How can you alleviate the discomfort of an ingrown toenail at home. What are the most effective remedies for ingrown toenail pain. Which treatments should you avoid when dealing with an ingrown toenail. How do you prevent ingrown toenails from recurring.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Symptoms

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This common condition can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities like walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. While most cases affect the big toe, other toes can also be affected.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Toenail trauma
• Ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes
• Improper nail trimming techniques
• Cutting toenails too short
• Poor foot hygiene
• Genetic predisposition to curved toenails

Can ingrown toenails be prevented? Yes, in many cases, by adopting proper foot care habits and wearing appropriate footwear. However, when prevention fails, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate the pain and promote healing.

Soak Your Way to Relief: Warm Water and Soap Solution

One of the simplest and most accessible remedies for ingrown toenail pain is soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water. This method helps reduce swelling and provides much-needed pain relief.

How to Prepare and Use a Warm Water Soak

1. Fill a basin with comfortably warm water
2. Add a mild soap or antibacterial soap
3. Soak the affected foot for 20 minutes
4. Repeat this process three times a day

Is warm water soaking effective for all cases of ingrown toenails? While it can provide relief in many instances, more severe cases may require additional treatments or medical intervention.

Harnessing the Power of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a popular choice for treating ingrown toenails. This kitchen staple can be easily incorporated into your foot care routine.

Creating an Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

• Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water in a large bowl
• Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes once per day
• Rinse and dry the foot thoroughly after soaking

Why is it important to dry your foot after an apple cider vinegar soak? Proper drying helps prevent further infection and eliminates unpleasant odors that might develop in damp conditions.

The Magic of Epsom Salt: A Time-Tested Remedy

Epsom salt has long been used to treat various ailments, including ingrown toenails. This readily available and affordable remedy can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with mild cases of ingrown toenails.

Preparing an Epsom Salt Soak

1. Add a generous pinch of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water
2. Soak the affected foot for 20 minutes
3. Gently massage the affected area to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects
4. Repeat this process a few times a day for best results

Does Epsom salt have any additional benefits for foot health? Yes, it can help soften the skin, making it easier to treat the ingrown toenail and potentially prevent future occurrences.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Powerful Antiseptic Solution

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used to treat various wounds and can be an effective remedy for ingrown toenails, particularly in preventing infection. Its antiseptic properties make it a valuable addition to your foot care regimen.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Ingrown Toenails

• Create a solution of warm water and at least 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Soak the affected foot for approximately 20 minutes
• Repeat this process up to three times daily

Are there any precautions to take when using hydrogen peroxide? While generally safe, it’s essential to dilute the hydrogen peroxide properly and avoid using it on open wounds or if you have sensitive skin.

The Importance of Proper Footwear in Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails

One of the most effective ways to both treat and prevent ingrown toenails is to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Proper footwear can alleviate pressure on the affected toe and prevent further irritation.

Choosing the Right Shoes for Ingrown Toenail Relief

• Select shoes with ample toe room
• Avoid footwear that compresses or rubs against your toes
• Consider using toe protectors for occasional use of less comfortable shoes
• Opt for breathable materials to keep feet dry

How can you determine if your shoes fit properly? Ensure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and that the widest part of your foot fits comfortably in the shoe’s widest part.

Antibiotic Ointments: A Targeted Approach to Healing

Applying antibiotic ointments to ingrown toenails can help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. These topical treatments provide a targeted approach to managing ingrown toenail symptoms.

How to Use Antibiotic Ointments Effectively

1. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly
2. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment such as Bactroban or Tricin
3. Cover the area with a clean bandage
4. Follow the instructions provided with the ointment for frequency of application

When should you consult a doctor about using antibiotic ointments? If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus, or if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of treatment, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

Avoiding Harmful Home Remedies: What Not to Do

While it’s tempting to try drastic measures to relieve ingrown toenail pain, some home remedies can exacerbate the problem. It’s crucial to avoid potentially harmful treatments that may lead to complications.

