Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail penetrates the skin or flesh of the foot. As a result, you might feel pain, irritated skin, edema, and, in rare cases, infection. While the big toe is the most common site for ingrown toenails, they are easily manageable and treatable on your own. However, to rule out any infection, you must ensure a visit with the Best General Physician in Karachi.
How Do I Know if I Need Medical Attention for an Ingrown Toenail?
- Your affected toenail would appear persistently hard, red, swollen, or edematous.
- Pain in the affected toe that is not going away.
- Foot pain caused by shoe pressure.
- Blood or pus would be oozing from the affected toenail or an open wound, thereby indicating an active infection.
A range of factors might yield the condition of ingrown nails. It could either be congenital -the toenail is just too big. Another possible cause is an ingrown nail can also be caused by trauma, such as stubbed toes or being trodden on. The most frequent culprit, though, is wearing tight shoes or not maintaining and clipping your nails adequately.
5 Quick Remedies to Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home
Soak In Warm Water
Soaking the affected foot in warm water might help lessen swelling and soreness. Immerse your foot in warm, soapy water three times a day for up to 20 minutes. Castile soap is an excellent choice. Adding Epsom salts to the water will help you feel even better.
Cotton or Dental Floss
To support correct nail development, Mayo Clinic suggests placing little pieces of cotton or waxed dental floss beneath the edge of an ingrown toenail. However, there are mixed reviews on this idea by the relevant medical bodies. Placing cotton beneath your nail, as per the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, can lead to discomfort and allow harmful microbes to proliferate. This possibility can be averted by soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before use.
Antibiotics
Administering an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream can expedite the healing process and lower the risk of infection. Apply the medication to the infected toenail as directed by the doctor, generally three times each day. Neosporin, Polysporin, and Bactroban are some of the ointments readily available. After applying the toenail, be sure to wrap it in a bandage.
Toe Covers or Toe Protector
Ingrown toenails are protected with a toe cover, which acts as a cushion. Toe protectors come in the form of rings that fit around the afflicted region or a full-coverage toe. Toe guards from certain manufacturers come with a medicinal gel that softens toenails so they may be trimmed easily. Follow the directions on the package until the ingrown toenail is gone.
Toe Braces
Toe braces are commonly affixed to the top of your toe and are constructed of a thin, sticky composite material. They are designed to protect your skin from a sharp, ingrown nail while also lifting the edges of your nail as it develops.
If home cures fail to relieve an ingrown toenail, the nail may need to be partially or completely removed. A doctor may remove a portion of the nail’s border or the underlying nail bed using a local anesthetic. However, in persistent pain or recurrent cases, you must visit the Best General Physician in Islamabad before it deteriorates.
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