The problem of ingrown toenails is also common and may lead to a considerable discomfort in case it is not addressed. They grow when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin tissue around it causing it to become painful and red with or without swelling. This condition can be caused by several factors such as careless trimming of the nail and wearing of tight shoes. The acknowledgement of the methods of management and prevention of ingrown toenails is a good way to keep the feet in good condition.
What is Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenail occurs when the side or the corner of a toenail digs into the skin rather than growth over the skin. It usually occurs in big toe but may occur with other toes. It may take time to develop and unless taken care of symptoms may worsen. Shoes that fit too tight or poorly trimmed nails may also make the nail to push against the skin resulting to irritation. Light cases are a little uncomfortable, severe or untreated cases can produce open wounds and infections. The risk can be augmented by the curving of the nails, abnormal shapes of the nails or medical conditions.
Removal of an Ingrown Toenail
There are some actions, which will help in decreasing the pain caused by an ingrown toenail or will make the nail grow out. It is not treatment but prevention as these measures limit the disease to avert its progression.
Harmless Gutter and Warm Water Foot Soaks
Among the easiest ways of enhancing nail relief is by soaking your feet in warm water. This aid in softening the nail and the surrounding skin and that in turn it may help the nail to grow out naturally. Epsom salts in the soak can also be added to bring further easing through the alleviation of swelling.
Good Nail Care
An important practice is to cut nails straight across instead of rounding it out. This way of trimming the nail keeps the nail straight by growing inwards on the skin. Maintaining shorter toenails, even with those that are at the end of the toe, can help decrease the potential of the same.
Soft Lifting Maneuvers
To treat the milder cases, it is proposed to put clean dental floss or cotton under the toenail cap. This contributes towards its development away fro the skin. Exercise better caution and sterilized materials in order to prevent entrance of bacteria.
Giving Space in shoes
Wearing shoes that have enough space in the toe box lightens up the pressure that presses the toenail deeper into the skin. This particularly applies to anyone who spends a lot of time working on his or her feet. Changing shoes can make wonders, such as open-toed or wide-fit shoes to decrease the extra stress on the toenails.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention by change of lifestyle
There are several easy tricks which can be used to avoid ingrown toenails:
- Wear Appropriate Shoes: Shoes that are tight or that do not fit properly may result in ingrown toenails. Choose comfortable shoes that have a lot of space in the toe box, and are breathable to allow your toes freedom of movement.
- Cut toenails Properly: Never cut toenails in a round shape, always cut in a straight way. They should not be cut too short because it predisposes the nails to grow into the skin.
- Keep Feet clean and Hydrated: Hydrating your feet along with keeping them clean can reduce irritation and infection and provides a healthier substrate on which fingernails can grow.
Taking a Psychologist or Therapist
Before the condition turns severe, taking care of ingrow toenails at home is usually possible. Contact a podiatrist in case of major swelling, pain that does not go away, or infections, with the appearance of pus or the redness that spreads. They can be relieving through lifting of the nail, trimming or elimination of part of the nail and this can take place under local anesthesia.
Get in Charge of your Feet Health
Cases of ingrown toenails may be painful, although early symptoms and measure to prevent such conditions may help to avoid complications. Foot care and choice of footwear can help a great deal in preventing further complications. In any case of bad symptoms or ongoing foot problems, a podiatrist visit gives the needed treatment and advice in maintenance of the foot over a long-term period.