Dangerous Home Remedies to Avoid

• Cutting a V-shape in the toenail
• Attempting to dig out the ingrown portion of the nail
• Using sharp objects to lift the nail
• Applying harsh chemicals or irritants to the affected area

Why are these methods dangerous? These aggressive approaches can introduce bacteria, cause further injury, or lead to infection. They may also delay proper healing and increase the risk of complications.

When to Seek Professional Help for Ingrown Toenails

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be effectively treated at home, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for preventing serious complications.

Signs That Indicate the Need for Medical Intervention

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or warmth
• Recurrent ingrown toenails
• Underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation
• No improvement after a week of home treatments

What treatments might a healthcare professional recommend? Depending on the severity of your condition, a doctor may suggest partial or complete nail removal, prescribe antibiotics, or perform a minor surgical procedure to provide relief and prevent recurrence.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails: Long-Term Strategies

While treating current ingrown toenails is important, preventing future occurrences is equally crucial. Implementing proper foot care habits and making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Effective Prevention Techniques

1. Trim toenails straight across, not curved
2. Avoid cutting nails too short
3. Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room
4. Keep feet clean and dry
5. Use protective footwear in public areas like locker rooms or pools
6. Address any foot deformities or biomechanical issues

How often should you trim your toenails to prevent ingrown toenails? Generally, trimming your toenails every 6-8 weeks is sufficient, but this may vary depending on individual nail growth rates.

The Role of Nutrition in Toenail Health

While often overlooked, nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining healthy toenails and potentially preventing ingrown toenails. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can contribute to stronger, more resilient nails.

Key Nutrients for Healthy Toenails

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) for nail strength
• Omega-3 fatty acids for nail flexibility
• Protein for nail structure
• Zinc for nail growth and repair
• Vitamin C for collagen production

Can dietary changes alone prevent ingrown toenails? While a balanced diet supports overall nail health, it should be combined with proper foot care and appropriate footwear for the best results in preventing ingrown toenails.

Alternative Therapies for Ingrown Toenail Relief

In addition to traditional home remedies, some individuals find relief from ingrown toenail pain through alternative therapies. While scientific evidence may be limited for some of these methods, many people report positive experiences.

Exploring Alternative Treatment Options

1. Essential oil treatments (e.g., tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties)
2. Acupuncture for pain relief
3. Reflexology to promote healing
4. Herbal compresses using chamomile or calendula
5. Homeopathic remedies

Are these alternative therapies safe for everyone? It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Ingrown Toenails

Various lifestyle factors can influence your susceptibility to ingrown toenails. Understanding these factors and making appropriate adjustments can help reduce your risk of developing this painful condition.

Lifestyle Considerations for Toenail Health

• Physical activity levels and types of exercise
• Occupational hazards (e.g., jobs requiring protective footwear)
• Personal hygiene habits
• Footwear choices for different activities
• Stress levels and their impact on overall health

How does stress affect toenail health? Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and affect nail growth, potentially increasing the risk of nail problems, including ingrown toenails.

Understanding the Anatomy of Toenails: A Key to Prevention

Having a basic understanding of toenail anatomy can help you better care for your nails and recognize early signs of potential problems. This knowledge is crucial in preventing and addressing ingrown toenails effectively.

Key Components of Toenail Anatomy

1. Nail plate: The visible part of the nail
2. Nail bed: The skin beneath the nail plate
3. Nail matrix: The area where new nail cells are produced
4. Cuticle: The protective seal between the nail and surrounding skin
5. Lunula: The white, half-moon shape at the base of the nail

Why is understanding toenail anatomy important for preventing ingrown toenails? Knowing how nails grow and their structure can help you trim them properly and recognize early signs of potential problems, allowing for timely intervention.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Ingrown Toenails

While often considered a minor ailment, chronic or recurrent ingrown toenails can have a significant psychological impact on individuals. The pain, discomfort, and limitations imposed by this condition can affect various aspects of a person’s life.

Psychological Aspects of Living with Ingrown Toenails

• Reduced quality of life due to pain and mobility issues
• Social anxiety related to foot appearance or odor
• Frustration with recurring symptoms
• Depression stemming from chronic pain
• Body image concerns

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of chronic ingrown toenails? Seeking support from healthcare professionals, joining support groups, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can help manage the emotional aspects of living with this condition.

