How can you ease the pain of an ingrown toenail at home. What are the most effective remedies for ingrown toenail discomfort. Which home treatments provide quick relief for painful ingrown toenails. Why is proper foot care essential for preventing ingrown toenails. When should you seek professional medical help for an ingrown toenail.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Symptoms

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail curve and 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. But what causes ingrown toenails?

• Improper toenail trimming techniques
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes
• Toenail trauma
• Genetic predisposition to curved nails
• Poor foot hygiene

While ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, they can occur on any toe. Recognizing the early signs of an ingrown toenail is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.

Warm Water Soaks: A Simple Yet Effective Solution

One of the simplest and most accessible remedies for ingrown toenail pain is soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water. This method can help reduce swelling and provide much-needed relief. But how often should you soak your foot?

For optimal results, soak your foot for approximately 20 minutes, three times a day. This simple routine not only aids in pain relief but also softens the nail and surrounding skin, making it easier to manage the ingrown toenail. Consider this treatment as an opportunity to relax and practice self-care.

Enhancing Your Foot Soak: Apple Cider Vinegar

While warm water soaks are beneficial, adding apple cider vinegar can enhance the effectiveness of your foot soak. Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a popular choice among those suffering from ingrown toenails.

To prepare an apple cider vinegar soak, mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a large bowl of warm water. Soak your foot for up to 20 minutes once daily. Remember to thoroughly rinse and dry your foot afterward to prevent further complications and unpleasant odors.

The Power of Epsom Salt: Nature’s Pain Reliever

Epsom salt, a common household item, can be a powerful ally in treating mild cases of ingrown toenails. Its natural properties can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. How can you use Epsom salt effectively for ingrown toenail relief?

Add a generous pinch of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water and soak your affected foot for 20 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day for better results. For added benefit, gently massage the affected area during or after the soak to further reduce painful inflammation.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Potent Infection Fighter

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used for wound treatment and can be an effective remedy for ingrown toenails, particularly in preventing infection. How should you use hydrogen peroxide for ingrown toenail care?

Create a solution of warm water and at least 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak your foot in this mixture for about 20 minutes, up to three times daily. This treatment not only helps prevent infection but can also aid in softening the nail, making it easier to manage.

The Importance of Proper Footwear in Ingrown Toenail Prevention

One of the most effective ways to both treat and prevent ingrown toenails is by wearing appropriate footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate existing ingrown toenails and contribute to the development of new ones. What should you look for in shoes to prevent ingrown toenails?

• Ample toe room
• Proper fit that doesn’t rub against toes
• Breathable materials
• Supportive soles

If you must wear heels or tight shoes for a special occasion, limit the duration and consider using toe protectors. Remember, your foot health should always be a priority over fashion.

Antibiotic Ointments: A Barrier Against Infection

Applying antibiotic ointments can be an effective way to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing in ingrown toenails. Products like Bactroban or Tricin are commonly recommended for this purpose. How should you apply antibiotic ointments for ingrown toenail care?

1. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly
2. Apply a small amount of the ointment as directed
3. Cover the area with a clean bandage
4. Repeat the process as recommended by the product instructions

It’s important to follow the instructions provided with the ointment carefully to ensure maximum effectiveness and avoid any potential side effects.

What Not to Do: Avoiding Harmful Home Remedies

While it can be tempting to try drastic measures to relieve ingrown toenail pain, some home remedies can actually worsen the condition. Which treatments should you avoid?

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

These methods can lead to further pain, infection, and complications. Always opt for safe, medically-approved treatments and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about a particular remedy.

When to Seek Professional Help for Ingrown Toenails

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. When should you consult a doctor for your ingrown toenail?

• If you have diabetes or poor circulation
• When there are signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or fever)
• If the pain is severe or persists despite home treatment
• When the ingrown toenail is a recurring problem

A healthcare professional can provide more advanced treatments, including partial or complete nail removal in severe cases, ensuring proper healing and preventing future complications.

