Ingrown toenail: causes, symptoms and home remedies (and when to go to the podiatrist)

The ingrown toenail occurs when it digs into the surrounding skin. It is a very common problem that causes intense pain and inflammation.

In addition to swelling and redness, it often becomes infected and forms pus. The big toes are the most affected by ingrown toenails, and ill-fitting shoes are the main cause.

Causes of ingrown toenails

The causes of ingrown toenails are common:

Constant pressure from shoes too tight.Nail care and cutting technique incorrect.hereditary predisposition (for example, nail bed too small for toenail).sweaty feet (sweating softens the skin around the nail, making it easier for the nail to penetrate).

Symptoms and consequences of inflamed toenails

The typical symptoms of an ingrown toenail are:

Inflammation of the tissue around the toenail Redness and swelling Local pain that intensifies with pressure Throbbing swelling and warmth in the area Pus

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail has many negative consequences. On the one hand, mobility is affected by pain and sports activity is practically not possible.

Even can affect sleep since touching the mattress or blanket causes pain.

The inflammation may extend to the entire nail bed and the problem is exacerbated if tissue grows over the nail.

Home remedies for ingrown toenails

ingrown toenails can be treated with home remedies that relieve inflammation, take pressure off the sore area, or allow the nail to grow back properly. Home remedies can work wonders if applied as soon as the symptoms appear. If the problem worsens, the intervention of the podiatrist is necessary.

1. Foot baths

Feet and toenails will always appreciate a soothing foot bath, not just when suffering from an ingrown toenail. You can add substances likeessential oil of tea tree, chamomile or rosemary, They have anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.

For a chamomile foot bath, Pour boiling water over the dried flowers, allowing it to cool before dipping your feet.For a rosemary foot bath, Boil a few tablespoons of dried rosemary with enough water to cover the feet.tea tree oil It is a popular home remedy for ingrown toenails. Add a few drops of the essential oil to hot water.

You can take the foot bath for 10-20 minutes.

2. Bandage the finger

After the foot bath, take advantage of the fact that the tissue is soft to separate the nail from the skin by placing a piece of cotton in the middle. If you can’t, place waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge. This will help the nail grow above the edge of the skin. Then apply some sweet almond or coconut oil and bandage the finger with tape. There are ointments with iodine or zinc with an inflammatory effect that help the skin heal.

3. Cut your nails well

Prevention is the best treatment for ingrown toenails. Never cut your toenails in a curved way or leave spikes. Nails should be cut straight to encourage forward growth.

Regular treatment with nourishing nail oils and foot creams It can help keep nails and the tissue around them soft and flexible.

When to go to the podiatrist if you have an ingrown toenail?

Podiatrists know methods to treat ingrown toenails.If the edge of a toenail has already grown into the tissue and you can’t separate it It’s time to go to the podiatrist.

The treatment will depend on the state of the nail. It may be enough to lift the edge of the nail and place a small splint or cotton underneath. To place it, it may be necessary to apply a local anesthetic. With the help of the splint the nail will grow in the right direction. Treatment can last from 6 to 12 months.

In some cases, especially when the problem recurs, partial nail removal may be necessary (also with anesthesia) or even part of the nail and the bed (then the nail will not grow back in that area).