Innovations in Ingrown Toenail Treatment: Looking to the Future

As medical science advances, new treatments and technologies are being developed to address ingrown toenails more effectively. These innovations offer hope for improved outcomes and reduced recurrence rates.

Emerging Treatments and Technologies

1. Laser therapy for precise nail treatment
2. Advanced surgical techniques with faster recovery times
3. Bioengineered nail replacement options
4. Smart sensors for early detection of nail problems
5. Personalized treatment plans based on genetic factors

When might these innovative treatments become widely available? While some of these treatments are already in use in specialized clinics, others are still in the research and development phase. It’s important to stay informed about new options as they become available.

In conclusion, ingrown toenails, while common, can significantly impact one’s quality of life. By understanding the causes, implementing effective home remedies, and adopting preventive measures, you can manage this condition effectively. Remember, while many cases can be treated at home, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional medical attention. With proper care and attention, you can keep your toes healthy and pain-free, allowing you to put your best foot forward in all aspects of life.

6 Options to Relieve Ingrown Toenail Pain at Home

Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether you’re hoping to hit the gym or slip into your favorite pair of heels, the pain associated with ingrown toenails can get in the way of your plans. While many people with ingrown toenails only experience minor pain and inconvenience, others develop serious complications such as infection (which can even turn into life-threatening bone infections). As such, it’s worth addressing ingrown toenails as soon as they arise to avoid making your symptoms worse. 

If you or someone you know have got an ingrown toenail, don’t panic. The simplest way to resolve your issue is to give us a visit. If you’re short on time and your symptoms are relatively mild, however, it’s possible to treat your ingrown toenails at home, or at least lessen the likelihood of infection until you can come in. To help aid your recovery, we’ve put together a handy list of home remedies for you to try.   

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail curve around the edge of a toe and dig into the surrounding skin. As the toenail grows, it will cut deeper into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. While it’s not always easy to determine the precise cause behind an ingrown toenail, common culprits include:

• Toenail trauma.
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the tip of the toe.
• Cutting your toenails in a round shape instead of straight across.
• Trimming your toenails too short.
• Failing to keep your toes clean and dry.
• Being genetically predisposed to curved toenails.

Most ingrown toenails affect the big toe, although this isn’t always the case.

Remedies to relieve ingrown toenail pain at home

The following treatments are quick, simple, and will help relieve your pain. It is worth noting, however, that some treatments may be more effective than others, so you may wish to experiment with these options to boost your chances of recovery. 

1. Soak Your Toe in Warm, Soapy Water

Soaking your foot could help reduce swelling in your toe and provide much-needed pain relief. It’s also a great remedy to try if you need a quick, cost-effective solution. For best results, we recommend soaking your foot for around 20 minutes at a time, around three times a day. Why not use it as an excuse to sit down and unwind with a gripping book or your favorite beverage?

2. Soak the Toe in Apple Cider Vinegar

While soaking your toe in soapy water represents an easy option, it’s less effective than other measures. If you’re looking to soak your toe in something more powerful, apple cider vinegar could represent a better option. Known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities, many sufferers of ingrown toenails swear by this common kitchen ingredient. To prepare your solution, mix a large bowl of warm water with a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar. Then, soak the foot for up to twenty minutes once per day. Remember to rinse and dry your foot thoroughly after soaking to prevent further infection and nasty odors!

3. Soak Your Toe in an Epsom Salt Solution

Epsom salts represent a common and often effective solution for mild cases of ingrown toenails. Epsom sales are widely available at reasonable prices in drug stores and grocery stores. Once you’ve got your hands on some salts, add a pinch of the salt to a bowl of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. Feel free to repeat this step a few times a day and massage the affected area to reduce painful inflammation. 

4. Cleanse your Toe with Hydrogen Peroxide

Commonly used to treat a range of wounds, hydrogen peroxide is a widely touted remedy for ingrown toenails that could help prevent infection. Start by creating a solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide, ensuring it includes at least 3% hydrogen peroxide. Then, soak the foot for around 20 minutes up to three times per day. 

