Ingrown toenails can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. If you are experiencing this problem, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If an ingrown toenail worsens, it can lead to a severe infection or bone disorder or become a recurring problem. Various factors and habits can increase your chances of having an ingrown toenail, such as trimming the nails too short or poor hygiene practices. Learn more about ways to treat this condition from an ingrown toenails Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills specialist, without resorting to surgery.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a common condition when tissue in your feet becomes pushed against its normal position by the opposing toes. The result can lead to swelling, redness, tenderness, inflammation, and bleeding. An ingrown toenail mainly affects the big toe because of its size and thick skin tissue around it. Fortunately, several non-surgical ways can help you relieve pain from ingrown toenails and prevent reoccurrence in the future. They include:
1. Soaking
Soaking your toenail in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes can help relieve pain and swelling. Afterward, using a warm compress, you can gently file the side of your nail growing into the skin. Doing so will help prevent ingrown from occurring in the future by smoothing out any rough edges on the nail’s surface. Soaking also softens the hard skin tissue and toenail, making it easy to trim the rough edges.
2. Use a warm compress
To treat an ingrown toenail, use a warm compress. A warm compress draws out the infection and softens the area around your toe for easier removal. Apply a damp washcloth or tea towel over the affected area for five to ten minutes daily until your toe has healed. Also, if you have an open wound on your foot or leg, a warm compress can help prevent infection, which can spread to other areas.
3. Wear Perfect Fitting Shoes
If you have a problem with ingrown toenails, the first thing to do is wear shoes that fit correctly. You should avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. Your shoes should also have a wide toe box and low heel angle so they do not crowd your toes when walking or running. Also, consider wearing cotton socks to prevent your feet from sweating. Sweaty feet can quickly breed bacteria, which can worsen the condition of your ingrown toenails.
4. Try an Over-the-counter Ointment
If you have a very stubborn ingrown toenail, try an over-the-counter ointment. However, you might need to be a little patient with this treatment method since it can take a few weeks to get relief from your ingrown toenail.
The first step in this treatment is washing your feet thoroughly and drying them with a towel before applying the ointment. It would be best if you also tried to avoid wearing shoes before applying the cream for effective results.
5. Do Regular Check-ups With Your Podiatrist
Regular checkups can help you identify problems early, saving time and money in the long run. Your podiatrist will be able to detect an infected toenail earlier before it causes other health complications. They will also provide the best treatment to keep your toenails healthy and pain-free.
If there is any redness or swelling on your feet, do not hesitate to contact some of the best podiatrists at Eazy Foot & Ankle. You receive the best advice on keeping your feet healthy to lower your risk of developing more ingrown toenails. The treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your ingrown toenails. Call today or schedule an appointment online to begin your treatment.