Ask Dr. K: Toenails get a bit unruly as we age

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have a very painful ingrown toenail. What can I do?

DEAR READER: It’s been my experience that toenails get a little unruly as we get older. They seem to fit the toes perfectly well for decades, and then they start doing funny things – the sides start to curl, for instance, and suddenly the nail is pressing against the skin of the toe.

The big toe is most often affected, but no toe is immune. The problem usually develops because the nails have not been trimmed properly.

Overly tight shoes are also a factor in producing ingrown toenails. This is more of an issue for women who wear shoes that are very narrow in front. Shoe leather constantly pressing against a nail can change its shape as it grows.

Usually you can treat an ingrown toenail at home. First, soak your feet in warm water to soften the nail. Then cut the part of the nail that is pressing against the skin. Trim gently, not aggressively, or you may hurt yourself.

Once that part of the nail is removed, apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic. If there is an infection, it may respond to the topical treatment. Wear open-toed sandals or roomy shoes to reduce pressure on the toe.

If your toe isn’t better in three to five days, see a foot-care specialist. Your toe may be infected, and you may need to start antibiotic pills (which treat deeper infections in the toe) and have the ingrown portion of the nail removed.

If you have a recurrent ingrown toenail, your doctor can remove the part of the nail that causes the problem. This procedure can be done in the office, using chemicals.

You can prevent ingrown toenails with a few simple measures. Cut your toenails straight across, rather than rounding off the corners. Use a toenail clipper (which is wider and larger than a fingernail clipper). Also, clean under your toenails regularly.