Ingrown nails can occur in anyone and are known to be one of the most common foot complaints. They develop when the toenail grows into the nail grooves on either side of the toe, causing painful swelling, redness, and possibly some odor or drainage. The skin around the nail can also protrude more than the skin around the other nails on the same foot. So, what causes an ingrown toenail, and how do you cure an ingrown toenail?
This condition can be caused by wearing shoes that are too small which place pressure on the toes so the nail grows in incorrectly. Ingrown nails can also occur from improper nail clipping, heredity, or by repeatedly affecting the same toe during day to day activities.
How Can I Cure an Ingrown Toenail?
Since ingrown nails can occur due to improper clipping, the first step is to start trimming toe nails correctly as soon as possible. There should be about an eighth of an inch of white nail at the top of the toenail after clipping it. The corners should be more square than round.
If the nail or skin around it has already become swollen or irritated, the foot with the affected toe should be soaked in warm water up to four times a day to cure an ingrown toenail. When not soaking, the foot should be kept dry and, if shoes have to be worn, they should roomy in the toe area. People with ingrown toe nails should also consider wearing sandals if possible.
Should the nail, or skin around the nail, begin to release a discharge or odor, the corner of the nail that is most embedded can be lifted to insert waxed dental floss or cotton. This will serve to help drain and clean the affected area.
How Can I Cure an Infected Ingrown Toenail?
Infections in the foot area can be hard to treat at home because of the location of the infection and the need to wear shoes that cover it for the majority of the day. In addition, sweat and constant pressure can aggravate an existing infection by creating pain and forcing more bacteria under the infected skin. The best option for curing an infected toe nail is to see a licensed podiatrist who is able to prescribe antibiotics and remove the infected nail.
Those that suffer from ingrown nails can contact the professionals at Michigan Podiatry to set up an appointment at one of the practice’s three locations. Our professionals can help you cure an ingrown toenail and teach you how to prevent one in the future.