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes that Fit

One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat and prevent ingrown toenails is to invest in well-fitting shoes. Make sure that the shoes you wear have plenty of wiggle room and don’t rub against your toes while you walk. If you’re desperate to wear a pair of heels for a fancy occasion, try to limit the time you spend walking in the shoes and consider investing in toe protectors.

6. Apply Antibiotic Ointments 

Applying antibiotic ointments such as Bactroban or Tricin to ingrown toenails can help to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. Make sure to follow any instructions provided with the ointment and apply a bandage following application. 

How NOT to Relieve Ingrown Toenail Pain at Home

Some people are tempted to try drastic ingrown toenail treatments to relieve their pain. While tempting, these treatments can make your problem worse. As such, we strongly recommend avoiding:

• “Bathroom surgery”: While you may think you can treat your inflamed skin with sharp objects and cotton balls, attempting any kind of surgical procedure could trigger a serious infection. Only trained professionals should go anywhere near your toenails with surgical instruments.
• Using prescription medicines, including topical antibiotics: You should only ever use prescription medications with guidance from a doctor. Failure to do so could lead to problems such as allergic reactions. 

Struggling to Treat Your Ingrown Toenails? We’re Here to Help!

If your ingrown toenail is very painful or shows signs of infection such as pus or discharge, it’s time to make an appointment with our podiatrists. The good news is that our podiatrists are trained to treat ingrown toenails as quickly and painlessly as possible. To make an appointment, please reach out at (972) 690-5374 or fill out our simple contact form. One of our friendly team members will be in touch, and we’ll get you back on your feet pain-free in no time!

10 Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling. Home remedies and medical treatments can help relieve symptoms and prevent future infections.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, especially for people who wear shoes that are too tight or don’t allow their feet to breathe.

Around 20 percent of people experience an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include pain and swelling of the toe. Sometimes, the nail may become infected.

There are many treatments for ingrown toenails, ranging from home remedies to surgery. In most cases, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. However, if the nail is infected or causing severe pain, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of your toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This may cause pain, redness, and swelling. The condition is very common in both men and women. Your big toe is most likely to be affected.

Common causes of ingrown toenails are:

• toenail trauma, such as stubbing your toe
• wearing shoes that are too tight
• cutting toenails too short
• cutting toenails at an angle
• poor foot hygiene
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• certain medications, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

To prevent infection, it’s important to treat ingrown toenails as soon as they occur. Mild cases may require minor treatment with home remedies. Serious cases may need surgical intervention.

The following treatments can help relieve pain and promote the healing of an ingrown toenail.

Soaking the affected foot may help reduce swelling and ease the pain. You can soak your foot in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time. Castile soap is a good option. Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.

Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for almost everything these days, including ingrown toenails. It’s believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities, although scientific evidence is limited.

To try this remedy, prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily. Dry your foot thoroughly after soaking.

Some experts recommend tucking small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of an ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing cotton under your nail may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application may help reduce this risk.

Using over-the-counter antiseptic ointment or cream can promote healing and help reduce the risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the affected toenail following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually up to three times daily.

These ointments can include:

• neomycin (Neosporin)
• bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)
• mupirocin (Bactroban)

Be sure to bandage the toenail after application.

Shoes and socks that are too tight can crowd your toes. Improper footwear is a leading cause of ingrown toenails. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from developing or worsening, wear shoes and socks or hosiery that fit but still leave ample space in the toe bed. During the healing process, avoid shoes or wear sandals as much as possible to limit pressure on your toenails.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve ingrown toenail pain. Side effects are unusual unless you take more than the daily recommended amount of 2 325 milligram (mg) tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours and don’t take it with alcohol.

If swelling is present, ibuprofen (Advil) may be a better option because it relieves both pain and swelling. Some common side effects of ibuprofen include abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Take all over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor.

A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. Some brands of toe protectors, such as Dr. Scholl’s, come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails for easy trimming. Use the treatment as directed until the ingrown toenail is gone.

