Ingrown toenails are a common affliction and can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners or sides of your nail grow into the soft flesh of your toe, leading to an infection that can be extremely painful and difficult to treat. While there are many causes for these nails — from not trimming them properly, wearing too-tight shoes, or even just genetics — knowing how to take care of them is essential in providing yourself with relief. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about ingrown toenails and some tips on how you can treat them.
What are ingrown toenails?
If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you know they can be extremely painful. But what are they exactly? An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of your nail grows into the soft flesh of your toe. This can happen on one or both sides of the nail, and usually affects your big toe. Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of things, including:
-Wearing shoes that are too tight
-Cutting your nails too short
-Trauma to the nail (such as stubbing your toe)
-Ingrown toenails are more common in people with certain conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have an ingrown toenail, you may notice pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. You may also see pus or drainage. If the infection is severe, you may experience fever, chills, or nausea. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, severe cases may require surgery.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are caused when the edge of your toenail begins to grow into the soft flesh of your toe. This can happen if you trim your toenails too short, or if you wear shoes that are too tight. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by an injury to your toe. If you have diabetes, you may be more likely to develop an ingrown toenail.
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can be painful and difficult to treat. There are several things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails, including:
-Wearing shoes that fit properly and don’t put pressure on your toes
-Trimming your nails straight across and not too short
-Avoiding activities that put stress on your feet, such as running or playing sports
If you already have an ingrown toenail, there are several things you can do at home to treat it, including:
-Soaking your foot in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day
-Wearing loose, comfortable shoes and socks
-Gently pushing the edge of the nail back into place with a cotton swab or toothpick wrapped in gauze
If home treatment doesn’t work, or if the pain is severe, you may need to see a doctor. The doctor can prescribe antibiotics or remove the portion of the nail that is causing pain.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
If you have an ingrown toenail, the first thing you should do is try to reduce the swelling. You can do this by soaking your foot in warm water for 20 minutes or by applying a warm compress to the affected area. You should also avoid wearing tight shoes or socks.
If the swelling does not improve, you may need to see a doctor. They will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. In some cases, they may also recommend surgery to remove the Ingrown nail.
When should you see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the problem could become worse and you could develop an infection. Your doctor will be able to determine whether or not you have an ingrown toenail and will be able to prescribe the best course of treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the ingrown nail.
