How to Fix an Ingrown Toenails?

Do you suffer from an ingrown toenail? Are you wondering how to fix a ligrown toenails condition? Ingrown toenails can be avoided by cutting them before they develop into the epidermis. When a toenail is ingrown, an individual must avoid cutting it at home since it might aggravate the condition or create an infection. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin, most often on the big toe. Ingrown toenails may be incredibly painful. This article discusses the safety concerns of fixing an ingrown nail at home, physician care, and how you can prevent toenails from getting ingrown.

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What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a foot issue when the toe's corner grows into the skin. The big toe is usually affected.  Ingrown toenails are common when people trim their toenails by reducing the corners. If your toenail bends with the shape of your toe, it has the potential to grow into your skin. Ingrown toenails are frequent and seldom cause harm to healthy persons.

Also Read: Is Toenail fungus contagious?

What is the cause of an ingrown toenail?

There are several reasons for an ingrown toenail, including:

• Toenails that have been wrongly cut. If the toenails are trimmed too short, the nail will develop into skin.
• Shoes that do not fit correctly.
• Tearing the nail's corner.
• Toe trauma, such as being stepped on or hitting the toe.
• Inherit genetics which increases your likelihood of having them.
• Excess sweat can soften the nail bed, allowing the nail to readily penetrate the epidermis.
• Running and other sports that require frequently kicking a ball can cause toenail damage and raise the possibility of ingrown toenails.

If the problem that caused the ingrown toenail persists, the skin that develops over the nail can create irreversible changes in the tissue, leading to infection, discomfort, and swelling.

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What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail might feel difficult and swollen at first. Bacteria may enter if the nail grows into the skin or even if the skin develops over the nail edge. The nail may become infected. Ingrown toenail infection symptoms include:

• The toe is leaking liquid or pus.
• Pain.
• The region is reddened or darkened.
• Swelling.
• Toes are warm or heated.

How to fix an ingrown toenail? 

Here are 10 ways to fix an ingrown toenail:

• Try soaking your feet. Let your painful toe soak for 15 minutes in a warm salt water bath several times daily. This soak can assist with ingrown toenail discomfort and swelling. After each bath, thoroughly dry your foot.

• Make sure your feet are dry. Let your feet breathe to prevent sweating or wetness.

• Using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• Remove the outer layer from the nail gently using a tiny fingernail file or even another blunt object that will not cut or harm the toe.

• Insert tiny pieces of clean, moist cotton here between the ingrown toenail and the epidermis to assist in separating them and cushioning the skin. To begin, soak the cloth in water or an antibacterial cleaner.

• Using pain medications as directed. Tenderness and swelling can be reduced using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• If your symptoms do not go away - or worsen - after trying home remedies, then the doctor may need to address the condition. They might try:

• Antibiotics on prescription. To treat your infection, you may require oral or topical treatment.

• Taking the nail out. If your condition is minor and does not include pus, the doctor may be able to use a splint to raise your nail and place it in a different position to encourage it to grow above the skin.

• Taking off a piece of the infected nail. Before surgically removing the section of the nail that is growing into your flesh, the doctor may numb the toe.

• Taking off all of the diseased nails. The doctor may recommend surgery if you continue to have ingrown toenails on the same toe or finger. It might take up to 4 months before it grows back in completely. It is also more prone to be damaged when it grows back.

Also Read: How To Treat Green Nails At Home?

How can you prevent ingrown toenails?

A few easy precautions can help to lessen the chance of ingrown toenails:

• Employ clippers developed exclusively for toenails since they are properly formed and give enough force to swiftly cut the nails.

• Nail clippers should be cleaned before and after usage. Filthy clippers might allow germs and diseases to enter the area beneath the nail.

• Toenails should not be cut too short. It should not be shorter than the toe; trimming may cause toenail pains and raises the possibility of the toenail growing in an unusual shape.

• Toenails should be cut straight across. Rounded or pointed forms produce malformed borders, which may grow into the skin.

• Choose shoes that fit properly. Too small shoes might squeeze the toes, perhaps resulting in an ingrown toenail. Footwear with pointing toes could also increase the risk, especially if they are unpleasant or pinch the toes.

• Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails than others due to genetics or medical problems.

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What should you avoid?

As per the report published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. They suggest:

• Never cut a gap in your nail because it will continue to bend downwards into your flesh.
• Not clipping the nail all around the edges regularly since this might aggravate the issue.
• Putting cotton beneath the nail because it gives an ideal habitat for germs to flourish, increasing the risk of infection.
• Over-the-counter ingrown toenail drugs should be avoided since they mask the discomfort but do not cure the condition.

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Conclusion -

Ingrown toenails may be painful. They develop when the toe's toenail develops into the toe or if the skin grows over the nail. The ailment often affects the large toes but can affect any toe. Ill-fitting shoes, incorrect nail clipping, and foot disorders can cause ingrown toenails. It will not go away independently, but they may typically be treated at home over a few days. If a person has any of the following symptoms, they should consult a doctor: If Home care does not help the ingrown toenail. Then it was a foot-related underlying health issue, such as diabetes. There are indications of infection. Individuals should wear shoes with enough space for their toes to prevent ingrown toenails. They should also follow correct nail-trimming procedures.

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