What are the most effective remedies for ingrown toenails. How can you prevent ingrown toenails from recurring. What are the symptoms and causes of ingrown toenails. When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and potential complications. While this condition can affect any toe, it most commonly impacts the big toe. Understanding the underlying causes and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for effective management and prevention.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Improper nail trimming techniques
• Ill-fitting footwear
• Trauma or injury to the toe
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain foot deformities

Are certain individuals more prone to developing ingrown toenails? Indeed, people with naturally curved nails, those who frequently engage in activities that put pressure on the toes (like running or dancing), and individuals with diabetes or poor circulation may be at higher risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Identifying an ingrown toenail early can help prevent complications and facilitate quicker treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Warmth in the toe
• Possible pus formation if infected

Does the severity of symptoms indicate the need for medical attention? While mild cases can often be managed at home, persistent pain, signs of infection, or recurrent issues warrant a visit to a healthcare professional.

Home Remedies: Effective Solutions for Mild Ingrown Toenails

For many individuals, mild cases of ingrown toenails can be effectively treated at home. These remedies aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote proper nail growth.

1. Warm Water Soaks

Soaking the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day, can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Adding Epsom salt to the water may enhance the soothing effect.

2. Proper Nail Trimming Techniques

Cutting toenails straight across and avoiding rounding the edges can prevent the nail from growing into the skin. Ensure nails are not cut too short, as this can encourage inward growth.

3. Cotton Wedging

Gently placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the ingrown edge can help guide the nail to grow over the skin instead of into it. Replace the cotton daily and keep the area clean.

4. Comfortable Footwear

Wearing shoes that provide ample room for the toes can reduce pressure on the affected nail. Open-toe shoes or sandals may be particularly beneficial during the healing process.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with ingrown toenails.

Can these home remedies completely resolve an ingrown toenail? While they are often effective for mild cases, persistent or severe ingrown toenails may require professional medical intervention.

Medical Treatments: When Professional Care is Necessary

In cases where home remedies prove insufficient or when complications arise, seeking medical treatment is crucial. Healthcare professionals can offer more advanced solutions to address ingrown toenails effectively.

Partial Nail Avulsion

This procedure involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia. It provides immediate relief and allows the nail to regrow properly.

Chemical Matricectomy

Following partial nail removal, a chemical solution may be applied to prevent regrowth of the problematic nail section. This treatment is particularly useful for recurrent cases.

Antibiotics

If an infection is present, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial growth and prevent further complications.

Is professional treatment always necessary for ingrown toenails? While many cases can be managed at home, severe pain, signs of infection, or recurrent issues should prompt a medical consultation to prevent potential complications.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Ingrown Toenails at Bay

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier and less painful than treating them. By adopting proper foot care habits and making informed choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition.

Proper Nail Care

• Trim nails straight across, avoiding curved edges
• Use appropriate nail clippers or scissors designed for toenails
• Avoid cutting nails too short

Footwear Choices

Selecting shoes that fit well and provide adequate space for your toes is crucial. Consider these tips:

• Choose shoes with a wide toe box
• Avoid high heels and tight-fitting shoes
• Opt for breathable materials to reduce moisture

Foot Hygiene

Maintaining good foot hygiene can prevent many foot-related issues, including ingrown toenails:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water
• Keep feet dry, especially between toes
• Change socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat

Can lifestyle changes significantly reduce the risk of ingrown toenails? Absolutely. By implementing these preventive measures, you can greatly decrease your chances of developing ingrown toenails and promote overall foot health.

Special Considerations: Managing Ingrown Toenails in High-Risk Groups

Certain populations may be at higher risk for complications from ingrown toenails or may require specialized care. Understanding these unique considerations is essential for effective management and prevention.

Diabetic Foot Care

Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for foot complications, including ingrown toenails. Special care is necessary:

• Regular foot inspections to detect early signs of problems
• Prompt treatment of any foot injuries or infections
• Professional nail care by a podiatrist

Pregnancy and Ingrown Toenails

Pregnant women may experience changes in foot size and shape, potentially increasing the risk of ingrown toenails. Considerations include:

• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes that accommodate foot swelling
• Avoiding certain treatments that may not be safe during pregnancy
• Consulting with a healthcare provider for safe management options

Athletes and Active Individuals

Those who engage in high-impact activities or wear tight athletic shoes may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Preventive measures include:

• Choosing properly fitted athletic shoes
• Using moisture-wicking socks
• Regular foot care and inspection after activities

