Ingrown Toenail Management in Singapore

Ingrown Toenail Management in Singapore

What Is Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common painful nail condition of the feet that occurs when the nail is cut into the sides of the skin of the toe. It is often caused by the way the toenail is cut or the natural curve of the nail. Some of the common ingrown toenail treatments in Singapore include ingrown toenail removal either through partial or total nail avulsion, which will be done under local anaesthesia.

An ingrown toenail can cause serious pain when wearing shoes or walking. The condition usually starts when a nail grows into the skin of the toe, causing a small wound. If not treated early, the skin break will not heal and an infection can happen. The result is a red, hot, and swollen toe, often seen with pus discharging from the sides.

It is vital to understand that taking antibiotics or applying antiseptic ointment will not cure an infected ingrown toenail because the nail spike is still sitting in the flesh. These medications can only contain the infection.

What is ingrown toenail? Ingrown Toenail in Singapore - Straits Podiatry

Causes of Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are generally caused by the way you trim your nails or a change in the shape of the toenails. Individuals with toenails that are either highly curved, known as involuted nails, or very wide nail plates, are at high risk of developing the problem. Without proper management, it can lead to recurrent ingrown toenails.

Other common causes include:

  • Trauma to the toenail (e.g stubbed toe, stepped on by others)
  • Cutting toenails in a curved manner (“rainbow-shaped”)
  • Tight-fitting footwear
  • Picking the nails
  • Regular pedicure sessions

Factors that can lead to a change in nail shape:

Ingrown Toenail in Singapore, signs and symptoms - Straits Podiatry Singapore.

Signs & Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail

  • Nail edge that curves into the sides of the skin
  • Painful, inflamed sides of the toenail with surrounding redness, warmth, and pus on occasion.
  • Bleeding from the sides of the affected toenail
  • Pain when wearing enclosed footwear
  • Sometimes an extra piece of “flesh” grows out, also known as a granuloma.

Ingrown toenail treatment in Singapore

Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Singapore

Treatment options for ingrown toenails in Singapore can provide temporary pain relief or a permanent cure. Understanding the cause and likelihood of recurrence is essential before deciding the best treatment option.

A permanent solution to manage ingrown toenails is usually done using a minimally invasive procedure known as partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy. It is a quick, painless, clinically proven ingrown toenail removal procedure and normally used for recurrent cases.

Other treatment options in Singapore include:

  • Trimming the nail spike for short-term pain relief
  • Antibiotics may be given by your medical professional to manage any infections
  • Antiseptic foot soaks to prevent infections
  • Proper wound care daily if there is active bleeding or discharge
  • Customised foot orthoses may be considered if flat feet or bunions are present

ingrown toenail management singapore

Preventing an Ingrown Toenail in Singapore

Repeated episodes of an ingrown toenail can easily happen once you have had it before, therefore it is essential to know how to prevent the condition from occurring.

Steps that you can do to prevent this include:

  • Avoid tight-fitting footwear
  • Cutting nails straight across and not curved down the edges
  • Round any sharp nail edges with a file after each trim

infected ingrown toenail removal

What Should I Do If I Have an Ingrown Toenail in Singapore?

Things you should do when you have an ingrown toenail:

  • Avoid doing pedicure
  • Do not attempt to pick or pull out any nail spikes yourself
  • Keep the area covered with an antiseptic dressing
  • Seek medical attention if the area becomes red, swollen, or pus is seen

Improper handling of this condition can result in severe infection, especially in patients with low immunity. Many patients often neglect the condition in its early stages and have severe pain and infection.

If you are experiencing pain at the sides of the toenail, seek a medical professional or podiatrist early to receive proper ingrown toenail management.

 

 

Related Articles

  1. Ingrown Toenails in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Management in Singapore
  2. Partial Nail Avulsion (Ingrown Toenail Surgery)
  3. How to Prevent Paronychia: Tips for Healthy Nail Care

Ingrown Nail - Let’s Talk About Health

Do You Have A Question? Ask Us...

FAQ

Ingrown toenail treatment in Singapore refers to a range of medical interventions designed to help individuals dealing with this common condition. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, it can become infected, leading to further complications.

In Singapore, several different treatment options are available, ranging from conservative measures to surgical interventions. The treatment that’s right for you will depend on the severity of your condition, as well as your overall health and medical history.

Some of the most common ingrown toenail treatments in Singapore include:

  • Conservative measures: In mild cases, ingrown toenails can often be treated with conservative measures such as soaking the affected foot in warm water, wearing comfortable shoes, and trimming the nail straight across.
  • Medications: If your ingrown toenail is causing slight pain or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics to help manage your symptoms.
  • Surgery: In more severe or persistent cases, ingrown toenail removal surgery may be necessary to remove the portion of the nail that’s causing the problem. This is usually a minor outpatient procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia.

Regardless of which treatment option you choose, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and make managing the condition more difficult.

If conservative measures and medications are ineffective, you may require an ingrown toenail removal surgery to remove the portion of the nail that’s causing the problem. Several different types of surgery are commonly performed in Singapore, including:

  • Partial nail avulsion: This is the most common type of ingrown toenail removal surgery in Singapore. It involves removing a small portion of the affected toenail, usually from the side or the corner.
  • Total nail avulsion: In rare cases, you may need to remove the entire toenail. This is typically only necessary if the toenail is severely infected or damaged.
  • Nail matrixectomy: This used to be a more invasive form of ingrown toenail removal surgery. It involves removing a portion of the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces the nail. However, this procedure has become much less invasive and is done with partial nail avulsion. This is typically only recommended in severe or recurrent cases.

Regardless of which type of ingrown toenail removal surgery you undergo, it’s essential to follow your medical professional’s post-procedure instructions carefully. This is to ensure proper healing and to reduce the risk of complications.

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition:

  • Trim your toenails straight across: Avoid cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges, as this can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Select the right shoes for you and avoid shoes that are too tight or too narrow.
  • Avoid picking your nails: Picking the nails can leave a sharp nail spike deep in the skin.
  • Avoid trauma to your toes: Try to avoid injuring your toes or putting too much pressure on them.
  • Seek prompt medical attention: If you notice any signs or symptoms, such as pain, redness, or swelling, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails. You will also keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

For very mild cases, ingrown toenails may heal on their own without medical intervention. However, it is important to note that if left untreated, it can also worsen and lead to infection, abscesses, and other complications.

We do not recommend cutting the affected nail yourself. By doing so, it can lead to further complications, such as infection or leaving a deeper nail spike behind. If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of management for your individual needs.

There are several home remedies that can be used to alleviate your pain and discomfort. Soaking the affected toe in warm water with Epsom salt can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Avoid wearing any enclosed shoes for a couple of days may reduce pressure on the sides of the nail. Applying antiseptic such as iodine solution and covering the affected area with a bandage can also help to prevent infection.

It is important to see a podiatrist if you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or infection. You should also consult a podiatrist if you have been suffering from repeated episodes of ingrowing toenails and need a professional opinion and solution. At Straits Podiatry, our experienced team of podiatrists can provide ingrown toenail management tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.