Treatment for Ingrown Toenails In Nashville TN

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

This condition affects men and women but i

s common in people with sweaty feet.

But what causes this condition? Find out below:

1. Irregular Trim

Trimming your toenails too short can result in ingrown toenails. It’s recommended not to cut your nail too short at the corners so you don’t risk getting bacteria.

2. Genetic Tendencies

Some people may be genetically predisposed to the toenail condition. For instance, some people may have nails that are naturally curved or misshapen nail edges.

Medical conditions such as Down Syndrome can also result in an ingrown toenail. Additionally, certain foot structures, such as thickened or curved toenails, place you at risk of developing an ingrown one.

3. Trauma

Toe trauma can also contribute to the condition occurring. Instances such as stubbing, jamming, or getting your feet stepped on can cause the nail edge to curve inward towards the skin.

Kicking a soccer ball repeatedly can also cause the sides of the nail to grow toward the skin.

4. Wrong Footwear

You may also deal with the condition when you wear ill-fitting shoes. Tight, flat, or narrow shoes and socks can cause your toenail to develop the condition.

Adorning high heels may also cause your toes to be cramped together, increasing the likelihood of ingrown toenails.

5. Poor Foot Hygiene

Improper foot hygiene can also lead to the condition developing in your toes. Not keeping your feet clean can cause the formation of debris and dead skin cells to develop at the sides of the nail.

As a result, part of the nail grows into the skin.

What Are The Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails?

Some of the common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• The skin around the toe becomes tender, swollen, or stiff.
• Pain when pressure is exerted on the toe.
• You experience difficulty wearing shoes or standing for extended periods.

If the surrounding tissue gets infected, you will experience the following symptoms:

• Bleeding.
• Pus oozing from the spot.
• Red skin.
• Lingering pain.

What Are The Treatment Options For Ingrown Nails?

There are different ingrown toenail treatment options to prevent ingrown toenails from developing.

They include:

Home Treatment

You can try the following home treatment options :

• Soak your feet in warm water. Get warm soapy water and soak your feet inside for 10 to 20 minutes, three times daily, until you notice improvements.
• Place dental floss under the toenail. After soaking your feet, place cotton or floss under the nail root. This will allow the nails to grow above the edge of the skin.
• Apply petroleum jelly. Put some petroleum jelly (Vaseline or Pommade) on the area surrounding the toenail.
• Wear comfortable shoes. It would be best if you considered wearing shoes and socks that do not cause discomfort or pain.
• Take pain relief drugs. You can purchase over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to relieve the pain.

Surgical Treatments

You can also take a trip to a foot specialist who may perform the following treatment options:

• Taping the toenail. With the aid of tape, the doctor will pull the skin away from the nail.
• Placing a gutter splint under the nail. The podiatrist may place a small slit tub under the nail, allowing the nail to grow above the edge of the skin.
• Partially removing the nail. In cases where the condition is either painful or pus oozing out, your foot specialist may trim toenails and remove them entirely. It would take a couple of months for the nails to grow back.

What Are Some Home Remedy Treatments For Ingrown Nails?

It is also possible to treat ingrown toenails from the comfort of your home. Some of the home remedies include:

1. Olive Oil Treatment

Dip olive oil into a cotton bud and apply it on the affected skin. As soon as it softens, place waxed dental floss or cotton between the nail and the skin.

2. A Warm Soak

Placing your foot in warm soapy water will cause the affected skin to separate from the curved nails. You can also opt for white vinegar, Epsom salt, or bleach.

3. Prevent/ Remove the Infection

You can remove or prevent ingrown toenail infection while awaiting treatment by using a topical antibiotic cream on the toe and wrapping it with a bandage.

4. Keep Your Feet Healthy

You can also wear comfortable shoes to prevent cramping your toes together and prevent pain.

How Can You Prevent An Ingrown Nail?

The following are best practices to avoid ingrown toenails:

• Avoid trimming your nails too short.
• Ensure your shoes and socks fit correctly and comfortably.
• Practice proper foot hygiene by washing and keeping your feet clean.
• If you engage in rigorous sporting activities with your feet, practice going barefoot for a couple of hours.

When Should You Consult A Physician About An Ingrown Toenail?

While ingrown toenails can be remedied at home, you should seek medical attention if you detect any of the following:

• Infection resulting in pus oozing out of your toe.
• Swelling.
• Severe pain.
• Redness.
• Irritation.

Conclusion

An ingrown toenail can be an annoying and painful condition on your foot. While the symptoms can range from pain and swelling to infection, they can be remedied from the comforts of your home.

However, if it doesn’t improve after applying the tips in this article, you should contact a healthcare provider in Nashville.