Should individuals in high-risk groups take extra precautions against ingrown toenails? Absolutely. Proactive care and regular consultations with healthcare professionals can help prevent complications and ensure optimal foot health.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many cases of ingrown toenails can be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional medical care. Recognizing these signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

Signs of Infection

Infection is a serious concern with ingrown toenails. Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Increased redness, warmth, or swelling extending beyond the toe
• Pus or discharge from the affected area
• Fever or chills

Persistent or Worsening Pain

If pain continues to increase or becomes severe despite home remedies, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. This may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Recurrent Ingrown Toenails

Frequent occurrences of ingrown toenails may suggest the need for more advanced treatment options or underlying foot conditions that require professional assessment.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Individuals with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or other conditions affecting circulation should seek prompt medical care for any foot-related issues, including ingrown toenails.

Is it better to err on the side of caution when it comes to foot health? Indeed, when in doubt about the severity of an ingrown toenail or if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is always the safest course of action.

Advanced Treatment Options: Surgical Interventions for Severe Cases

In some instances, conservative treatments may not suffice, and surgical intervention becomes necessary. Understanding these advanced options can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Wedge Resection

This procedure involves removing a small wedge of tissue from the side of the nail fold. It’s often performed for recurrent ingrown toenails and helps prevent the nail from growing into the skin.

Total Nail Avulsion

In severe cases or when other treatments have failed, complete removal of the toenail may be recommended. This procedure is typically reserved for cases with significant deformity or chronic infections.

Laser Therapy

Some practitioners offer laser treatments to address ingrown toenails. This technique aims to destroy the nail matrix, preventing regrowth of the problematic nail portion.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following surgical intervention, proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and prevention of recurrence. This may include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry
• Applying prescribed topical medications
• Wearing appropriate footwear during the healing process
• Following up with the healthcare provider as recommended

Are surgical interventions always successful in preventing recurrent ingrown toenails? While surgical treatments have high success rates, proper aftercare and ongoing foot health practices are essential for long-term prevention.

Holistic Approaches: Complementary Therapies for Ingrown Toenail Management

In addition to conventional treatments, some individuals explore complementary therapies to manage ingrown toenails and promote overall foot health. While these approaches should not replace professional medical advice, they may offer additional benefits when used in conjunction with standard care.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may benefit ingrown toenail management:

• Tea tree oil: Known for its antibacterial properties
• Lavender oil: May help reduce inflammation and promote healing
• Eucalyptus oil: Potentially beneficial for pain relief and infection prevention

Always dilute essential oils properly and perform a patch test before use to avoid skin irritation.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbal preparations are traditionally used to support foot health and address ingrown toenails:

• Calendula: May promote wound healing and reduce inflammation
• Goldenseal: Known for its antimicrobial properties
• Chamomile: Can help soothe irritated skin

Foot Exercises and Massage

Regular foot exercises and self-massage may improve circulation and flexibility, potentially reducing the risk of ingrown toenails:

• Toe stretches and flexes
• Rolling a tennis ball under the foot
• Gentle massage of the toes and nail beds

Nutritional Support

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients may contribute to overall nail and skin health:

• Biotin: Supports nail strength and growth
• Vitamin E: May promote skin healing
• Zinc: Important for wound healing and immune function

Can complementary therapies replace conventional treatments for ingrown toenails? While these approaches may offer supportive benefits, they should be used in conjunction with, not in place of, evidence-based medical treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating new therapies into your care regimen.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown toenails, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and manage this common foot condition. From simple home remedies to advanced surgical interventions, a range of solutions exists to address ingrown toenails at various stages of severity. Remember, proper foot care, appropriate footwear choices, and prompt attention to early signs of trouble are key to maintaining healthy, pain-free toes. If you experience persistent issues or concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your foot health.

Ingrown Toenails | AAFP

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail digs into the skin of the toe. This happens mostly to the big toenail, but it can happen to any toenail.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

You may have redness, swelling, and pain on your toe around the edge of the nail (see drawing).

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Many things can cause ingrown toenails. One main cause is wearing shoes that do not fit well. Shoes that are too tight or too small can press the skin of your toe into your toenail. Incorrectly cutting your toenails is another main cause. Toenails that are peeled off at the edge or trimmed down at the corners are more likely to become ingrown. An injury to your toe also can cause an ingrown toenail. People who have deformed or misshaped toenails have a higher risk of ingrown toenails.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

Your doctor can examine your toe and toenail. If you have an ingrown toenail, your doctor may order treatment. Tell your doctor if you get ingrown toenails often. People who have diabetes are at risk of complications from an ingrown toenail. Also tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant because some treatments cannot be used during pregnancy.

