Ingrown Toenails

INGROWN TOENAILS

Ingrown toenails. The problem known as an ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of your toenail pushes down into your skin. It can affect any toe, but it commonly affects your big toe. People frequently get the condition when they cut their toenails by rounding (tapering) the nail’s corner.

INGROWN TOENAILS

If your toenail grows into your skin, it may bend with the form of your toe. Healthy people often don’t have any health risks from ingrown toenails, which are frequent. Onychocryptosis, another name for an ingrown toenail, is a foot condition  in which the nail grows into the surrounding skin, resulting in pain, redness, and perhaps infection. It frequently affects the big toe and is frequently brought on by wearing poorly fitted shoes or incorrect trimming.

Causes

Numerous factors can lead to ingrown toenails. They could consist of:
improperly clipped toenails. A toenail that is overly short or rounded could grow into your skin.
incorrectly fitted footwear.
tearing your nail’s corner.
Toe trauma includes things like getting stepped on or hitting your toe.
Your toe shape. For example, if the tissue around your nail border grows naturally around your nail, or if your nail is larger than your toe.

Symptoms

A little ingrown toenail may feel bloated and rough. Bacteria can enter if your skin grows over the edge of your nail or if your nail grows into it. An infection could develop on the nail. Symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail can include:
pus or liquid leaking from your toe.
Pain.
darkening or redness of the region.
Swelling.
feeling hot or heated on the toe.

Treatment

Treatment for ingrown toenails at home involves a few easy steps. The infection can be controlled and more ingrown toenail pain can be avoided by doing these actions.
Soak your foot twice a day in soapy, sudsy water or warm water with Epsom salts.
Keep your foot dry for the remainder of the day.
Gently raise your nail’s edge. A tiny piece of cotton should be positioned between your skin and the nail. Dental floss is another option for treating an ingrown toenail. Every day, replace the floss or cotton. This will assist your nail in growing beyond the skin’s edge.
Put on a bandage and apply an antibiotic cream.
Put on sandals or wide-toed shoes.
If necessary, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as pain relievers.

Prevention

To avoid an ingrown toenail, follow these steps:
Before you cut your nails, soak them in warm water. Or trim your nails following a wash or shower.
Before using your nail trimmer, clean it.
Avoid ripping or tearing your nails.
Cut the tops of your toenails short. Avoid taking shortcuts.
Put on shoes that fit properly. They shouldn’t fit your toes too tightly or too loosely.
Do not repeatedly injure the sides of your nails.
Observe all foot care advice given by your healthcare practitioner if you have diabetes. Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance.

Summary

Despite being uncomfortable and unpleasant, an ingrown toenail is easily treated. In many cases, soaking your nail will alleviate discomfort in a matter of days. If it doesn’t improve, consult your physician. They’ll demonstrate how to care for an ingrown toenail. Cut your nails straight across, not tapering them to the curve of your toe, and wear shoes with plenty of room to avoid this issue.