Ingrown toenails can be an irritating and painful experience, turning even the simplest task of walking into a challenge. This condition, while common, can worsen if left untreated and lead to infections that impact daily comfort and mobility. If you are wondering how to fix ingrown toenails, the right care and knowledge will help you. Here is how to fix ingrown nails effectively, which promotes healing and prevents recurrence.
What is An Ingrown Toenail?
Medically known as “onychocryptosis,” an ingrown toenail is a foot condition when the corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than going straight out. Usually, the big toe gets affected by this condition, but it can occur on any of your toes. It creates discomfort and inflammation when the toenail digs into the skin. It often occurs when people cut their toenails by tapering the corner of the nails. Generally, it doesn’t have any health risk, but if the condition escalates, you may require prompt treatment to alleviate it.
What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?
It looks like a curved nail edge pressing into the skin on one or both sides of the nail. Initially, it starts with the affected area becoming swollen and red. As it progresses, the skin around the nail becomes more inflamed. The severity increases when you notice it is becoming yellowish in color, or the skin around it may discharge pus, indicating an infection.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Ingrown Toe Nail?
Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons. Some common reasons are –
Wearing inappropriate size of footwear that is too tight increases your chance of developing an ingrown toenail.
Following incorrect methods of cutting the toenails, like cutting through the edges or not cutting straight, can push the nail into the skin and pierce it.
Kicking something hard or any kind of injury on the toes.
Fungal infection or your toes and feet becoming moist and warm increases the risk.
Some heredity or genetic factors can also be the reason for the same.
Some common symptoms of ingrown toenails include –
Pain.
Redness or darkness of the area.
Swelling.
Infection.
Bleeding from the toenail.
White or yellow pus in the affected area.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
Certain practices can help promote healing, while others may worsen the condition when it comes to how to fix ingrown nails. Here are essential do’s and don’ts for your ingrown toenail treatment –
Do’s
Use Sharp Toenail Clippers
Most people think that there is no difference between the fingernail and toenail clippers. Let us clarify this. Toenail clippers are specifically designed to cut straight across your nail, hence reducing the likelihood of penetrating into the bordering skin. Therefore, this is the first and foremost step in how to cure infected toenails – to keep the sharp toenail clippers handy.
See If You Have An Infection or Not
Seek immediate medical attention if you have swollen or sore toenails or you experience pus or discharge. It may be possible that you are experiencing paronychia, a severe infection, which you can treat with the help of oral antibiotics. Chronic sufferers may need to go for the procedure to remove part of the offending nail, called nail avulsion.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Say goodbye to shoes that pinch your toes, as they may cause excessive perspiration and create an environment for bacterial and fungal infections. Keep the surrounding skin of your toenails dry and wear comfortable footwear.
Don’ts
Try Bathroom Surgery
Becoming your own doctor by treating the irritating skin with sharp objects or lifting the nail bed with dental floss can land you in the doctor’s clinic. So, don’t try bathroom surgery. Rather, soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salt for 20 minutes if your foot doesn’t show any signs of discharge, pus, or any kind of infection. Dry the foot and then apply OTC antibacterial cream.
Cutting Toenails Too Short
Don’t cut the toenails too short, as it intensifies the risk of developing ingrown toenails. You should reach out to a chiropodist if you find it challenging to cut the toenails that have become difficult to trim.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals or Home Remedies Without Caution
DIY remedies like baking soda or vinegar might work for some people, but certain chemicals cause more harm than good, especially on already inflamed skin. Avoid using strong antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide too frequently, as they can damage the skin around the nail. Stick to mild, proven treatments—such as warm water soaked with a little Epsom salt—unless advised otherwise by a chiropodist.
Final Thoughts
How to fix an ingrown nail is a process that can be both painful and frustrating, but knowing the right care steps can make a huge difference in relief and prevention. While small adjustments to nail trimming habits and footwear can reduce the likelihood of recurrence, sometimes, professional guidance in the form of meeting a chiropodist is essential. If you’re dealing with a severe ingrown toenail or recurring foot pain, consider consulting a qualified chiropodist in Brampton for a professional assessment and treatment. Book your appointment here and let your pain go away.
That being said, at RMT Movement, our experienced team provides compassionate care tailored to your needs, helping you find relief from pain and achieve optimal foot health. Don’t wait until an ingrown toenail disrupts your daily activities—Contact RMT Movement today, and let our experts restore comfort and ease to every step.
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