Ingrown toenails are painful -- but very common. The redness and swelling that accompany an ingrown toenail are caused when one or both sides of your toenail grow back into the skin. An ingrown toenail can become infected, in which case you need to see your doctor for more thorough care. However, most of the time, simple self care at home provides relief for an ingrown toenail, says MayoClinic.com
Causes
An ingrown toenail can be caused by wearing tightly fitting shoes, an injury to the nail itself or toenails that grow out abnormally curved; however, the way you trim your toenails can also put you at risk for an ingrown toenail, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS. Cutting your toenails too short on the sides, as well as trimming them to conform to the curve of your toe, can increase your chances of getting an ingrown toenail.
Home Treatment
To treat an ingrown toenail at home, start by soaking the affected foot in warm water three to four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure that your feet stay dry the rest of the day, advises MayoClinic.com. During the healing process, wear roomy shoes that don't crowd your toes or wear open-toed footwear, such as sandals or flip-flops. The AAOS suggests delicately lifting the edge of the affected nail and inserting a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and skin -- remember to use new padding daily. Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain. If the toenail doesn't get better in two or three days or if you see signs of infection such as increased redness, inflammation and pussy discharge, see your doctor.
Prevention
To prevent ingrown toenails, trim them straight across rather than tapering them at the corners, keeping the tips of the nail even with your toes. Choose footwear that give your toes enough wiggle room, advises MayoClinic.com. Wear steel-toed shoes if your occupation puts you at risk for injury to your feet.
See Your Doctor
Ingrown toenails and other foot injuries pose more of a problem for certain populations. If you have diabetes or a medical condition that affects your circulation, an ingrown toenail can cause more serious complications if it doesn't heal properly, such as an infection of the bone underneath the toe and gangrene, cautions MayoClinic.com. See your doctor immediately if you develop an ingrown toenail and suffer from another underlying medical condition.
Other Tips
In addition to trimming your toenails properly, the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine suggests other tips for healthy feet. Give your toes a once over each day, inspecting them for swelling, redness, blisters and other irregularities. Keep the skin on your feet soft by rubbing in a lanolin- or petroleum jelly-based moisturizer after a bath. Wear clean, comfortable socks and shoes made of breathable material, such as leather, to keep your feet dry.
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