|
To treat an infected ingrown toenail, you can apply a moisturizing cream to the nail edge and cover it with a band-aid. This softens the hard skin and often provides temporary pain relief. Elevating the foot also helps to reduce the swelling.
Then soak your foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Adding a touch of salt will help to kill bacteria. The soaking may soften up the skin and nail enough to allow it to be clipped back at a slight angle. If this doesn't provide quick relief, you may need to gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail from its embedded position and insert some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin Change this packing every day. Afterwards, dry the foot and apply a dab of Bacitricin Antibiotic Ointment or Neosporin Maximum Strength Antibiotic Ointment with Pain Relief to the problem area. Or, you can apply a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil. Lavender Essential Oil is a wonderful natural antibiotic which also helps relieve pain, and you can apply this oil directly.
|