Can an ingrown toenail be prevented or avoided?

To avoid ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across. The top of your nail should make a straight line. Do not pick at your nails or tear them at the corners. Wear shoes that fit correctly and allow plenty of room for your toes. Avoid high heels and tight-fitting shoes.

What is the treatment for ingrown toenails?

Mild ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Soak your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry your foot, then place a twist of cotton under the corner of your nail. You can wet the cotton with water or a disinfectant. This should be changed at least once a day. Try to wear open-toe shoes, such as sandals, that do not rub the toenail. This will help healing and remove chances of irritation. Contact your doctor if your ingrown toenail does not improve or gets worse, including increased pain, swelling, and drainage.

An ingrown toenail may require minor office surgery. The procedure involves removing the part of the nail that is ingrown. Before surgery, the doctor will numb your toe by injecting it with medicine. The doctor will lift your toenail along the edge that is growing into your skin. Then, the doctor will cut and pull out that piece of nail. The doctor may apply a small electrical charge or liquid solution to the exposed part of your nail bed. This is called ablation. It should keep the toenail from growing into your skin again. Not all people need ablation.

Instructions to follow after office surgery for ingrown toenail:

• Soak your foot in warm water each day.

• Keep a bandage over the site until it heals.

• Take acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand name: Motrin) as needed for pain.

• Keep the wound clean and dry; you may shower the day after surgery.

• Wear loose fitting shoes or open-toe shoes for the first two weeks.

• Avoid running or strenuous activity for the first two weeks.

• Call your doctor if the toe is not healing.

Living with an ingrown toenail?

Treatment—at home or from your doctor—helps treat symptoms and heal the toe. After the toe heals, practice good foot care to prevent future problems and to keep an ingrown toenail from coming back. If you have surgery, it may take two to four months for your toenail to grow back.

Questions for your doctor

• What is the cause of my ingrown toenail?

• What type of treatment will heal my toenail? Will I need surgery?

• What kind of shoes should I wear?

• Can you show me how to trim my nails?

• What is my risk of ingrown toenail coming back?

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.

What to do if the nail is ingrown

Likbez

Health

May 11, 2018

Incorrect treatment can lead to amputation.

An ingrown toenail is hard to miss. Pain, redness, fluid blisters, and the shape of the nail itself signal a problem.

The big toe is the most common cause of ingrown toenails. But in general, you may not be lucky with any finger.

Why nails grow in

1. Foot biomechanics. Most often, flat feet and how wrong we walk are to blame.
2. Uncomfortable shoes. If something is tight, if something is preventing the nails from growing properly, they will start looking for workarounds.
3. Constantly sweaty feet. As a rule, the matter is in poor-quality materials from which shoes, socks or tights are made.
4. Trauma. Sometimes, if you trip hard or drop something on your nail, you can disrupt the natural direction of growth.
5. Improper nail care. If you cut your nails too much and often, forget about the nail file and generally score on elementary manicure and pedicure, then the risk of getting an ingrown nail increases.
6. Fungus. With fungal diseases, the nails are generally deformed, so they can grow in.
7. Diabetes. Diabetic foot is a special term, because due to blood sugar problems, oddly enough, the legs suffer.

How dangerous is an ingrown toenail

It hurts to walk with it, it is difficult to find shoes with it, even sneakers. However, an ingrown toenail hurts even if you don’t wear shoes at all.

But this is not the worst. Since the nail constantly presses on the skin, a wound is formed into which any microbe can enter. If this happens, inflammation or suppuration will begin. Antibiotics will have to be used to clear the infection. In particularly difficult cases, an ordinary ingrown nail can lead to amputation.

How to treat an ingrown toenail

It is impossible to endure and wait for everything to pass. If the nail began to grow, it must be treated.

For starters, it would be nice to visit:

1. Orthopedist. He will tell you if you have flat feet or other conditions and will treat them.
2. Podiatrist – a specialist in diseases of the foot, who will deal directly with the ingrown toenail.

Olga Aleinikova

podologist, manicure and pedicure master

The point is that the ingrown nail captures the surrounding tissues. And they need to be separated from this nail. Surgeons remove nails, but do not work with the tissues and biomechanics of the foot.

According to Olga Aleinikova, there are ways to avoid surgery. This is tamponing (a special material that is placed between the nail and tissue), properly selected orthopedic shoes or at least insoles, braces and titanium plates.

