![]() ![]() ![]() Some people are more vulnerable to ingrown toenails than others, either due to genetic or medical conditions.įor example, diabetes and nerve damage can cause circulatory problems and slow healing. Shoes with pointed toes may also increase the risk, particularly when they are uncomfortable or pinch the toes. Shoes that are too tight can pinch the toes, potentially causing an ingrown toenail. Rounded or pointed shapes create misshapen edges that may grow into the skin. Cutting a toenail so short that it hurts or is much shorter than the toe increases the risk of the toenail growing into an unusual shape. ![]() The nail should not be significantly shorter than the toe. Using dirty clippers can introduce bacteria and infections into the skin under the nail. Wash nail clippers before and after use.Use clippers specifically designed for toenails, since these are the right shape and provide enough force to quickly trim the nails.Share on Pinterest Wearing shoes that fit well may help prevent ingrown toenails.Ī few simple strategies can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails: Some symptoms that indicate a toenail infection include: In some cases, a person may need antibiotics to treat an infection. Home removal, by contrast, can be extremely painful. When they trim or remove part or all of the nail, they may inject the area with a numbing solution, so the patient will not feel any pain. They will use sterilized equipment to reduce the risk of infection. It is important for a healthcare professional to perform this procedure. These minor surgeries are effective treatments for ingrown nails. They may also remove some of the underlying nail bed, and in some cases, part of the growth center. They may remove some or all of the toenail to help treat an ingrown toenail. When an ingrown toenail is very painful, makes walking difficult, or shows signs of an infection, a doctor can treat the nail. Share on Pinterest A person can speak to a doctor about the best treatment for ingrown toenails.Ī doctor can help a person decide whether the toenail needs trimming or other treatment. However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warn that putting cotton under the nail does not relieve pain and may increase the risk of infection. Some sources recommend placing cotton or dental floss under the ingrown portion of the toenail to relieve pressure. These strategies will not reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. People should not cut a notch in the nail or repeatedly trim the borders of the nail. Wear loose fitting shoes with open toes until the ingrown toenail heals.Dry the foot after soaking it, and apply an antibacterial cream to reduce the risk of infection.This improves blood flow to the area, which may help with pain while speeding the healing process. Gently massage the foot and the toenail.People can also add Epsom salt to help with the pain and swelling. Soak the foot in warm water several times per day.This will not treat any underlying infection, but it can help with the pain if there is a wound. Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help with the pain. ![]() People can use the following strategies to help treat an ingrown toenail at home: Cutting the edge of the toenail too short may also increase the risk of another ingrown toenail. This makes it easier for bacteria and other microbes to enter the skin, potentially causing a painful infection.Īttempting to cut an ingrown nail can further increase this risk, as it can damage the skin further - especially if the toenail is very embedded in the skin. Sometimes, an ingrown nail can break the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommend that people avoid digging out or clipping an already ingrown nail. If the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, a person should see their doctor for advice on how best to treat the issue.Īccording to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, people should avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” This is because cutting the nail repeatedly or too short can make ingrowing worse over time and increase the risk of future ingrown nails. Healthcare professionals do not recommend that people try to cut toenails that have already ingrown at home.
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