail surgery, you can return to work in 24 hours. You can only go on with sporting activities once the toe is fully healed.

How Effective Is Nail Surgery?
Nail surgery is a permanent solution to your problem. Regrowth can occur occasionally, but this is in much less than 5% cases out of thousands.

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

 There are a few home remedies for infected nails, but we advise you to see a podiatrist. These home remedies give instant relief, but aren’t a permanent solution.

A few common home remedies are as follows:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

Though you may be tempted to treat your infected toenail at home, it’s always best to see a podiatrist for a permanent and safe solution.

Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric care.

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us now