An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners of your toenail bend downward and dig into the skin of your toe. They are often caused by your shoes. While the condition causes pain and swelling, you can take steps at home -- such as temporarily pulling the toenail gently back from the skin -- to help relieve these symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Significance
Wearing tight shoes or shoes that are too short and clipping your nails too short gives you the highest risk for an ingrown toenail, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Other causes of the condition include stubbing your toe or having someone step on your toe. A hard, tender and swollen toe is typically the first warning of an ingrown toenail, while soreness, redness and an infection with pus often follow. Several methods of home care, including pulling your toenail back from the skin to insert cotton or waxed floss, can reduce your risk of surgical treatment.
Function
Fast care for an ingrown toenail is essential to prevent infection and the likelihood of surgery. Submerge your whole foot in warm water at least three times daily for up to 20 minutes, as the water will reduce swelling and tenderness. Keep the foot dry and your toe wrapped in a bandage with antibiotic ointment in between soakings. Set aside time each day to carefully pull the edge of your ingrown toenail back from its position, and then place fresh cotton down between the skin and your nail, according to MayoClinic.com. Waxed dental floss can substitute for cotton if necessary. Change the cotton every 24 hours to encourage healing and to allow the nail to grow over the edge of your skin.
Considerations
Wear sandals during your home treatment to avoid irritation of the ingrown toenail, recommends Family Doctor.org. Any shoes worn during this period should provide enough room for your toes to stretch and expand. Most drugstores carry pain relievers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen that can reduce your discomfort.
Potential
Notify your doctor if your ingrown toenail shows no signs of improvement or worsens with inflammation, pain and swelling, as you likely have an infection. Your doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics and recommend the removal of a portion of the nail or the tissues on your toe in order to block the nail from penetrating inward as your toe grows to a normal position, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Removal of your entire toenail may be necessary if your doctor determines you have a chronic condition, although your nail should regrow in at least four months.
Prevention/Solution
Reduce your risk for an ingrown toenail by using a sharp nail trimmer to cut your nails straight across. Avoid rounding or tapering the corners and never trim your nails shorter than the edge of your toe. Socks and shoes that give your toes adequate room for flexibility also lower your likelihood of an ingrown toenail, while high-heeled shoes increase your chance for the condition, according to Family Doctor.org.
Expert Insight
Check your feet each day for symptoms of an ingrown toenail if you have diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com. People with diabetes tend to have a slower rate of healing.
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