Ingrown Toenails Treatment

Ingrown toenails?
( 2 Aug 2007)

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Ingrown toenails are a painful condition and are also known as Onychocryptosis Unguis incarnatus. It is a common form of nail disease and a painful condition that causes the nail to cut into one or both sides of the nail bed. An ingrown toenail is most commonly seen in the big toe, but in growth can take place on any nail.

Ingrown toenails occur when a penetrative edge of the toenail cuts into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. There is intense pain and inflammation felt by an individual experiencing an ingrown toenail condition. If the nail condition is left untreated, the inflamed area can cause the growth of extra tissue and start draining out yellowish fluid.

On some occasions initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely carried out at home. Nevertheless, home treatment for ingrown toenails must be strongly opposed or prevented, especially if you suspect a secondary infection around the area, or if you have an inherent medical disorder that puts your feet at high risk. Such medical conditions include diabetes mellitus, nerve impairment in the foot, or poor blood circulation.

As an initial form of treatment, or before the doctor arrives, the infected foot can be soaked in room-temperature water with an added measure of Epsom’s salt. The foot can be gently massaged at the side of the nail fold to control or bring down the inflammation. It is important to treat ingrown toenails as soon as they are spotted. If the ingrown toenail is recognized early on, before infection begins, home care may help to forestall the need for further treatment. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by following some important guidelines. These include: Trimming the nails in the right manner. The toenails must be cut in a fairly straight line, without making them too short. Keep away from ill-fitting shoes that are either too short or tight in the toe box. On the other hand, also avoid shoes that are unnecessarily loose, as they can cause pressure on the toes, especially during running or a brisk walk.

Care provided to treat ingrown nails ranges from softening the afflicted area in warm water at home to surgery under a reputed podiatrist. The correct form of treatment can be dictated by a medical expert depending upon the severity of the condition. In almost all cases, emptying of the collected blood or watery discharge must be conducted by a podiatrist, trained to treat these conditions.

answered by G M on 27 Apr 2009, 12:13:37

Ingrown toenails can be prevented if you keep some basic rules in mind. While cutting your toe nails, always cut the nail straight across and file the nail corners to smoothen sharp corners. Do not cut it too close to the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water before trimming your nails is a good idea as it not only softens your nails, it also reduces pain, if any.

answered by K C on 2 Aug 2007, 9:20:49

You need to heal it first. Soak in hot Epsom salts water several times a day. that will pull out the inf. also put neosproin for pain on it. this will take a few days if it is bad. then DO NOT CUT IT, but gently using a metal nail file, slip it under the toenail that is ingrown and lift it up just slightly so it is over the skin so it will grow out. when it is grown out cut you toenail straight only so the sides are always longer than the skin area.

answered by n on 2 Aug 2007, 8:39:36

Ingrown Toenails Treatment

Ingrown toenails? ( 2 Aug 2007)

Ingrown toenails?
( 2 Aug 2007)