Ingrown toenails (ingrown toenails) can be uncomfortable and very painful. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail penetrates the soft tissue around the toe, and skin begins to grow on top of the nail instead of beneath it. Ingrown toenails are most common on large toes, but can occur on any toe. In addition to being painful, ingrown toenails can also become infected easily. If you have an infected thrush, learn how to properly treat it. This will help prevent the condition from getting worse. You can heal your toe and return to a completely healthy state with the right steps.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Caring for Ingrown Toenails
Step 1. Soak the toes
Soak the affected foot for 10-20 minutes in warm, soapy water three times a day, for 1 to 2 weeks, to reduce the pain and swelling that accompanies it.
- Epsom salt can also help relieve pain and inflammation. Fill a bucket with warm water and add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt. Dip your feet into the water, and relax in the meantime. Dry your feet thoroughly when you're done soaking.
- Foot soaks can be repeated several times a day if the pain is excessive.
- Never soak your feet in hot water. Feet should always be soaked in warm water.
Step 2. Support the tip of the nail
Doctors sometimes recommend supporting the nail a little to release the pressure on the ingrown toe. This is done by placing a small piece of cotton wool or thick dental floss under the tip of the nail. This technique helps pull the nail away from the skin so that it no longer pokes into it.
- If using a cotton swab, dip it in an antiseptic solution to help reduce the pain and prevent infection under the nail.
- If the nail becomes infected, this can also help absorb any fluid trapped under it.
- Make sure the floss is tasteless and not waxed before using it.
- Do not tuck any metal tools under your nails to try to insert cotton swabs or dental floss. This method can further injure the toes.
Step 3. Use an antibacterial ointment
Antibacterial ointments are very effective in treating infected ingrown toenails. Dry the toes completely before applying the ointment. Cover the infected area with an antibacterial cream. Apply the ointment in a thick layer over the infected part of the finger. Wrap the toe with a bandage, such as a large bandage. This prevents the nail fragments from getting into the wound and keeps the ointment in place.
Use an antibacterial ointment, such as Gentamycin
Step 4. Visit a podiatrist
Ingrown toenails should not be treated alone at home, like most infected sores. Visit a podiatrist, commonly known as a foot specialist, to get treatment for the infection. Minor surgery needs to be done if the infection and nail condition is bad enough. However, a simple operation that involves anesthetizing the nail and removing the affected area with nail clippers or regular scissors will be performed by the doctor.
You may be prescribed oral antibiotics, taken by mouth, to help prevent further infection. If you get a prescription for antibiotics, make sure to finish them all and follow up with a doctor's consultation if necessary
Part 2 of 2: Avoiding Frequent Misconceptions
Step 1. Do not trim the ingrown toenail
A common misconception when it comes to an ingrown toenail is cutting the infected nail. Contrary to popular belief, cutting nails can actually make the infection worse. It can also cause the nail to grow deeper in the future. Leave the nail uncut, and provide support to reduce pressure on it.
The toenails may need to be trimmed by a doctor later, but still shouldn't be done alone at home in a "bathroom surgery."
Step 2. Do not pierce the underside of the nail
It may be tempting to try to release the pressure or lift the nail from the skin by piercing it. Do not do this because it will exacerbate the infection and make the condition worse.
Keep your toenails away from tweezers, manicure wands, nail clippers, files, or other metal tools
Step 3. Do not try to drain the infection
There is a popular belief that you should use a needle to puncture a blister or nodule caused by an infection. This method should not be done because it will only make the infection worse. Even the use of clean equipment and sterile needles can still cause serious injury by puncturing or gouging an infected blister or wound.
Avoid touching the wound with anything except cotton buds or wound dressing materials
Step 4. Don't cut your nails in a “V” shape
According to some ancient healing methods, the nail had to be cut in a “V” shape over the infected area to relieve the pressure, resulting in healing of the nail. However, doing this will do nothing but make the edges of the nails jagged.
Step 5. Avoid coating the nails
Don't believe past health myths, such as rubbing charcoal on your toes to cure infections. Although some people strongly believe in this method, charcoal will not do any good for infections or ingrown toenails. In fact, this method can make the infection worse. In general, you should not place anything on the infected part or toe, except for antibiotic cream or a bandage.
Tips
- Do not squeeze the pus until it comes out of the affected area continuously. This step can make the infection worse.
- Don't bite your nails. This method is not clean and can actually damage teeth and nails.
- Soak your feet in a liquid that has been treated with antibacterial soap to kill germs and prevent ingrown toenails from getting worse. Also, don't bite your nails with your mouth because some germs can get into them and make things even worse.
- Wrap the toe with a bandage and apply Gentamycin ointment on it. This method will greatly help heal the condition of the infected foot.
- Find a way to treat an ingrown toenail as soon as possible when the toe is getting worse, or looks a little dark or red. Supporting the edge of the nail with a sterile cotton swab will work well for a recent ingrown toenail, but won't help at all if the condition worsens.
Warning
- Visit a foot specialist as soon as possible if you have an ingrown toenail and you are also a diabetic
- People who have problems with immunity should see a doctor immediately if the infection does not go away.
- The infection can be life threatening or cause blood poisoning if it manifests with sepsis. It can also develop into kelamayuh infection (gangraena) which causes tissue in the body to die and rot. This condition may require hospitalization, surgery, and even amputation to stop the spread of tissue death.
- Problems with wound healing, numbness, and tingling in the feet may indicate diabetes.
