Painful Toenails: Causes and Treatments

Do you have painful toenails? You're not alone. Painful toenails can be caused by several different conditions, including fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and trauma. If your toenail pain is caused by a fungal infection, then a nail fungus treatment may be necessary. In this article, we'll explore the potential causes and treatments for painful toenails, including nail fungus treatment, so you can get back to living life comfortably. Painful toenails can be quite uncomfortable and even debilitating for some individuals.

They can make walking, running, and even wearing shoes difficult. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of painful toenails. Read on to learn more about the potential causes and treatments for painful toenails so you can get back to living life comfortably.

Painful Toenails

can have a number of causes, and determining the source of the pain is key to finding the right treatment. Common causes of painful toenails include fungal infections, psoriasis, and an ingrown toenail. Each of these causes will have different symptoms and treatments, so it's important to understand the differences in order to get the best care for your condition.

Fungal Infections

are one of the most common causes of painful toenails.

Symptoms of fungal infections include yellow or white patches on the nail, thickening or crumbling of the nail, and pain or tenderness in the affected area. Fungal infections can be diagnosed through a physical examination and a sample of the nail can be taken for further testing. Treatment of fungal infections usually involves antifungal medications, which may be in the form of a topical cream, oral medication, or laser therapy.

Psoriasis

is another possible cause of painful toenails.

It is an autoimmune disorder that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, as well as thickened and discolored nails. Symptoms include yellow or white patches on the nails, thickening or crumbling of the nail, and pain or tenderness in the affected area. Psoriasis can be diagnosed through a physical exam and medical history. Treatment may include topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy, or oral medications.

Ingrown Toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes drainage from the area. Ingrown toenails can be diagnosed with a physical exam and x-rays if necessary. Treatment usually involves soaking the affected toe in warm water with Epsom salts or other antiseptic solutions and then trimming the nail properly.

In more severe cases, a doctor may need to remove part or all of the toenail to relieve pressure and pain.

Diagnosing Painful Toenails

is best done by a medical professional. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment. Tests such as x-rays may be necessary to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Treatment Options

for painful toenails vary depending on the cause. Fungal infections can be treated with topical creams, oral medications, or laser therapy.

Psoriasis can be treated with topical creams, ultraviolet light therapy, or oral medications. Ingrown toenails can be treated with soaking in warm water with Epsom salts or other antiseptic solutions, trimming the nail properly, or removing part or all of the toenail if necessary.

Preventing Painful Toenails

in the future can be done by keeping feet clean and dry, wearing properly fitting shoes, trimming nails straight across rather than rounding them at the edges, avoiding injuring the nails by wearing protective footwear when playing sports, avoiding tight hosiery, and seeing a doctor if any pain or discoloration appears.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are caused by a type of fungus that can grow in warm, moist areas, such as the feet. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, itching, burning, peeling skin, nail discoloration, and painful toenails.The diagnosis of a fungal infection of the toenails is based on the appearance of the toenails.

Your doctor may also take a sample of the nail and send it to a laboratory for testing. If the test is positive for a fungal infection, treatment will begin. Treatment options for fungal infections of the toenails include antifungal creams, antifungal pills, or laser therapy. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and take all medications as prescribed.

It is also important to keep your feet clean and dry. Wear loose-fitting shoes, and keep your toenails trimmed. You should also avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as pools and locker rooms.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. It results in red, scaly patches of skin called plaques.

Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, including the nails. People with psoriatic toenails may experience pain, discoloration, and thickening of the nails. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system are thought to play a role. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS, may be more likely to develop psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms may include red, scaly patches of skin, itching, burning or soreness around the patches, small scaling spots, and thickened or pitted nails. A doctor can diagnose psoriasis based on a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. Treatment for psoriatic toenails may include topical medications, oral medications, phototherapy, or a combination of these therapies. Topical medications may include corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, and retinoids.

Oral medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologic agents, and oral retinoids. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light in order to reduce inflammation and slow cell growth.

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when a toenail grows into the skin of the toe, often causing infection, pain, and discomfort. It is a common condition that often affects the big toe and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor nail trimming, tight shoes, and trauma to the toe.

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail typically include pain in the affected area, swelling of the toe, redness, and tenderness. In severe cases, an abscess may form which can be filled with pus. Diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is typically made by a physical examination of the affected area. Treatment of an ingrown toenail can involve soaking the area in warm water several times a day, taking antibiotics if an infection is present, and wearing shoes that are not too tight.

In some cases, a doctor may need to surgically remove the nail or part of the nail in order to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. In order to prevent an ingrown toenail from occurring, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry and to trim your nails properly. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes can help to reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail developing. In conclusion, painful toenails can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including fungal infections, psoriasis, and ingrown toenails. There are a variety of treatments available for these conditions, depending on the underlying cause.