Toenail Conditions

Alternate Names : Ingrown Toenail, Abnormal Nails, Black Toe, Runner's Toe, Toenail Infection

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment depends on the condition.

Nails that are bruised and have an underlying blood clot can be extremely painful. They often need to be drained. Because of the risk of an infection, this is usually best done by a healthcare provider. Nails that have been injured and are loose can sometimes be taped in place. The new nail grows in behind the old nail, pushing it away from the nailbed. If the nailbed is too unstable, the nail may need to be trimmed or removed by a healthcare provider.

Ingrown toenails can be trimmed and carefully lifted up to place cotton underneath. This allows the nail to grow out straight rather than into the flesh. If this is not enough, just the ingrown portion of the nail can be permanently removed. Local anesthesia is used to numb the toe, and the ingrown portion of the nail is removed. The growth tissue underneath is killed with a chemical or by laser surgery.

If an ingrown nail has caused an infection, the person usually needs to take antibiotics. Sometimes the ingrown nail acts as a chronic source of irritation, and the infection can not be cleared until the nail is temporarily removed. If the nail has been a constant source of trouble, it may be permanently removed after the infection is over. It's very rare to permanently remove the whole nail for an ingrown nail. In some cases, the nail is curved like a tunnel because of an underlying bone spur. The bone spur is removed to allow the nail to grow back in a flatter shape.

Thickened nails that have suffered trauma, or are affected by psoriasis, can just be filed flat. There may be no way to treat these nails and still allow them to grow back in a more normal fashion. If simple filing and cutting of the nail do not work, then permanent removal of the whole nail should be considered. Non-fungal causes of nail thickening should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider or podiatrist.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of these nail conditions usually involve pain with walking or exercise. Very thickened nails or ingrown nails can become infected.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Once the nails have been treated, they will need to be trimmed regularly. Good nail hygiene is very important for these nails. A nail brush, a sturdy nail file, and clippers designed for the toenails are used to maintain good hygiene. A good pedicurist, a person skilled at trimming and cleaning nails, can often help.