How can you treat an ingrown toenail at home. What are the most effective medical treatments for severe cases. When should you seek professional help for an ingrown toenail. What are the best prevention methods for avoiding future ingrown toenails.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Symptoms

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that affects approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. This condition occurs when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. The big toe is most frequently affected, but other toes can also develop this issue.

Common causes of ingrown toenails include:

• Toenail trauma (e.g., stubbing your toe)
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Cutting toenails too short or at an angle
• Poor foot hygiene
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Certain medications, such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

Do ingrown toenails always require medical attention? Not necessarily. Mild cases can often be treated at home, but severe cases or those accompanied by infection may require professional intervention.

Soothing Soaks: A Simple Yet Effective Home Remedy

One of the most accessible and effective home remedies for ingrown toenails is soaking the affected foot. This method can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. To try this remedy:

1. Prepare a basin of warm, soapy water (Castile soap is a good option)
2. Soak your foot for up to 20 minutes at a time
3. Consider adding Epsom salts for additional relief

Is there an alternative to plain water soaks? Yes, some people find apple cider vinegar soaks beneficial. While scientific evidence is limited, apple cider vinegar is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. To try this method, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to warm water and soak for up to 20 minutes daily.

The Cotton Method: Controversial but Potentially Helpful

Some experts recommend using small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss to encourage proper nail growth. This method involves gently tucking the material under the edge of the ingrown toenail. However, it’s important to note that not all medical professionals agree on this approach.

Why is the cotton method controversial? The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warns that placing cotton under the nail may increase pain and create an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive. If you decide to try this method, consider soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application to reduce the risk of infection.

Topical Treatments: Promoting Healing and Preventing Infection

Over-the-counter antiseptic ointments and creams can be valuable allies in treating ingrown toenails. These products help promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Some effective options include:

• Neomycin (Neosporin)
• Bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)
• Mupirocin (Bactroban)

How should you apply these ointments? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically recommend application up to three times daily. After applying the ointment, be sure to bandage the toenail to protect it and keep the medication in place.

Footwear Choices: A Key Factor in Prevention and Treatment

The shoes and socks you wear play a crucial role in both preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Tight footwear can crowd your toes, increasing the risk of developing this condition. To promote healing and prevent future occurrences:

• Choose shoes and socks that fit well but leave ample space in the toe bed
• During the healing process, opt for open-toed shoes or sandals when possible
• Avoid tight or restrictive footwear that puts pressure on your toenails

Can proper footwear alone prevent ingrown toenails? While it’s a significant factor, it’s not the only consideration. Maintaining good foot hygiene and trimming your nails correctly are also essential preventive measures.

Pain Management: Over-the-Counter Solutions

Managing the pain associated with ingrown toenails is an important aspect of treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide significant relief. Two common options are:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

This medication can effectively relieve ingrown toenail pain. The recommended dosage is typically 2 325 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 10 tablets in 24 hours. It’s important to avoid alcohol when taking acetaminophen.

Ibuprofen (Advil)

If swelling is present along with pain, ibuprofen may be a better choice as it addresses both symptoms. However, be aware of potential side effects such as abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Are these medications safe for everyone? While generally safe when used as directed, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other drugs.

Protective Devices: Shielding Your Toe During Healing

Several protective devices can help shield your toe and promote healing during treatment for an ingrown toenail:

Toe Protectors

These devices provide a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. They come in two main forms:

• Rings that fit around the affected area
• Coverings for the entire toe

Some brands, like Dr. Scholl’s, offer toe protectors with medicated gel to soften toenails for easier trimming.

Toe Braces

These thin composite devices hold the toe in place and shield the skin as a new nail grows back. They can be effective for both treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails.

How long should you use these protective devices? Continue using them as directed until the ingrown toenail has fully healed and normal nail growth has resumed.

Medical Interventions: When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough

While home remedies are often sufficient for mild cases of ingrown toenails, more severe cases may require medical intervention. Here are some situations where professional help may be necessary:

Oral Antibiotics

For severe infections that don’t respond to other treatments, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. These medications help reduce pain and swelling while fighting the infection.

Surgical Intervention

In cases where the ingrown toenail is recurrent or causing significant pain and discomfort, surgical removal of part or all of the nail may be necessary. This procedure is typically performed by a podiatrist or foot specialist.

When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail? Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or spreading redness
• No improvement after a week of home treatment
• Recurring ingrown toenails
• Diabetes or poor circulation, which can increase the risk of complications

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Ingrown Toenails at Bay

While treating ingrown toenails is important, preventing them from occurring in the first place is even better. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

1. Trim your toenails properly: Cut straight across, not too short, and avoid rounding the corners
2. Wear well-fitting shoes: Choose footwear that gives your toes plenty of room
3. Keep your feet clean and dry: Good hygiene can prevent many foot problems
4. Protect your feet: Wear protective footwear in situations where your toes might be at risk of injury
5. Address excessive sweating: If you have hyperhidrosis, talk to your doctor about treatment options
6. Be cautious with pedicures: If you get professional pedicures, ensure the technician doesn’t cut your nails too short or round the edges

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in preventing ingrown toenails? Absolutely. Many cases of ingrown toenails are preventable with proper foot care and attention to footwear choices.