Toe braces are thin composite devices that hold the toe in place and shield the skin from as a new nail grows back. They help treat and prevent ingrown toenails. You can find toe braces online and in some pharmacies.

Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for a severe ingrown toenail infection that doesn’t respond to other remedies and treatments. Oral antibiotics help reduce pain and swelling while also fighting infection.

Some signs of infection may include:

• increased redness
• throbbing pain
• increased swelling
• pus
• warmth in the affected toe and its surrounding area
• foul odor

Some antibiotics used to treat infected ingrown toenails are ampicillin (Omnipen), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag), and vancomycin (Vancocin).

If an ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home remedies, partial or full removal of the nail may be necessary. Using a local anesthetic, a doctor may remove part of the nail’s border, the underlying nail bed, or part of the middle growth plate.

In severe, recurring cases, the doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail. This is the last resort and a potentially painful solution that may increase your risk of infection. It also increases the risk of a misshapen toenail as it grows back.

Minor foot problems like ingrown toenails may cause serious complications in some people. See the doctor if you have an ingrown toenail and you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, or you have a compromised immune system.

You should also see a doctor if:

• pain and swelling are severe
• home remedies don’t improve the condition
• you have an allergic skin reaction to a home remedy
• you have questions about how to care for an ingrown toenail

Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious. They should improve within a week or so without causing permanent damage with the proper home care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause severe pain and infection that could spread to deeper layers of skin.

It’s common for ingrown toenails to recur, especially if you don’t take steps to prevent them.

Prevention tips

• Move around carefully to avoid toenail trauma.
• Trim your toenails straight across, no shorter than the tip of your toe.
• If your job increases your risk of toenail injury, wear protective footgear.

Was this helpful?

Ingrown toenails can be painful, but they’re usually easy to treat at home. Wearing proper-fitting shoes, trimming your nails straight across, and soaking your feet can help prevent ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails usually heal without causing permanent damage. But, sometimes, they can lead to serious complications. See your doctor if you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk for complications, such as diabetes.

Ingrown toenail treatment at home

If at an early stage an ingrown nail is often seen only by a podologist, then in the future the problem is already obvious – swelling, redness, bruising, aching pain when walking appears. The nail roller noticeably thickens. Urgent medical attention is required.

Causes

The main causes of the disease:

• use of uncomfortable shoes that squeeze the toes and prevent normal growth of the nail plates;
• tight socks made of synthetic fabrics;
• errors in the work of a pedicure master or an inaccurately trimmed nail;
• plate deformation;
• fungal infection of the plate;
• impaired circulation;
• finger injury;
• genetic inheritance;
• physiological features.

The most vulnerable place for the appearance of an ingrown toenail is the big toes.

Main stages of development of onychrocryptosis

The disease proceeds in several stages:

1. When walking in tight shoes or when squeezing a toe, discomfort and pain occur. Pronounced inflammatory effect at the first stage.
2. Swelling and slight reddening of the skin folds appear in the affected area. The pain when squeezed becomes acute, the tissues begin to become inflamed.
3. The damaged area becomes very inflamed, pus begins to flow. Side bolsters in deep red. Temperature rise is possible. Severe pain becomes constant.
4. The skin on the damaged area thickens, the deformation of the nail fold begins. The pain becomes acute, the inability to walk in shoes.

With onychrocryptosis, treatment is required, it is best to contact a podology center or a beauty center where a podiatrist works.

At the first stage, the treatment will be quick – follow the doctor’s recommendations. When the first pain sensations appear and there are suspicions of an ingrown nail, it is recommended to treat the reddened area with antiseptic preparations 2 times a day. Avoid tight shoes and thick synthetic socks. Light cotton socks and regular hygiene are important components of treatment and prevention. Antiseptic drugs will prevent the development of the inflammatory process. The nail plate will grow back, return to its original position and will not cause discomfort.

