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Ingrown Nail Cure

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the foot that can be extremely difficult to live with. An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the toenail begins growing into the toe. Walking can become difficult, and day-to-day life can become much more difficult than normal. Understanding the treatment for ingrown toenails, either at home or by a physician, can make life with this problem much easier.

  1. Prevention

    • One of the most important ways to avoid an ingrown toenail is prevention. The Epodiatry website says "the cornerstone of self treatment and prevention of ingrown toe nails involves cutting the nail straight across..." This stops the corners of the nail from growing into the skin by allowing it to stick out far away from the toe. You shouldn't taper the corners of your nail. Epodiatry also states it is not true that cutting a V at the end of your toenail will prevent ingrown toenails. Don't wear tight shoes and socks as these can cause the nail to grow inward. Wash your feet regularly to avoid infections.

    Soaking the Foot

    • If you have an ingrown toenail, you should seek help from a podiatrist. However, the ingrown toenail can be treated partially at home. One of the easiest ways to treat your ingrown toenail is to soak your foot. This should be done only if you do not have an infection. This simple treatment involves soaking your foot in water for extended periods of time. Don't warm or cool the water. The water should be at room temperature. Epsom salts is often used in this treatment. While your foot is soaking, massage the side of the nail lightly. This will help reduce the inflammation and will help soothe the pain.

    Stay Comfortable

    • Like any medical condition, it is important to keep yourself comfortable when you have an ingrown toenail. Too much pain can lead to fatigue, stress and mental anguish. Wearing comfortable shoes is very important. You have to give the nail plenty of room so that the pain is less intense. Wearing sandals is often suggested as this helps keep the toes free and open to the air. Pain relievers may be necessary to keep the pain from being too bothersome. Aspirin will help treat your pain easily. Try to stay off your foot as much as possible and keep your toe clean to avoid infections.

    Medical Treatment

    • It is important to get physician help when treating an ingrown toenail. A podiatrist will examine your ingrown toenail to see if it is infected. If it is infected, you may have to take antibiotics, and the nail may have to be partially or even completely removed. Even if the nail is not infected, surgery may be used to stop the nail from growing into your skin. Permanent removal of the toenail may occur if the nail keeps growing into the skin over and over again. Sometimes, the doctor will simply remove the part that is cutting into your skin. After surgery, it will take three to four months for your nail to grow back.

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