An ingrown toenail also known as onychocryptosis is a condition that affects the nails. The unfortunate thing is that some people are more prone to this nail disease than others. While the condition is not dangerous, it can be painful when it affects the side edges of your toenails. Most people who have this condition have reported an injury, tight shoes or poor hygiene among other reasons.
Whether you have contracted the disease because of either of above reasons, it is wise to seek early treatment before your nails suffer further damage.
Most people who have ingrown toenails have tendencies of feeling pain and pressure at the edges of the toenails. When this condition is not dealt with quickly, the condition can escalate from bad to worse, especially when the nail starts growing into the skin. If you do not seek treatment, this condition can cause redness in the nail and swelling as the infection progresses to affect the entire toenail.
How to Treat Ingrown Toenails
You should jumpstart the treatment by preparing hot saline water. Immerse or soak your foot in the bath of the hot solution. You are recommended to use Epsom salts, but common household salt can work as well. Use a few tablespoons of common salt adding it in a bucket or basin of hot water. Soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes to soften the toenails.
You can use a nail file or wooden pedicure sticks to lift the edge of the toenail gently. Although this step may cause discomfort, it can help to relieve the pressure around the toenail. Using a small flat stick, gently push the cotton ball under the nail bed. This can prevent the nail from growing further into the skin surrounding it. This will give your nail ample space to heal as your nails begin to grow a fresh.
Antibiotics
You can now apply antibiotic ointment under the toenail and wrap the site with a piece of tape or a bandage. You will start to feel much better and relieved because of the substantial reduction in pain. Soaking your feet in salt water two to three times every day will prevent re-infection. However, it is not harmful to soak your foot more than 3 times per day.
Homeopathic Remedies
You can also try homeopathic remedies, and you can do this by using a little lavender or tree oils on the affected toenails. Tree oil and lavender have antiseptic properties that are known to hasten the healing process and prevent re-infection. However, it is wise to dilute the oils before applying them on the injured toenail.
If the ingrown toenail leads to toenail fungus, we at Clear Toes Clinic can help you. We are the leading toenail fungus treatment clinic in Houston. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