Ingrown toenail risk group

The presence of onychrocryptosis can be a serious problem for patients with diabetes. The specificity of this serious disease is a violation of tissue trophism. The damaged area quickly attaches other infections. The inflammatory process proceeds faster, with serious consequences. An ingrown toenail often causes gangrene. Onychrocryptosis in the presence of diabetes is treated exclusively by a podiatrist.

How and what to treat at home

We strongly discourage self-treatment. Treatment is the task of the podiatrist. Consider the tools and techniques that are used at home, as well as the possible consequences.

One of the most common methods of treating pathology are ointments. In the initial stages, use:

• Levomekol;
• Iichthyol ointment;
• Uroderm;
• Vishnevsky ointment;
• Ointment based on calendula.

Levomekol is evenly distributed over the surface of the bandage with a layer of small thickness. The impregnated bandage is applied to the affected area and the finger is bandaged. In advanced cases, it is recommended to inject levomekol into the affected area of ​​the skin with a syringe. For painlessness, the ointment is heated to the temperature of the human body.

When using ichthyol ointment, you must make sure that there is no allergic reaction to this drug. The remedy is applied at night. The ointment is applied to a bandage or gauze, applied to the affected area and bandaged. Additionally, the finger is wrapped in cling film. The result of the treatment comes no earlier than a week later.

The main active ingredient of Uroderm is urea, which effectively softens the skin and nail plate. The ointment is applied to the area between the skin roller and the nail plate for several days. After a few days of treatment, the deformed edge of the nail can be removed without difficulty.

Vishnevsky’s ointment is intended for disinfection of the affected area. As a result of the application, inflammation is removed and pain disappears.

Ointment based on calendula can be prepared independently. This will require melted pork fat and 50 g of finely chopped calendula flower. The fat is heated, a medicinal plant is added to it and the composition is brought to a boil. On low heat, the ointment boils for 20 minutes, after which it is cooled at room temperature. Used for dressing at night.

Therapeutic baths and compressors are an effective remedy for ingrown nails in the early stages of the disease. Well removes the inflammatory process and softens the pain of a salt bath. Hot water is drawn into a container convenient for the procedure so that it covers the foot. Add a few tablespoons of ordinary table salt, mix and lower the leg. The duration of the procedure is at least 20 minutes.

A soapy bath steams the nail plate well. The recipe is simple – a piece of soap is dissolved in hot water, the foot is immersed in the bath for 20 minutes. The steamed nail becomes soft, you can lift it, put a small piece of cotton under it and set the plate in the correct direction.

An alternative to these baths is a milk compress. It is enough to dip a bandage into boiled milk. The impregnated tissue is applied to the affected area and fixed on top with cling film. A cotton sock is worn over the top. The nail plate will soften in 3-4 hours and it will be possible to cut off the corner that grows into the tissue.

You can wash the affected area with propolis tincture. The procedure is carried out several times a day. At night, a compress with this tincture is recommended. In a few days, the inflammation is removed and the plate can be corrected. Chamomile baths soften nails well. To do this, you need to make an infusion: pour 6 tablespoons of flowers into 2 liters of boiling water and insist for 1.5-2 hours. A bath with chamomile is taken for 15 minutes.

At night, a plantain compress is also made. You will need two fresh leaves of plants: one of them is finely chopped, applied to the affected nail, and the second is wrapped with a finger. Apply a bandage and leave until the morning.

Ingrown toenail treatment: radical methods

The radical solution is surgical.

Running cases lead to the appearance of pus, poorly stopped bleeding. Self-treatment in these conditions becomes unproductive. Complications cannot be ignored, they cause general blood poisoning, gangrene, amputation of the finger.

The removal of one of the symptoms only postpones the visit to the doctor, complicates the treatment. It is not necessary to worsen the situation, a timely appeal to a specialist will allow you to do without long-term treatment.

When to contact a podiatrist

With the timely detection of pathology, the optimal course of treatment with the use of antiseptics is 4-5 days. If after this period the inflammation could not be removed, then it is necessary to contact a podiatrist. In the absence of a specialized specialist, make an appointment with a surgeon.

In the clinic, an ingrown nail is removed with specially prepared surgical instruments. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to relieve pain.