Understanding the Healing Process: What to Expect

Healing from an ingrown toenail can take time, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about the process. Here’s what you might experience:

• Initial relief: With proper treatment, pain and swelling should begin to subside within a few days
• Gradual improvement: Over the course of 1-2 weeks, you should see noticeable improvement in symptoms
• Complete healing: Full recovery can take several weeks as the nail grows out properly

Is it normal for healing to take several weeks? Yes, because the nail needs time to grow out correctly. However, if you don’t see any improvement after a week of treatment, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many ingrown toenails can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. Be alert for the following signs that indicate you should see a doctor:

• Persistent or worsening pain despite home treatment
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus
• Fever or chills, which could indicate a more serious infection
• Difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to toe pain
• Recurring ingrown toenails, which may require more aggressive treatment

Should you wait to see these symptoms before seeking help? Not necessarily. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider at the first sign of an ingrown toenail to prevent potential complications.

The Role of Proper Nail Trimming in Prevention

One of the most effective ways to prevent ingrown toenails is to trim your nails correctly. Here are some tips for proper nail trimming:

1. Cut straight across: Avoid rounding the corners of your nails
2. Use proper tools: Clean, sharp nail clippers or nail scissors are best
3. Don’t cut too short: Leave some of the white part of the nail visible
4. Trim after bathing: Nails are softer and easier to cut after a bath or shower
5. File rough edges: Use an emery board to smooth any sharp edges after trimming

How often should you trim your toenails? Generally, every 6-8 weeks is sufficient, but this can vary depending on how quickly your nails grow. The key is to maintain a length that prevents the nail from growing into the surrounding skin.

Long-Term Foot Health: Beyond Ingrown Toenails

While addressing ingrown toenails is important, it’s also crucial to consider your overall foot health. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy feet:

• Regular foot inspections: Check your feet daily for any signs of problems
• Proper hygiene: Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
• Moisturize: Keep your feet moisturized to prevent dry, cracked skin
• Rotate shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day
• Exercise your feet: Simple foot exercises can improve circulation and flexibility
• Address other foot issues promptly: Don’t ignore problems like athlete’s foot or bunions

Can good foot care habits really make a difference in preventing various foot problems? Absolutely. Many foot issues, including ingrown toenails, can be prevented or minimized with proper care and attention.

The Impact of Nutrition on Nail Health

While often overlooked, nutrition plays a significant role in nail health, including the prevention of ingrown toenails. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can contribute to stronger, healthier nails. Key nutrients for nail health include:

• Protein: Essential for nail structure
• Biotin: A B-vitamin that promotes nail strength
• Iron: Helps prevent brittle nails
• Zinc: Supports nail growth and repair
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote overall nail health

Can dietary changes alone prevent ingrown toenails? While nutrition is important, it’s just one factor. A combination of good nutrition, proper foot care, and appropriate footwear choices provides the best defense against ingrown toenails and other foot problems.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Foot Problems

Chronic foot issues, including recurrent ingrown toenails, can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and mental health. Some potential psychological effects include:

• Decreased mobility leading to social isolation
• Anxiety about appearance or odor
• Depression due to chronic pain or limited activities
• Stress from ongoing medical treatments
• Reduced self-esteem or body image issues

How can you address the psychological impact of chronic foot problems? Consider the following strategies:

1. Seek support from friends, family, or a support group
2. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
3. Consider talking to a mental health professional if you’re struggling to cope
4. Focus on activities you can do comfortably to maintain a sense of normalcy
5. Stay proactive in your foot care to prevent worsening of symptoms

Is it common to experience emotional distress due to foot problems? Yes, it’s more common than many people realize. If you’re struggling with the emotional impact of chronic foot issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Innovative Treatments on the Horizon

While current treatments for ingrown toenails are generally effective, researchers continue to explore new and innovative approaches. Some promising areas of research include:

• Laser treatments to precisely remove problematic nail portions
• Advanced topical medications to promote proper nail growth
• Biomechanical solutions to address underlying foot structure issues
• Gene therapy to target genetic predispositions to ingrown toenails

When might these new treatments become widely available? While many of these innovations are still in the research phase, some may become available in the coming years. It’s important to stay informed about new developments and discuss potential treatment options with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, ingrown toenails are a common but manageable foot problem. With proper care, attention to footwear, and timely treatment, most cases can be resolved effectively. Remember to seek professional help if you experience severe symptoms or if home remedies don’t provide relief. By prioritizing your foot health and staying informed about treatment options, you can keep your feet comfortable and healthy for years to come.

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.

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.