Ingrown Toenail
How Treatment for Onychocryptosis Works
An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is a condition that requires targeted interventions to relieve pain and prevent complications. At the Dermacademy Institute, treatment is based on a conservative approach, with the goal of avoiding invasive procedures whenever possible. In more complex cases, outpatient surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia are used to ensure a definitive resolution of the problem.
The main causes of an ingrown toenail include:
- Nail shape: a rounded nail cut may encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin.
- Inappropriate footwear: tight shoes or footwear with rigid toe boxes compress the foot, worsening the condition.
- Insufficient hygiene: moisture and sweating may promote infection.
- Repeated trauma: sports activities or frequent impacts affecting the foot.
This is why, in many cases, an ingrown toenail can be managed with simple home care measures. An effective remedy consists of soaking the foot in warm salt water for 20–30 minutes several times a day, helping to reduce inflammation and pain. It is essential to dry the foot thoroughly after each treatment to prevent bacterial growth.
Wearing wide and comfortable shoes helps avoid additional pressure on the nail, relieving discomfort. Finally, maintaining proper personal hygiene by changing socks daily and cleaning the feet regularly significantly reduces the risk of infection.
If the ingrown toenail is associated with signs of infection (swelling, pus, severe pain), it is essential to consult a specialist.
Consulting an experienced dermatologist is essential to address an ingrown toenail safely and effectively, especially in more advanced cases. A specialist can accurately assess the severity of the condition, distinguishing a minor discomfort from a more complex issue that may require targeted medical or surgical treatment.
In the presence of serious infections, persistent swelling, intense redness, or pus formation, specialist intervention is essential to prevent complications that could affect not only the nail but also the surrounding tissues. Thanks to the expertise and advanced techniques available at Dermacademy, dermatologists are able to reshape the nail margin and treat inflammation without resorting, whenever possible, to complete nail removal.
The use of specific instruments and techniques ensures pain reduction, improvement of the aesthetic appearance, and proper nail regrowth. Relying on a specialist means choosing a personalized and attentive approach that takes individual characteristics into account and aims to resolve the problem definitively while minimizing the risk of recurrence.
At the Dermacademy Institute, treatment for ingrown toenails is personalized according to the severity of the condition. Conservative therapies are initially used to relieve symptoms and prevent worsening. In more complex cases, an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia is performed. The operation includes:
- Removal of the affected portion of the nail, without removing the entire nail.
- Reshaping of the surrounding skin to prevent recurrence.
- Post-operative antibiotic therapy for 7–15 days, in order to prevent infections.
This approach minimizes discomfort and ensures proper nail regrowth while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the foot.
Book a specialist consultation
The health and peace of mind of our patients are always our priority. We have developed a method that guarantees a personalized treatment journey through a process that begins with listening.
Book a specialist consultation at the Dermacademy Institute.
