Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

When the sides of your nail grow into the skin, it can be quite painful. Getting an ingrown toenail is a fairly common problem and can happen to both men and women. As the nail keeps growing into the skin, it causes irritation, throbbing, pain, and redness, which can very bothersome if not treated on time.

An untreated ingrown nail can turn into an infection and make it worse, so make sure to start treating it soon if you have one. There are many home remedies that you can try before you may need to go to a doctor. By following the below easy tips you can ensure your ingrown nail will be much better within a week, but for severe cases it is recommended to go see a doctor.

Do a foot soak

Nothing is more relaxing than a nice, warm foot soak to relieve aching feet. Soak your feet in warm water mixed with Castile soap and Epsom salts for about 20 minutes, three times a day. You can also substitute that with warm water and apple cider vinegar and soak you feet once a day. Both of these methods help in reducing inflammation and pain.

Wear comfortable footwear

One of the leading causes of ingrown nails is wearing tight shoes, so make sure to give your feet space and only wear open toed footwear. If you have to wear closed shoes, make sure you wear something that doesn’t keep touching your toes in the front or putting pressure on them.

Use an antibiotic ointment or over-the-counter pain reliever

Before you go to the doctor, there are a few antibiotic ointments you can try to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. There are also safe over-the-counter pain relieving medication you can try as well, but make to only take the recommended dose and do not over medicated.

Try a toe protector or brace

A toe protector is like a ring that provides a cushioning barrier by fitting around the ingrown toe and reduces pressure. Another small tool you can use to ease the pain is a toe brace that is made to lift the edges of the nail and shield your skin from the sharp end. They are thin composites that can be glued to the toe’s top.

Go to a Podiatrist

Even after using these methods, if you notice an increase in pain, swelling, or throbbing, it is best to consult a doctor and seek further treatment. While a small problem, ingrown nails can be the cause of a lot of pain and health issues, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that lead to poor blood circulation and a low immune system.