Introduction
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, ingrown toenails can be treated at home or with professional care. This article provides tips and information on how to treat and prevent ingrown toenails, from home remedies to surgical solutions.
10 Tips for Treating Ingrown Toenails at Home
If you’re experiencing the discomfort and pain of an ingrown toenail, there are several steps you can take at home to treat it:
Tip 1: Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt.
Soaking your feet in warm water and Epsom salt for 20-30 minutes can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Tip 2: Apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
Applying an antibiotic ointment to the affected area can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Tip 3: Use a toe brace to lift the affected nail and prevent further ingrowth.
A toe brace can help lift the affected nail and prevent further ingrowth.
Tip 4: Avoid tight-fitting shoes and opt for comfortable, breathable footwear.
Wearing tight-fitting shoes can aggravate an ingrown toenail, so it’s important to wear comfortable, breathable footwear that allows your toes to move freely.
Tip 5: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid curving the edges.
Trimming your toenails straight across can help prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the first place, and can also prevent further ingrowth.
Tip 6: Place a small piece of cotton under the affected nail to separate it from the skin.
Placing a small piece of cotton under the affected nail can help separate it from the skin and reduce pressure.
Tip 7: Use a foot file to smooth any rough edges on the affected toe.
Using a foot file to smooth any rough edges on the affected toe can help prevent further irritation and ingrowth.
Tip 8: Apply a soothing balm or cream to the affected area to help reduce inflammation.
Applying a soothing balm or cream to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Tip 9: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and discomfort associated with an ingrown toenail.
Tip 10: Give your feet a break and avoid activities that may aggravate the condition.
Taking a break from activities that may aggravate the condition, such as running or jumping, can help reduce pressure and promote healing.
When to Seek Professional Care for Ingrown Toenails
While most ingrown toenails can be treated at home, there are instances where professional care may be necessary. Signs that professional care may be necessary include severe pain, swelling, or infection around the affected area.
If you do need professional care, it’s important to find a qualified healthcare professional skilled in treating ingrown toenails. Treatment options that may be recommended by a healthcare professional may include antibiotics, partial nail removal, or nail removal with chemical destruction of the nail matrix.
5 Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Understanding the common causes of ingrown toenails can help you prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails include:
Improper nail trimming techniques.
Trimming your nails too short or rounding the edges can increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Wearing tight-fitting or ill-fitting shoes.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly can put pressure on the toes, increasing your risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Injury to the toe or nail.
An injury to the toe or nail, such as from stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Genetics.
Some people are simply more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to the shape or structure of their toes or nails.
Certain medical conditions that affect nail growth.
Medical conditions that affect the growth and development of your nails can increase your risk of developing ingrown toenails. Some of these conditions include diabetes, fungal infections, and psoriasis.
Surgical Solutions for Ingrown Toenails
If conservative treatments are not effective, there are surgical treatments available for ingrown toenails. Types of surgical treatments available include nail removal and matrixectomy.
If you do need surgical treatment, it’s important to understand what to expect during and after the procedure. You may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, and it may take several weeks for the nail to grow back fully.
Ingrown Toenail Dos and Don’ts
There are several dos and don’ts you should keep in mind when managing an ingrown toenail:
Dos:
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Wear comfortable shoes that allow your toes to move freely.
- Seek professional care if necessary.
Don’ts:
- Do not dig into the affected toe.
- Do not trim your nails too short or round the edges.
- Do not wear tight-fitting shoes.
- Do not ignore signs of infection.
How to Manage Discomfort from Ingrown Toenails
If you’re experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, there are several steps you can take to manage it:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed. You can also use essential oils or foot baths to help reduce pain and swelling.
It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but they can be treated at home or with professional care. By following the tips and information provided in this article, you can treat and prevent ingrown toenails, and avoid further complications.
Remember to seek professional care if necessary, and to take prompt action when you notice signs of an ingrown toenail.