Ingrown Nail Remedies
Ingrown toenails are caused by a curved toenail growing into the skin, instead of out. Generally, the toenail will penetrate the skin at the sides of the nail where it meets the toe. Ingrown toenails can commonly be treated at home, with the help of a physician or with the help of a spa professional.
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Causes
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Ingrown toenails happen for a plethora of reasons. Genetic inheritance is common. Most often, however, a specific trauma is the cause of ingrown toenails. Stubbing, fungal infections, loss of a nail or dropping heavy objects on a toenail can cause higher incidences of ingrown nails. Improper or invasive toenail trimming and wearing ill-fitting shoes are also causes of ingrown toenails.
Health Effects
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An ingrown toenail can either puncture the skin or just grow into the skin. If the toenail punctures the skin while growing into it, it can cause bacterial infections that cause puss, drainage and odor. Even without skin breakage, swelling, redness, burning sensations and skin irritation are common symptoms.
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Home Treatment
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If there is no infection of the ingrown area, home treatment is a viable and inexpensive option. If there is pussing, redness or fevered skin around the nail, or pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, conditions in which blood clotting does not occur easily or other conditions that make injury healing difficult, do not attempt home treatment.
Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts loosens the skin around the nail. Massage the skin around the nail so it loosens from the nail itself. Repeat daily until results begin to show. If results don't show after daily treatment of a week or so, consult a physician.
Physician Treatment
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Physicians may prescribe several different routes to eradicate ingrown nails. Most gentle treatment plans include oral antibiotics or a simple in-office surgery where a part or the whole nail is removed. If the problem is persistent, the physician may recommend a more invasive surgery done by an ankle and foot specialist where the nail is completely and permanently removed.
Spa/Salon Treatment
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Many salons and spas have pedicure specialists who professionally treat ingrown toenails through a mixture of soaking the foot and removing the ingrown part of the nail. Call ahead to ensure that the spa or salon has qualified technicians.
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