How to Treat Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are painful and unsightly, but can be treated or prevented. This condition is seen as red, painful, tender toes and is caused by pressure on the toenail, causing it to grow into the soft tissue around the toe. Most cases of ingrown toenails can be prevented. The common causes are incorrect cutting of the nail or accidents causing injury to the nail and toes, for example, heavy objects on the toes or tight, ill-fitting shoes.



This article will give some advice for avoiding ingrown toenails and providing treatment to the affected area.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear proper fitting shoes and ensure that the tip of the shoe does not cause tightness or pressure around the toe region. Women's shoes that are pointed and narrow are common causes of ingrown toenails.

2. Clip the toenails correctly. Soften the feet and the toes first in a warm foot bath. This will ensure that the nail is not brittle and reduce the possibility of the nail splitting. Cut straight across the top of the toenail making sure you don't cut the nail too short. Leave the outside edges parallel to the skin.

3. Wear proper work shoes in accordance with your occupation. A construction worker, for instance, should always wear stout steeltoe shoes to protect the feet and toes.

4. Give your toenails and feet a regular pedicure. This will maintain the toes and the nails in good condition. It is also a way to massage the feet and increase blood circulation to the feet and nails.

5. Try an over-the-counter medication to alleviate pain from an ingrown toenail. Dr. Scholl's Ingrown Toenail Relief strips are great for temporary relief.

6. Make an appointment with a podiatrist so that the doctor can remove the affected toenail.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't treat the ingrown toenail, the chance of it becoming infected will increase. Always see a doctor if the toenail appears infected.
• This article is not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your own medical doctor.

Resources

• Jewell Productions
• Jewell TV
• National Insitute of Health

[MariM]

on 1/12/2009 Thank you , great advice because I get those occasionally.