The podiatrist rarely uses radical methods of treatment. At the disposal of a specialist of this profile there are special plates and staples, with the help of which the nail plate rises and the direction of growth changes. The recovery process lasts at least 2 weeks, but pain disappears after the first visit to the doctor. In advanced conditions, plates and staples are installed for up to 2-3 months.

The use of folk methods and antiseptics only temporarily relieves symptoms and facilitates the course of the disease. Eliminating the ingrown nail, remove the source of infection, improve the quality of life. Contact podiatrists at Ola Beauty Centers.

Ingrown toenail treatment at home

Ingrown toenail – how to treat at home.

An ingrown toenail is a serious condition in which damage occurs to the skin fold surrounding the nail plate.

The main symptoms of the disease include:

– Pain when squeezing the finger. During movement, there is discomfort and aching pain on the finger;

– Redness. Around the nail there is local redness;

– Edema;

– Bleeding. In the place where the nail damages the skin of the finger, there is a slight bleeding;

– Pus. Pus appears under the nail and from the infected nail fold.

– Hypergranulation. The nail roller noticeably thickens.

Stages of ingrowth

Several main stages of nail plate ingrowth should be distinguished:

Stage 1: Pain when walking in tight shoes. Pain occurs at the moment of pressing on the area of ​​damage to the finger. At this stage, there is no pronounced inflammatory effect.

Stage 2: Appearance of local edema and redness on the lateral skin ridges. The person is in severe pain. An inflammatory process occurs on the injured finger.

Stage 3: There is a separation of pus and blood from the affected area. The side bolsters become more and more saturated red. There is severe pain and inflammation.

Stage 4: Hypergranulation of the skin. The nail roller thickens and deforms. The pain becomes more acute. The inflammatory process intensifies.

Treatment

An ingrown nail makes the patient think about what to do and whether it can be cured at home?

In the first stages, you can heal yourself. To do this, if pain occurs, redness of the skin near the nail is detected, it is recommended to treat the ingrown nail and the skin near it with antiseptic preparations a couple of times a day. Further, it is recommended to apply a special bandage to the affected area. It will protect the affected area and allow the skin to breathe freely. So you can get rid of the disease – an ingrown nail, and treatment at home allows you to timely prevent the serious consequences of this disease.

Thanks to the antiseptic treatment of the finger, infection is prevented in the local area of ​​the skin lesion. This will slow down the further development of the inflammatory process. As a result, the nail will grow back and return to its original position.

Complications

Diabetes mellitus can become a complication of this disease. In this case, the inflammation proceeds much faster, taking into account the violation of tissue trophism. The area of ​​damage to the skin remains open for a long time. In this regard, it is recommended that people who suffer from diabetes do not self-medicate. In this case, you must immediately contact medical institutions, where the appropriate specialists will provide the necessary assistance.

How to treat an ingrown toenail at home in a different way?

Other more radical treatments are available. These include self-cutting the affected area of ​​the nail. This is a rather dangerous procedure, which in rare cases gives a positive outcome. When cutting out the edge of the nail that grows into the finger, there is only a temporary relief of pain. As a rule, another angle remains, which is located closer to the cuticle. The splitting of the nail into several separate parts at once can occur. This leads to the simultaneous occurrence of a number of foci of inflammation. As a result, the nail grows back and everything also begins to penetrate the soft tissues. The inflammation becomes chronic. At this stage, a person develops hypergranulation, which is expressed by the fact that the skin is layered around the ingrown part of the nail.

With the appearance of purulent discharge and bleeding, home treatment becomes less productive. Most patients in the presence of such manifestations ignore this problem for a long time. This leads to complications, including amputation of the injured finger or general blood poisoning.

It can be argued that home treatment of an ingrown toenail by simply cutting off the nail is only symptomatic relief, not a cure for the problem. In the long term, this type of treatment leads to a worsening of the situation.

When to contact specialists?

If during the first four days of treatment at home with an antiseptic did not bring the desired effect and the inflammatory process only intensified, it is recommended to seek help from a surgeon or a podiatrist.