If left untreated, ingrown toenails (ingrown toenails) can become infected. Some signs of infection include stabbing pain, discharge, and an odor. If your toenail is infected, you should see a doctor. However, if ingrown toenails are detected early, you may be able to prevent them from becoming infected by soaking them in warm salt water 3 times a day. In the future, prevent ingrown toenails by trimming them properly, buying shoes that fit, and letting your feet rest after exercise or activity.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking for Symptoms
Step 1. Observe the growing redness around the toenail
The initial symptom of an ingrown toenail is painful and red skin. This reddening of the skin will become more widespread if your toenail is infected.
Step 2. Feel if your skin feels hot
The area around the infected toenail will feel warm to hot. A stabbing pain may also accompany an increase in temperature around your toenail. If this infection gets worse or is left untreated, you may develop a fever.
Step 3. Watch for green or yellow discharge of pus
Watch for pus in the skin around your toenails. Pus is a sure sign of an infection. An unpleasant odor may also accompany an infection in the nail that secretes pus.
Reddish skin may appear around the lighter (slightly white) area of the ingrown toenail
Step 4. Call the doctor
If you have an infection, you should contact your doctor because with his help, this infection can be diagnosed and treated. Treatment of a nail infection is determined by its severity and may include soaking the foot in warm water, using antibiotics, or removing the nail if the infection is severe.
- Call your doctor or foot specialist if you have diabetes or AIDS, have poor circulation, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have a weakened immune system.
- Other reasons you should see a doctor include persistent or chronic ingrown toenail problems, having diabetes, an immune system disorder, or a disease that affects the nervous system or sensation in the feet, or if you have signs of infection, such as discharge, redness, pain, or swelling.
Method 2 of 3: Cure Uninfected Ingrown Toenails
Step 1. Soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes
Add Epsom salt or mild soap to the water to clean your feet. Soaking the feet will reduce the pain and redness. This treatment can also soften the nails and the skin around the ingrown toenail.
Make sure your feet are completely dry before moving on to the next step
Step 2. Roll a small piece of cotton or gauze with your finger
Roll it up to form a small cylinder. Next, push the skin under your fingernail away. Place this cotton roll between the nail and the skin underneath. That way, your nails will be lifted and not piercing the skin further.
- Keep this cotton roll in position by wrapping medical gauze.
- This step may be painful but it is necessary. You can use pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Panadol to reduce the pain.
- You can give a topical antibiotic such as Neosporin to prevent infection.
Step 3. Soak the toes 2-3 times a day
Change the cotton roll on your nails every time you soak your feet. Try to push the cotton roll further each day. Repeat this treatment until your nails have grown past the tips of your toes. The time it takes for the nail to grow past the fingertips may be between 1-2 weeks.
- If your ingrown toenail doesn't improve or if it's infected, you should contact your doctor.
- You may have to wear sandals until the ingrown toenail improves.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Indigestion
Step 1. Don't cut your toenails too short
Also, try not to cut your toenails too rounded. Instead, trim your toenails straight and don't trim the edges. The corner of the toenail should be visible above the skin.
Step 2. Buy shoes that fit
Shoes (and socks) that put too much pressure on the toes can cause ingrown toenails. So, make sure your toes can still move inside the shoe. If not, buy new shoes or wear something else.
Tight shoes such as high heels and pointy-toed shoes can also cause ingrown toenails
Step 3. Let your toes breathe
Those who regularly practice and exercise, especially sports that have a risk of causing trauma to the feet and toes such as football and ballet, are more prone to ingrown toenails. So, after an activity like this, try taking off your shoes and socks, then let your toes breathe for 1-2 hours. Next, wear sandals or walk barefoot during this time.
- Cleaning and drying your feet and toes after strenuous physical activity can also reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Wear cotton socks instead of synthetic socks, which can help your feet and toes breathe easier.
