If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected; among the signs of infection you can see throbbing pain, discharge and bad smell. If you notice that this problem has developed, you should see your doctor. By treating your nail promptly, as soon as it becomes ingrown, you can avoid the risk of such a complication by soaking your finger in a salt water solution three times a day. In the future, you can prevent them from forming by trimming your nails properly, purchasing shoes that fit perfectly, and letting your feet breathe after doing sports and exercise.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Check the Symptoms
Step 1. Look for increased redness around the finger
An early symptom of ingrown toenail development is skin that is sore to the touch and inflamed; however, if you experience a noticeable increase in redness in the surrounding area, it means that the situation is getting worse and an infection is developing.
Step 2. Notice if the skin feels warm to the touch
You may feel it hot or hot as your nail starts to get infected. The rise in temperature could also be associated with throbbing pain; if the infection gets worse and you don't take care of it, a fever could arise.
Step 3. Watch for green or yellowish pus formation
Check if any purulent material builds up under the skin near the nail. you may also smell bad from pus formation.
When the nail is infected, the red skin appears to be surrounded by a lighter, whitish area
Step 4. Get examined
In case of an infection, you need to go to the doctor who is able to diagnose and treat the problem. Treatments depend on the severity of the situation; hot water foot baths, antibiotic therapy, or even nail removal may be needed when the infection has spread a lot.
- If you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, have AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy or have a weak immune system, you should contact your GP or podiatrist immediately.
- You should also see your doctor if you have chronic or persistent problems with ingrown toenails, if you have diabetes, a compromised immune system, some condition affecting nerves or sensitivity in the feet, or if you notice any signs of infection, such as pus, redness of the area., pain or swelling.
Method 2 of 3: Treating an Uninfected Ingrown Toenail
Step 1. Soak your foot in warm water for 10 minutes
Add Epsom salt or a neutral detergent. This treatment allows you to clean the area; in addition, soaking the finger relieves pain and reduces redness, as well as softening the ingrown toenail and surrounding skin.
Make sure the area to be treated is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step
Step 2. Roll a small piece of gauze or cotton between your fingers
Try to roll it up until it becomes a thin roll or looks like a small wick, then lower the skin over the nail and place the cotton roll between the skin and the nail itself, to lift it and prevent it from growing even more into the flesh..
- To keep the cotton roll in place, wrap your nail in medical gauze.
- This phase can be painful but it is necessary; You can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage your discomfort.
- You can also apply a topical antibiotic, such as Neosporin, to prevent further infections.
Step 3. Soak your finger two or three times a day
You have to change the cotton roll with each treatment and you should also push the cotton a little deeper each time. Repeat the procedure until the nail goes beyond the edge of the finger; it will take a couple of weeks for it to grow back to normal.
- If you don't see any improvement or develop an infection, contact your doctor for professional treatment.
- Wear sandals until the nail heals.
Method 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Don't cut your nails too short
Also avoid giving them a too rounded shape at the edges; instead try to keep them straight and not cut the corners, which must be clearly visible above the skin.
Step 2. Buy footwear that fits properly
If shoes (and socks) pinch your toes, it can cause ingrown toenails. Make sure you can move your toes inside the shoes; if you can't, you need to buy new shoes or choose a different model.
Tight shoes, such as those with high heels and thin toes, can lead to ingrown toenails
Step 3. Let your fingers breathe
People who get a lot of exercise or sporting activities that can potentially cause foot or toe trauma, such as football or dancing, are more likely to develop this disorder. After doing these activities, take off your socks and shoes and let your feet breathe for an hour or two while wearing sandals or walking barefoot.
- In addition, keeping your fingers and feet thoroughly clean and dry after engaging in strenuous physical activity can reduce the risk of your nails becoming ingrown.
- Wear cotton socks instead of synthetic ones to help your feet breathe better.