The Role of Podiatrists in Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Podiatrists are specialists in foot care and can offer expert treatment for ingrown toenails. They can provide a range of services, from conservative treatments to minor surgical procedures. How can a podiatrist help with your ingrown toenail?

• Professional assessment of the condition
• Sterile removal of ingrown portion of the nail
• Prescription of appropriate antibiotics if infection is present
• Guidance on proper foot care and nail trimming techniques
• Treatment of underlying foot conditions that may contribute to ingrown toenails

Consulting a podiatrist can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic ingrown toenails or those at higher risk of complications.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails: Long-term Foot Care Strategies

While treating existing ingrown toenails is important, preventing future occurrences is equally crucial. What steps can you take to reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails?

1. Trim toenails straight across, not curved
2. Avoid cutting nails too short
3. Wear properly fitting shoes
4. Keep feet clean and dry
5. Protect feet from injury
6. Manage underlying health conditions that affect circulation

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing painful ingrown toenails in the future.

The Impact of Nutrition on Nail Health

While often overlooked, nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nails and preventing conditions like ingrown toenails. Which nutrients are essential for strong, healthy nails?

• Biotin (Vitamin B7)
• Protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Zinc
• Vitamin C

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet through foods like eggs, nuts, fish, and citrus fruits can contribute to overall nail health and resilience.

Understanding the Risks: Complications of Untreated Ingrown Toenails

While ingrown toenails may seem like a minor inconvenience, leaving them untreated can lead to more serious complications. What are the potential risks of neglecting an ingrown toenail?

• Severe infection
• Cellulitis (skin infection)
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

In extreme cases, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or poor circulation, untreated ingrown toenails can even lead to the need for amputation. This underscores the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment.

The Role of Genetics in Ingrown Toenails

While many factors contributing to ingrown toenails are environmental or behavioral, there’s also a genetic component to consider. How does genetics influence your likelihood of developing ingrown toenails?

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having curved or fan-shaped toenails, which are more prone to becoming ingrown. If you have a family history of ingrown toenails, you may need to be more vigilant about foot care and prevention strategies.

Alternative Therapies for Ingrown Toenail Relief

In addition to traditional home remedies and medical treatments, some individuals find relief from ingrown toenails through alternative therapies. Which alternative approaches might be worth considering?

• Acupuncture
• Essential oil treatments (tea tree oil, lavender oil)
• Herbal compresses
• Reflexology

While scientific evidence for these methods may be limited, some people report significant relief from pain and inflammation. As with any treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying alternative therapies, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medications.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Ingrown Toenails

While the physical discomfort of ingrown toenails is well-documented, the psychological impact of chronic nail problems is often overlooked. How can recurring ingrown toenails affect mental health and quality of life?

• Decreased self-esteem due to appearance concerns
• Anxiety about pain or potential complications
• Depression related to limited mobility or activity restrictions
• Social isolation due to embarrassment or discomfort

Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic ingrown toenails is crucial for comprehensive care and overall well-being.

Innovations in Ingrown Toenail Treatment: Looking to the Future

As medical technology advances, new treatments for ingrown toenails are being developed and refined. What innovative approaches are on the horizon for managing this common condition?

• Laser treatments for precision nail removal
• Advanced topical medications for pain relief and infection prevention
• Customized orthotic devices to reshape nail growth
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques with faster recovery times

While many of these treatments are still in development or early stages of implementation, they offer hope for more effective and less invasive management of ingrown toenails in the future.

The Role of Footwear Technology in Prevention

Advancements in footwear technology are also playing a role in preventing ingrown toenails. How are shoe manufacturers addressing this issue?

• 3D-printed custom shoes for perfect fit
• Smart materials that adapt to foot shape and movement
• Designs that promote proper toe alignment
• Breathable fabrics to reduce moisture and bacterial growth

As these technologies become more accessible, they may offer new avenues for preventing ingrown toenails and promoting overall foot health.

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.