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Nail plates

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Ingrown toenail staples

These plates and staples are somewhat similar to dental braces. The glands are glued to the top of the nail so that as they grow, they lift its sides and prevent them from growing in. How long you have to wear such plates is an individual question and depends on many factors.

If the inflammation has already begun and you need to go to a specialist, place a cotton swab with antibiotic ointment between the nail and the skin to eliminate the inflammation. You can wash the places of suppuration with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.

Do I need to cut a nail from a surgeon

When nothing helps, there is only one way – surgery. That is, the nail is cut to the place where it already lies straight. It can be very painful, after the operation you will have to wait a long time for the new nail to grow as it should, and no one can guarantee that the ingrown nail will not repeat itself. In very advanced cases, the nail is removed completely.

Therefore, it is better not to bring to a state where you need to destroy half of the nail plate, and at the first changes go to an orthopedist or podologist. At a minimum, visit a good pedicure salon where a podiatrist takes.

How to prevent an ingrown nail

In most cases, it is enough:

1. Follow the shape of the foot and correct flat feet with shoes.
2. Keep nails clean.
3. Cut them in time.
4. Leave 1-2 mm of overgrown nail when trimmed.
5. Do not cut corners of thumb nails.
6. Trim nails to their natural shape (legs usually need to be cut straight, but there are exceptions).
7. Treat fungal diseases.
8. Wear only comfortable shoes.
9. If there are signs of ingrowth, see an orthopedist or podiatrist instead of trying to solve it yourself.

Read also

• How to stop biting your nails once and for all: 8 proven methods
  

  What to do with an ingrown toenail?

  What a trifle – an ingrown toenail! Only someone who has never encountered this problem says so. And the people who live with her know how difficult it is to find beautiful and comfortable shoes, and with what hellish pain, at times, each step is given.

  If you look, then the cases when the nail plate grows into the soft tissues of the toes are not so rare. According to statistics, every tenth person comes to specialists all over the world with this pathology! Most of them are teenagers and children.

  – It should be clear to every parent that if a child complains of pain when walking, if there are redness and other signs of inflammation on his toes, then he should consult a doctor, – says the traumatologist-orthopedist of the medical clinic “Children’s Doctor” Melnik Ilya Leonidovich. – The fact is that an ingrown nail not only causes discomfort, but also threatens to attach an infection. A purulent process can develop, which can penetrate not only into soft tissues, but also into the bone. And the child’s body is not always able to cope with this situation, and the infection spreads throughout the body in a short time. It is very important to conduct competent therapy in time to avoid such serious consequences.

  Why me?

  What is the reason that an ingrown nail worries some and never occurs in others? An important role in this matter is played by hereditary predisposition, which is determined by the size and shape of the fingers, the width of the nail plate, and so on. At birth, we do not choose these parameters, and then how “lucky” anyone is. But even if nature has endowed you with excellent data, this does not mean that an ingrown nail does not threaten you. Alas, we ourselves make ridiculous mistakes, because of which we suffer later.

  – Unfortunately, many parents do not even perceive an ingrown nail as a threat, – continues Ilya Leonidovich. – Therefore, they are rather careless about the care of the nail plate, the selection of comfortable children’s shoes and the prevention of flat feet. But all these factors can provoke a problem that can actually happen to anyone! Therefore, it is better to make it a habit to follow simple rules than to suffer later with an ingrown toenail.

  It is impossible to treat with surgery…

  Aloe leaves, potassium permanganate solution, onion peel, black bread crumb …. What our people do not apply to a sore spot in the hope of getting at least the slightest relief! But all these “grandmother’s” means only contribute to the reproduction of the infection, and instead of treatment, parents get the opposite effect.

  – It is possible and even necessary to provide first aid to a child on your own, only this should be done correctly, – explains the orthopedic surgeon Melnik Ilya Leonidovich. – Heat baths with 10% saline solution relieve inflammation very well. But this does not cancel a visit to a pediatric surgeon! However, before turning to the doctor, many still try to “treat” in beauty salons, where special brackets like braces are placed on the nail plates. But this method is not suitable for children! Until the age of 14, they are actively growing, and metal brackets can only aggravate the situation, as they deform the nail. So it turns out: when a patient “reaches” us, we can only help him surgically. And in the early stages, it would be possible to do without surgery.

  Ingrown toenail prevention:

  • Maintain good hygiene. Wash your feet regularly and wear clean socks.
  • Cut your nails neatly and correctly! You need to cut the plate in a straight line, while not rounding the edges, but not leaving sharp corners on it. It is desirable that the free edge of the nail be approximately at the level of the end of the phalanx of the finger.