An ingrown toenail, medically referred to as onychocryptosis, is a common condition that many people suffer from at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a mild ingrown toenail or a more severe case like an infected ingrown toenail, there’s no denying that it can cause significant discomfort and pain.
In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of self care for ingrown toenail, including ingrown toenail treatment, ingrown toenail removal, and preventive measures.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the flesh surrounding it. The most common form of ingrown toenail is when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. Usually this happens in the big toe but can occur in other toes as well. Ingrown toenails usually aren’t serious and you can typically treat them at home.
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
Some common symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
- Pain when pressure is applied on the toe.
- An overgrowth of soft tissue around the affected toenail aka hypertrophy
- Curved toenail that press into the skin more commonly at the toenail edge.
- Inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
- Build-up of white or yellow puss around the affected area around the toenail.
Ingrown Toenail Causes
Few common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Wearing shoes that are too tight.
- Cutting toenails too short or not straight across
- Injury of the toe, for example by stubbing it.
- Picking or tearing the corners of your toenails
- Poor foot hygiene
- Sweaty feet that make skin soft and easier for toenails to dig in
- Having toenails with naturally curved edges or fan-shape
- Fungal nail infection can cause thickening or widening of the toenail.
Ingrown Toenail Complications
It is highly unlikely that an ingrown toenail can ever become a life threating medical condition. However, it can result in some serious complications if left untreated and certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes make it harder for ingrown toenail wound to heal.
A major concern of people with ingrown toenail is the risk of gangrene, when foot tissue starts to decay. People with diabetes are more prone to ingrown toe complications like infection and gangrene.
In very rare case there can be a possibility that an infection foot with ingrown toenail can lead to amputation.
Self Care for ingrown toenail
Without early and proper treatment of an ingrown toenail poses a risk of further damaging the affected toenail and the surrounding tissue. One can easily turn a minor ingrown toenail pain into a much more painful and infection medical condition.
Some best self care for ingrown toenails include:
Soak in warm water
Soaking the affected foot in warm water for 20-30 min 2-3 times on everyday basis can reduce swelling an provide pain relief. A small amount of salt can be adding to make a saline solution which can boost the pain relief process.
Apply antiseptic ointment
Over-the-counter antiseptic ointments can provide infected ingrown toenail relief and can help reduce the risk of ingrown toenail infection. The ointment should be applied onto the affected area by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Cover the treated area with a bandage wrap.
Use a toenail protector
A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. The toenail protector for ingrown toenails usually come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails. Â The toenail protector should be used until improvement is seen in the ingrown toenail.
Soak in apple cider vinegar
One of the most common folk remedies for almost any ailment is Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is believed by some to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The self care for ingrown toenail using apple cider vinegar includes adding it to warm water and soaking the affected foot for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Wear comfortable shoes and socks
Ill-fitting shoes and socks are one of the leading causes of ingrown toenails. Too tight shoes and socks can crowd your toes applying pressure onto to the toes specially the big toe forcing the toenail to in-grow. Pick comfortable fitting socks and shoes that leave enough space for your toes allowing them to comfortably wiggle.
Try toenail braces
Nail braces for ingrown toe nails, like dental braces are composite medical devices that use tension to correct the ingrown toe nail shape. Â These nail braces are typically applied to the widest part of the toenail. One of first go-to self care for ingrown toenail, the toenail braces are an inexpensive option available at almost every pharmacy and online store.
Use dental floss or cotton
Tucking small pieces of cotton or waxed dental floss under the lateral edge of the affected ingrown toenail can relieve the pain and prevent the ingrown toenail from coming back. To avoid infection due to the cotton bits, replace the cotton bits on everyday basis and soak it in alcohol before inserting it under the ingrown toe nail.
