Ingrown toenails are a common and painful foot problem that occurs when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. This condition often affects the big toe and can lead to discomfort, redness, swelling and even infection if not treated promptly. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent and treat ingrown toenails, ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
Prevention Tips for Ingrown Toenails
Proper Nail Trimming: One of the most effective ways to prevent ingrown toenails is by trimming your nails correctly. Cut your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges and avoid cutting them too short. This technique prevents the nail from growing into the skin as it regrows.
Wear Comfortable Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and provide ample room for your toes is crucial. Tight or narrow shoes can squeeze the toes and force the nails into the surrounding skin, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and avoid wearing high heels for extended periods.
Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry reduces the risk of infections and fungal growth, which can contribute to ingrown toenails. Regularly wash your feet with soap and water, dry them thoroughly and wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.
Protect Your Feet from Injury: Toe injuries can lead to ingrown toenails, so it’s important to protect your feet during activities that may cause trauma, such as sports or heavy labour. Wearing appropriate footwear and taking precautions can help prevent injuries that might lead to this condition.
Treating Ingrown Toenails
If you develop an ingrown toenail, early treatment is key to preventing complications. Here are some steps you can take:
Soak Your Feet: Soaking your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and soften the skin around the ingrown toenail. Adding Epsom salt to the water can provide additional relief.
Use Cotton or Dental Floss: After soaking your feet, you can gently lift the ingrown nail edge and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it to encourage the nail to grow above the skin edge. Replace the cotton or floss daily until the nail grows out properly.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment: To prevent infection, apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Keep the area clean and monitor it for signs of infection, such as increased redness, pus, or pain.
How Experienced Podiatrists Can Help
If an ingrown toenail becomes severe or does not improve with home treatment, it’s important to seek professional help. Experienced podiatrists can provide safe and effective treatment for ingrown toenails. This may include trimming or removing the ingrown part of the nail, draining any infection, prescribing antibiotics and performing ingrown toenail surgery if necessary. Podiatrists can also advise on preventive measures and recommend procedures to prevent recurring ingrown toenails.
Preventing and treating ingrown toenails involves proper foot care, appropriate footwear choices and seeking professional help when needed. By following these guidelines and consulting with a podiatrist, you can maintain healthy, pain-free feet and avoid the discomfort associated with ingrown toenails.
