5 Things You Need to Know About An Ingrown Toenail

1. Poor Foot Care is to Blame

An ingrown toenail is a painful affliction of the foot, particularly the big toe, in which the edges of the toenail curve into the surrounding skin. Shoes that are too tight and restrict the movement of the toes often cause ingrown toenails. Leaving the toenail rough or jagged after trimming is also another cause, as well as trimming the nail too shortly. In some instances, foot injuries are the culprit.

2. Home Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

You can often treat an ingrown toenail at home by soaking your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the skin around the nail. When the nail is pliable, you can lift the edge of the toenail gently and place a small piece of cotton gauze underneath the nail. This will prevent the toenail from imbedding further into the surrounding skin.

3. Don't Ignore the Signs

If your toe becomes red and swollen, or if there is discharge at the site, it could be a sign of infection. Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can affect the underlying bone and tissues of your foot; therefore, you should visit your doctor to receive appropriate medical attention. Your doctor can remove an ingrown toenail through a simple procedure. He will first numb your toe with an antiseptic and then cut a portion of your toenail away from the skin. Once he has made the cut, your doctor will then remove the offending nail. Your doctor may also perform a procedure called ablation, in which he applies a liquid solution or electrical shock to the area where he removed the toenail that destroys the underlying nail bed and encourages new growth.

4. Post-Surgical TLC

After surgery, your doctor will advise you to soak your foot daily in warm water and to apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the site twice a day. You should also protect the wound with a sterile bandage and avoid putting pressure on your foot for at least two weeks. You may take a pain reliever, such as Motrin, but contact your doctor if the pain is intense, or if you experience redness or swelling.

5. Pamper Your Feet

To prevent ingrown toenails in the future, cut your nails straight across so the edges don't curve down and do not pick your toenails. Wear loose-fitting shoes so that your toes are not rubbing against each other and avoid wearing high heels. If you have a job such as construction work, protect your feet with steel-toed shoes. You may be at a greater risk for ingrown toenails if you have diabetes or problems with circulation to your limbs; therefore, you should consult a podiatrist to learn about proper foot care and how to prevent ingrown toenails.