Ingrown Toenail: What To Do At Home, Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Ingrown toenail: how to get rid of the problem at home

An ingrown toenail is a common problem that comes with terrible discomfort. Eliminating such a nuisance is not always easy. To get rid of this problem, an integrated approach will be required, which will allow not only to correct the shape of the nail, but also to prevent its re-ingrowth.

Causes of ingrown toenail

When the edge of the nail plate grows into the periungual fold on the big toe, an inflammatory process occurs. A number of factors can provoke such a pathology:

• improper nail growth due to diseases;
• injury to the big toes;
• flat feet;
• improper cutting of nails;
• fungal pathologies of the foot, as well as bacterial infections that affect the skin of the big toes;
• constant wearing of tight shoes.

The nail grows in most often on the big toe

To prevent the occurrence of such a nuisance, you must properly trim your nails without rounding their corners. It is important to wear loose-fitting shoes that do not constrict your foot. To prevent the recurrence of trouble, it is recommended to eliminate fungal diseases in a timely manner.

What to do if a nail has grown

In order to get rid of the problem of an ingrown toenail, you must:

1. Steam feet in hot water. For these purposes, it is best to use sea salt. It needs to be dissolved in 4 liters of hot water (40 degrees) in the amount of 4 tbsp. l. Then place your feet in the pelvis and sit for 15–20 minutes. Then carefully remove the feet and dry them with a towel.

   

   Steaming the feet softens the nails and periungual roller

2. Free the ingrown end of the nail from the periungual fold. You need to gently pry the end of the nail that is ingrown and try to lift it, separating it from the skin. Then take a nail file. With its help, slightly file the sharp edge, but do not round it off, which is very important.

   

   The sharp end of the nail needs to be lightly sanded

3. Cut off a small piece of the periungual roller with scissors or tweezers. This can be done only if the skin is not very inflamed.

   

   Removal of the skin around the nail should be done with forceps or sharp scissors.

4. Treat your finger with an antiseptic. To do this, you can use Levomekol ointment, Chlorhexidine solution or a decoction of chamomile and sage. In the latter case, you need 2 tbsp. l. pour 300 ml of boiling water into the mixture of raw materials and cook for 10 minutes. Then let it brew for an hour and filter. Soak a cotton pad in the liquid and treat your finger. Medicinal solutions can be used in the same way. The ointment should be applied in a thin layer, after which the finger should be bandaged for 30-60 minutes. The selected tool should be used within a week, treating your finger with it every time after steaming.

   

   In case of inflammation, Levomekol ointment can be applied to the area where the nail has grown

I know what an ingrown toenail is firsthand. To combat the problem, I try to avoid tight shoes. I also periodically steam my feet, carefully cutting off the skin around the nail and filing the sharp edge.

What to do if a nail has grown - video

When you need specialist help

Doctor's help is needed in the following cases:

• if it is not possible to independently separate the edge of the nail from the skin;
• with suppuration of the finger;
• if the foot begins to swell;
• with severe pain in the problem area while walking.

Feedback on troubleshooting

An ingrown toenail requires mandatory measures to eliminate the problem. You can get rid of trouble at the initial stages at home, however, if the pathology is neglected, then it will not be possible to do without the help of a specialist. To avoid complications, it is important to observe preventive measures and timely fix the problem.