Ingrown toenails are probably the most excruciating of all foot conditions that we usually bring upon ourselves. For some people, ingrown toenails may be hereditary but for most of us, ingrown nails are caused as a result of flawed nail trimming techniques. If they are squeezed, because of wearing tight shoes, they can get a lot more painful.
Fortunately, ingrown toenails can be treated and prevented easily. Although, very often ingrown toenails heal naturally, as the nail grows, it is not advisable to leave them untreated, as they could lead to infections or abscesses. Given below are a few tips that can help to prevent and
treat ingrown toenails:
- Never try to dig out an ingrown nail as this could worsen the pain.
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight fitting or with high heels. Till the condition clears up, try wearing sandals. In the long run, it is more advisable to switch to shoes designed on the basis of comfort rather than appearance, with more toe space.
- Wash your feet and especially the affected area with soap and water, twice a day. Make sure your feet are dry throughout the day.
- Soak your feet in plain, warm water, for a few minutes, about 4 times a day. Do not add any salts, soaps or antibacterial agents.
- Once a day, soak your foot in a mixture of one part water and one part povidone iodine, for about 20 minutes. This will help in reducing the inflammation.
- Form a small wick or roll, by rolling a small piece of gauze or cotton between your fingers. Lift the corner of the nail, which is digging into your skin and place the wick between the skin and the nail and keep it elevated. This may be a bit painful but is very effective.
- Every time you soak your feet, try to push the cotton or gauze roll a little further between the skin and the nail. Make sure that you change the roll at least once a day. It could take anywhere between a week and fifteen days for the nail to grow out in a way that it does not cut into your skin anymore.
In case you experience tremendous pain due to the ingrown, you can take a painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for relief. If you do not see any reduction in the pain or inflammation in four or five days, it may be best to consult your doctor. People who are
diabetic or suffer from poor circulation should consult their doctors immediately.
