How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail Yourself
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort or pain. They occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed causing tenderness, swelling, and redness. Ingrown nails can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Luckily, some home remedies can help treat mild to moderate cases of ingrown toenails. In this article, we’ll explore some practical ways to remove an ingrown toenail yourself and when to seek professional help.
Analyze the Symptoms
Before going into the remedies, it is important to first define what exactly an ingrown toenail is and what symptoms it causes. An ingrown toenail is whereby the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed. The affected area may be swollen, red, and tender to the touch. One may also experience pain when they put any pressure on the affected toe. In worst-case scenarios, the toenail may become infected, causing pus and bleeding. Ingrown toenails are mainly caused by poor nail cutting, poorly fitting shoes, or genetic factors.
Soak the Affected Foot
Soaking the foot in warm water helps relieve pain, tenderness, and swelling caused by an ingrown toenail. To do this, fill a small tub or basin with warm water (not too hot) and soak your foot for at least 15 minutes. You can add some Epsom salt, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar to the water to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Dry your foot properly with gentle patting once done.
Trim the Toenail
Trimming the ingrown toenail properly can help relieve the pressure and allow the nail to grow correctly. Should you want to trim the ingrown toenail, here are the steps to follow:
- Soak your foot in warm water for at least 20 minutes.
- Use a pair of clean and sharp nail scissors or clippers to trim the parts of the nail digging into the skin. It is best to make small cuts to avoid cutting too deeply.
- File the nail to round off the edges to prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
To avoid further complications, it is best advised to seek professional help if trimming the ingrown nail does not help and if the site gets infected.
Consider a Natural Remedy
Natural remedies are a great way to cure mild or moderate cases of ingrown toenails. Some effective natural remedies include:
- Soaking the foot in a mixture of warm water and tea tree oil or lavender oil; Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off infection.
- Applying aloe vera gel, garlic, or coconut oil to the affected area can soothe the skin and keep the area moisturized, reducing inflammation and aiding in healing.
Apply OTC Treatments
Over-the-counter medications can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by an ingrown toenail. Some effective options include:
- Painkillers: Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve the discomfort that comes with an ingrown toenail.
- Antibiotic creams: Nadolol, bacitracin, or retapamulin are some antibiotic creams that can prevent infection. Ensure you seek medical approval before using them.
Wear the Right Shoes
Wearing tight-fitting or uncomfortable shoes applies pressure on the toenails, which increases the risk of developing ingrown toenails. If you are prone to this condition, make a point of wearing comfortable shoes that leave enough room for the toes. Shoes with pointed tips should also be avoided to prevent pressure on the toenails.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Typically, most cases of ingrown toenails can be treated at home; however, there are times you should seek professional help. Medical attention should be sought if:
- The pain or swelling area increases rapidly, or you experience fever and chills; this could be a sign of infection.
- You have severely impacted movement of the affected toe.
- You are experiencing diabetes, nerve damage, or peripheral arterial disease. These conditions increase the risk of developing infections and other complications.
- You have recurrent ingrown toenails or abnormal nail growth.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails can be quite unpleasant. However, they can be mitigated by taking preventive measures, such as wearing proper-fitting shoes and cutting your nails correctly. In the case of an ingrown toenail, action is needed promptly with home remedies such as soaking and trimming to prevent further complications. It is also important to seek further medical attention if the condition gets out of hand.