How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat and prevent ingrown toenails. In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of ingrown toenails, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent them from happening in the future.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:
Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
Cutting toenails too short or not straight across
Trauma or injury to the toe
Genetic factors or structural abnormalities
How to Treat Ingrown Toenails
If you have an ingrown toenail, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the pain and discomfort:
Soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes, three times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Gently lift the edge of the toenail out of the skin using a clean, sterilized instrument. Do not force the nail or try to cut it yourself.
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover the affected area with a sterile bandage.
If your ingrown toenail is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it's important to see a podiatrist for professional care. They may need to remove part or all of the toenail or prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
To prevent ingrown toenails from happening in the first place, there are several things you can do:
Wear shoes that fit properly and provide enough room for your toes to move freely.
Cut your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges.
Avoid trimming your toenails too short or cutting them at an angle.
Take care when trimming your toenails and use clean, sterilized tools.
