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INGROWN TOENAIL Ingrown toenails are very common and can occur in people of all ages. The big toe is most frequently affected, but any toe may be involved (Fig. 1). The most common causes of ingrown toenails are:        Cutting the nails improperly        Congenitally deformed nails and/or extra skin around the nails                 Trauma        Fungus infection of the nail        Poorly fitting shoes   Ingrown nails can be mildly uncomfortable or very painful. Infection occurs when a piece of the nail penetrates the skin (Fig. 2). In these cases, swelling, redness, and drainage will be present. Surprisingly, infected ingrown toenails are not always painful.   Over-the-counter preparations cannot relieve ingrown nails because they do nothing about the piece of nail that is penetrating the flesh.   An infected ingrown nail is a medical emergency, because a chronically infected nail can lead to bone infection, especially in diabetic patients. For that reason, patients with infected nails are seen immediately at the North Shore Podiatry Group. Under local anesthesia, the portion of nail that is penetrating the flesh is removed, and the abscess is drained. Oral and topical antibiotics are prescribed. Relief is usually immediate.    Self Care of Ingrown Toenails: Ø    Cut nails straight across, and file the edges with an emery board to prevent the edges from irritating the skin. Ø    Wear gym shoes or other shoes with roomy toe boxes. Ø    Talk to your podiatrist about the Phenol procedure to permanently relieve the ingrowing.   In reality, ingrown toenails are very difficult to cut properly. For that reason, the North Shore Podiatry Group offers the Phenol Procedure to permanently remove the ingrown portion of nail.  The Phenol Procedure is an office procedure performed under local anesthesia. The ingrowing portion of nail is removed and the nail root is cauterized with Phenol. This “chemical surgery” prevents the ingrowing portion of nail from growing back. There is very little postoperative discomfort and patients can return to work the next day. If you have questions or would like to discuss the treatment of an Ingrown Toenail, please contact The North Shore Podiatry Group.   The North Shore Podiatry Group Glenview · Lake Forest · Gurnee Phone: (847) 729-9580 · Fax: (847) 729-9480 The information provided in this website is not intended to be a substitute for medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. The material is provided for information purposes alone. Visitors should not exclusively rely on answers provided in this website. Specific questions should be directed to your own health care provider. The North Shore Podiatry Group makes no claims, expressed or implied as to the accuracy and timeliness of any advice, services, or other information referenced in the website. Additionally, North Shore Podiatry Group is not obligated to follow-up or contact visitors to this site, nor is it liable in any manner for the decisions of visitors whose actions are based on information found in this website.