How can you treat an ingrown toenail at home. What are the most effective remedies for ingrown toenail pain. When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail. Which preventive measures can help avoid ingrown toenails in the future.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Symptoms

Ingrown toenails are a common foot ailment affecting 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, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

What causes ingrown toenails? Several factors contribute to their development:

• Toenail trauma (e.g., stubbing your toe)
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes
• Improper toenail trimming techniques
• Poor foot hygiene
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Certain medications, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

How can you identify an ingrown toenail? The primary symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
• Redness and swelling of the affected area
• Possible infection if left untreated

Soothing Soaks: A Natural Remedy for Ingrown Toenail Relief

One of the most effective home remedies for ingrown toenails is a warm foot soak. This simple treatment can help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing.

Warm Water and Epsom Salt Soak

How do you prepare an effective foot soak for ingrown toenails? Follow these steps:

1. Fill a basin with warm water
2. Add a handful of Epsom salts
3. Soak the affected foot for 15-20 minutes
4. Gently dry the foot thoroughly after soaking

Repeat this process 2-3 times daily for optimal results. The warm water helps soften the skin and nail, while Epsom salts provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Apple cider vinegar is often touted as a natural remedy for various ailments, including ingrown toenails. While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief using this method.

To try an apple cider vinegar soak:

1. Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water in a basin
2. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily
3. Dry the foot thoroughly after soaking

The potential antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar may help reduce pain and prevent infection.

Topical Treatments: Over-the-Counter Solutions for Ingrown Toenails

Applying over-the-counter antiseptic ointments or creams can be an effective way to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection in ingrown toenails.

Recommended Topical Treatments

Which topical treatments are most effective for ingrown toenails? Consider the following options:

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

Apply these ointments to the affected area up to three times daily, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Always cover the treated toenail with a bandage after application to protect it and maintain the ointment’s effectiveness.

Pain Management: Over-the-Counter Medications for Ingrown Toenail Discomfort

Managing pain is crucial when dealing with ingrown toenails. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide significant relief while the nail heals.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever for ingrown toenail discomfort. How should you use it safely?

• Take 1-2 325mg tablets every 4-6 hours as needed
• Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking acetaminophen

Ibuprofen (Advil)

Ibuprofen can be particularly beneficial if swelling is present, as it addresses both pain and inflammation. When using ibuprofen:

• Follow the recommended dosage on the package
• Be aware of potential side effects such as stomach upset or abdominal pain
• Avoid long-term use without consulting a healthcare professional

Protective Measures: Toe Protectors and Braces for Ingrown Toenails

Using protective devices can provide relief and promote proper nail growth for those suffering from ingrown toenails.

Toe Protectors

Toe protectors offer a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails, reducing pressure and friction on the affected area. They come in various forms:

• Rings that fit around the affected toe
• Full toe covers
• Medicated options (e.g., Dr. Scholl’s) that help soften nails for easier trimming

Toe Braces

Toe braces are thin composite devices designed to hold the toe in place and protect the skin as the nail grows back. How do toe braces work?

• They gently lift and separate the nail from the skin
• They promote proper nail growth direction
• They can be used for both treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails

Toe braces are available online and in some pharmacies, offering a non-invasive solution for many sufferers.

Proper Footwear: The Role of Shoes in Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial in both preventing and managing ingrown toenails. Ill-fitting shoes are a leading cause of this condition, making proper shoe selection essential for foot health.

Choosing the Right Shoes

What should you look for when selecting shoes to prevent ingrown toenails?

• Adequate toe box width to prevent crowding
• Proper length to avoid pressure on toenails
• Breathable materials to reduce moisture buildup
• Good arch support for overall foot health

Footwear During Healing

While recovering from an ingrown toenail, it’s important to minimize pressure on the affected area. Consider the following tips:

• Wear open-toed sandals when possible
• Choose shoes with a soft, flexible upper material
• Use silicone toe protectors inside shoes for added cushioning
• Avoid high heels and tight-fitting shoes until the nail has healed

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Severe Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

While many ingrown toenails can be treated at home, some cases require professional medical attention. Recognizing the signs of a severe ingrown toenail is crucial for proper treatment and to prevent complications.

Signs of Infection

How can you tell if an ingrown toenail has become infected? Look out for these symptoms:

• Increased pain and swelling
• Redness spreading beyond the immediate nail area
• Warmth or heat emanating from the affected toe
• Pus or discharge from the nail edge
• Fever or chills

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms of infection as mentioned above
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• No improvement after a week of home treatment
• Recurring ingrown toenails
• Underlying health conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation

A healthcare professional may prescribe oral antibiotics for severe infections or recommend surgical intervention for persistent cases.

Prevention Strategies: Long-Term Approaches to Avoid Ingrown Toenails

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

Proper Nail Trimming Techniques

How should you trim your toenails to prevent ingrown nails?

• Cut nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges
• Keep nails at a moderate length, neither too short nor too long
• Use clean, sharp nail clippers or scissors
• Trim nails when they’re dry, not after bathing

Foot Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good foot hygiene is essential in preventing ingrown toenails. Follow these tips:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water
• Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes
• Change socks daily, or more often if feet tend to sweat
• Use antifungal powder if prone to excessive sweating

Lifestyle Adjustments

What lifestyle changes can help prevent ingrown toenails?

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on feet
• Avoid activities that repeatedly impact toenails, or use protective gear
• Manage underlying health conditions that affect circulation
• Stay hydrated to promote overall nail health

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful ingrown toenails and maintain overall foot health.

Ingrown toenails, while common, can be effectively managed and prevented with proper care and attention. From soothing soaks and topical treatments to protective devices and lifestyle adjustments, there are numerous strategies available to address this condition. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing preventive measures, you can keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Remember, while many cases can be treated at home, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen. With the right approach, you can step confidently towards better foot health and comfort.

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.