Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Home: Safe & Easy Relief Tips
Ingrown toenails are a very common foot problem and if not treated, they can lead to pain, swelling and infection. Luckily, home treatments for ingrown toenails may help alleviate the symptoms in mild cases.
But, it is very important to know when home remedies are sufficient and when it is necessary to consult a podiatrist to maintain proper foot health.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is when the nail’s side actually grows into the skin next to it. Most of the time, the big toe is the one that gets affected by this and it can be quite painful if it is left untreated.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
There are a few different reasons why one can develop this condition.
Typically, the most frequent causes are:
- Don’t trim your nails properly
- Wear tight or poorly fitting shoes
- Have an injury to the toe
- Neglect foot hygiene
Moreover, continual pressure put on the toes can exacerbate the condition.
Symptoms That Need Attention
Early recognition of symptoms can lead to more effective home ingrown toenail treatments.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Pain around the nail edge
- Redness and swelling
- Tenderness
- Pus or other signs of infection
On the other hand, if symptoms are very bad, you’ll probably need a doctor.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Home
1. Warm Salt Water Soak
Soaking your foot in warm salt water for 15 to 20 minutes can help with swelling and pain.
2. Keep the Area Clean
Maintaining proper hygiene helps keep infections from happening and speeds up healing.
3. Wear Comfortable Footwear
Avoid wear shoes that are too tight and push on your toes. Instead, wear shoes with open or wide toes.
4. Use Cotton or Dental Floss
Placing cotton under the edge of the nail gently can help it grow in the right way.
5. Apply Antiseptic Cream
Using an antiseptic can help you heal faster and lower your risk of getting an infection.
The American Podiatric Medical Association says that taking good care of your feet is very important for avoiding problems.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you have a mild case of an ingrown toenail, you can treat it at home. But if you have a more serious case, you should see a doctor.
Pain gets worse
Infection sets in
The condition keeps coming back.
You have diabetes.
So, getting care on time can stop serious problems from happening.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Some prevention tips:
- Cut your nails straight across
- Don’t cut nails too short
- Wear shoes that fit well
- Keep your feet clean
Moreover, frequent foot care helps to prevent the problem coming back.
FAQs
With proper care, most cases recover within a few days to a week.
In fact, it is not advisable, as an incorrect cut can make the problem even more serious.
Conclusion
It may hurt when a toenail gets ingrown, but prompt treatment really helps. Handling an ingrown toenail at home works well if the case is mild, however, professional treatment may be required in case of a very bad condition.
For that reason, looking after your feet properly might be your best preventive measure against incurring such situations at a later time.
If the ingrown toenail is causing you pain or infection, get in touch with our podiatry team to arrange a visit and get treated safely and effectively.