An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail curls down and grows into the skin around the nail. Show Any toe can be affected but it commonly occurs in the big toe. An ingrown toenail can become painful and inflamed (tender, red and swollen). Sometimes, it can become infected, which, if left untreated, can spread and infect the underlying bone. What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?If you have an ingrown toenail, the area may be:
If the area becomes infected, you may notice fluid or pus, and symptoms that get worse rather than better. An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin around the nail. It can become painful and sometimes become infected.What causes ingrown toenails?You can get an ingrown toenail if you:
Ingrown toenails become more common in older people as the nails get thicker with age. They are more likely to become infected in people who have diabetes or circulation problems. How are ingrown toenail treated?If you have diabetes, nerve damage in your leg or foot, poor blood circulation to your foot or an infection around the nail, see your doctor or podiatrist (a trained therapist who diagnoses and treats foot conditions) immediately. Otherwise, try this:
An infected toenail may be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor or podiatrist may need to drain the pus. In severe cases, part or all of nail may need to be removed. Can ingrown toenails be prevented?To help prevent an ingrown toenail:
People with diabetes or persistent foot problems should see a podiatrist regularly for routine foot checks and nail care. An ingrown toenail is annoying and often painful. Constant walking rubs the toes against socks and shoes, causing further irritation to the ingrown toenail. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and cause even more discomfort. Medically known as Onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail can occur to anyone, at any age, although it seems to be slightly more common in males than in females. It’s one of the most common problems a person can experience with their toes. If an ingrown toenail is causing you grievances, it’s time to learn the best way to remove it and be comfortable again. Natural Ingrown Toenail Treatment Remedies There are several natural remedies to treat an ingrown toenail. Many people prefer to try these options before purchasing OTC medications or scheduling an appointment with the doctor. If you’d like to try a natural, at-home ingrown toenail solution, the following are among the top solutions used: Foot Wash Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water to keep bacteria at bay. Add Epsom salt to the water to soften the skin. Soak the foot three or four times daily. Essential Oils Rubbing essential oils on the ingrown toenail is an effective way to soften and soothe the skin, minimize the pain, and hopefully draw the toenail out of the skin. Dental Floss Use dental floss under an ingrown toenail to help shift the nail into the correct growth direction. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows downward into the skin. Simply lift the edge of the nail containing the ingrown toenail and place the dental floss between it. Castile Soap Wash If you’re unable to soak your foot three or four times per day, use castile soap once per day instead. Use the soap with water to cleanse the nail bed using a soft washcloth. Cutting an Ingrown Toenail If you prefer to cut the ingrown toenail, it is best that you have someone help you or schedule an appointment with your doctor. Cutting the ingrown toenail incorrectly could make the issue worse and increase pain. If you choose to remove the toenail yourself, follow these steps for accuracy:
Treating Your Ingrown Toenail Carefully follow the instructions above if there is an ingrown toenail causing you grief. In a matter of a few short weeks, the issue should be resolved! If your ingrown toenail is advanced, removing it yourself may not be impossible. Instead, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor who may recommend a surgical treatment to remove the ingrown toenail. There are a few surgical options, including the Matrixectomy, Wedge Resection, and the Vandenbos Procedure. The doctor will determine which option is most suitable for your ingrown toenail after evaluating the specific circumstances of your case.
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How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail Is your toe tender and swollen? If the skin is red and the edge of your toenail is not visible, you could well have an ingrown toenail. As a common foot problem which causes a dull pain, ingrown nails can grow into much larger problems. |