Posted 10 Feb

Why Antibiotics Won’t Cure An Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that can affect people of all ages. They occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, swelling, and often infection. Many people assume that taking antibiotics will solve the problem, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. While antibiotics may help manage an infection associated with an ingrown toenail, they won’t address the underlying cause.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail, usually affects the big toe and can develop due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Improper nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage them to grow into the skin.
• Tight footwear – Shoes that put excessive pressure on the toes can contribute to nail growth problems.
• Genetics – Some individuals have naturally curved or thick toenails, making them more prone to ingrowth.
• Trauma – Stubbing your toe, repetitive stress, or injury can alter nail growth.
• Poor foot hygiene – Not keeping the feet clean and dry can increase the risk of infection if an ingrown nail develops.

Why antibiotics won’t fix the problem

When an ingrown toenail becomes infected, it can cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pus. At this stage, many people believe that antibiotics will cure the problem. However, antibiotics only treat the infection, not the ingrown nail itself. Here’s why:

1. The nail is still embedded in the skin
   Antibiotics work by killing bacteria, but they do nothing to remove the part of the nail that’s growing into the skin. As long as the nail remains embedded, the irritation and infection will likely persist or return once the medication stops.
2. Recurring infections are likely
   If the cause of the ingrown toenail isn’t addressed, the infection may keep coming back. Some people may take multiple rounds of antibiotics, only to find that their symptoms improve temporarily before flaring up again.
3. Antibiotic resistance risks
   Overusing antibiotics when they are not necessary can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future. This is why it’s crucial to seek proper treatment rather than relying solely on medication.

What actually treats an ingrown toenail?

Since antibiotics won’t remove the nail, it’s important to focus on treatments that directly address the cause of the problem. These include:

1. At-home care (for mild cases)

If caught early, an ingrown toenail may be managed with simple home remedies:

• Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Keeping the toe clean and dry.
• Wearing loose-fitting shoes and socks to reduce pressure.
• Gently lifting the nail with a clean piece of cotton or dental floss to encourage it to grow correctly.

2. Professional treatment

If the ingrown toenail is painful, infected, or keeps returning, seeing a podiatrist is the best course of action. A podiatrist can provide:

• Conservative nail trimming– We can trim can help guide the nail to grow properly.
• Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) – A common procedure where the ingrown portion of the nail is carefully removed under local anesthesia. A chemical (phenol) may be applied to prevent regrowth.
• Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) – In severe or recurring cases, the entire toenail may need to be removed.

Watch our video, taking you through the procedure

3. Preventing future ingrown toenails

To reduce the risk of recurrence, follow these preventive tips:

• Cut nails straight across rather than rounding the edges.
• Avoid trimming nails too short.
• Wear properly fitting shoes with enough toe space.
• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Seek professional foot care if you have recurring issues or underlying conditions such as diabetes.

When should you see a podiatrist?

If you experience persistent pain, swelling, pus, or the condition keeps coming back, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Those with diabetes, circulation problems, or weakened immune systems should seek prompt medical attention, as untreated infections can lead to serious complications.

While antibiotics may temporarily relieve the symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail, they won’t fix the root cause. Proper nail care, professional treatment, and preventive measures are the keys to effectively managing this condition. If you’re struggling with an ingrown toenail, don’t wait—consult a podiatrist to get the right treatment and prevent future problems.

Don't let ingrown toenails hold you back – take the first step towards healthier, happier feet today!

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