Proper Nail Trimming
To avoid toe nail growing sideways and causing an ingrown toenail, using proper toil nail clipper and correct toenail trimming is crucial. Use proper toenail clippers. The normal fingernail clippers have a narrower blade as compared to a toenail clipper which have a wider blade and are designed to cut straight across the nail. Don’t cut your toenails too short and tapered. Cutting your toenails straight across stops them from digging into the surrounding skin tissue. Keep the toenail clippers sharp and clean before and after every use.
Self care for ingrown toenail is essential to manage this painful condition. Whether you’re dealing with an infected toe nail or just sore toenail discomfort, following these tips can help. For professional guidance, consult an ingrown toenail specialist near me or explore over-the-counter products for ingrown toenail treatment.
If you’re interested in overall beauty and wellness, don’t miss out on these essential beauty products and tips for achieving radiant skin.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So take good care of your feet, and keep those toes happy and healthy!
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Summary
| SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENT |
| Pain when pressure is applied | Wearing shoes that are too tight. | Soak in warm water |
| An overgrowth of soft tissue around the affected toenail | Cutting toenails too short or not straight across | Apply antiseptic ointment |
| Curved toenail that press into the skin | Injury of the toe, for example by stubbing it. | Use a toenail protector |
| Inflammation of the skin around the toe | Picking or tearing the corners of your toenails | Soak in apple cider vinegar |
| Build-up of white or yellow puss around the affected area around the toenail. | Poor foot hygiene | Wear comfortable shoes and socks |
| Bleeding in severe case of ingrown toenail | Sweaty feet that make skin soft and easier for toenails to dig in | Try toenail braces |
| Â | Having toenails with naturally curved edges or fan-shape | Use dental floss or cotton |
| Â | Fungal nail infection can cause thickening or widening of the toenail. | Proper Nail Trimming |
Consulting an ingrown toenail specialist
If self care for ingrown toenail hasn’t helped your ingrown toenail, you may consider Professional ingrown toenail treatment options which include partial or full removal of the toenail. The ingrown toenail doctor might remove part of the ingrown nail’s border or the underlying nail bed. The goal is to remove the portion of the toenail protruding into the toe skin and causing pain.
In some extreme ingrown toenail cases, the ingrown toenail doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail.
The ingrown toenail removal cost can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment method chosen. Here you can find more about personal care budgeting.
What is the fastest way to get rid of an ingrown toenail?
The quickest way to address an ingrown toenail may include a blend of home remedies and professional ingrown toenail treatment. You may begin with self-care for ingrown toenails by soaking the affected foot in warm water and applying a mild antiseptic. Some find it useful to place a small piece of cotton under the nail edge. However, the fastest and most effective solution could be finding an ingrown toenail removal near you. For additional nail care tips, you can refer to this guide on the dos and don’ts of nail care.
How do you get rid of an ingrown toenail yourself?
Self-removal of an ingrown toenail requires caution. Start with ingrown toenail self-care by soaking the toe in warm water and using a gentle tool to lift the nail slightly. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and cover with a bandage. If the ingrown toenail pain persists or becomes an infected ingrown toenail, seek professional care. This guide to healthy and strong nails might also provide useful insights.
Can an ingrown toenail heal itself?
Yes, an ingrown toenail can sometimes heal itself with proper care. Following the self care for ingrown toenail routine mentioned above, including soaking and gentle manipulation, might help. But if signs of an infected toe nail or increased ingrown toenail pain develop, professional ingrown nail treatment may be required.
Does Vaseline help ingrown toenails?
Vaseline may not directly help in ingrown toenail treatment, but interestingly, it can keep the area moisturized and minimize friction. This might assist in preventing further aggravation of the ingrown toenail. For more extensive nail care advice, consult this article on nail care tips.
How long will an ingrown toenail last?
The duration of an ingrown toenail depends on the severity and the treatment. With proper ingrown toenail self care, the discomfort might alleviate within a few days to a week. However, an infected big toe or persistent ingrown toenail pain may require a professional ingrown toenail removal or treatment, possibly extending the healing period. It’s always a good idea to consult an ingrown toenail doctor if the condition doesn’t improve.
