An ingrown toenail is a very common type of condition in which the side or corner of the toenail grows into your soft flesh. The result is redness, pain, infection, and swelling. They normally affect the big toe.
You have to take care of the ingrown toenails by yourself. If the pain is spreading or severe, your doctor will take some steps to relieve discomfort and prevent complications of the ingrown toenails.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
- Tissue infection around the toenail.
- Swelling of the toe around your nail.
- Tenderness and pain in the toe along both or one side of the nail.
- Redness around the toenail.
Causes of an ingrown toenail
You will get an ingrown toenail when you-
- Cut the toenail quite short.
- Wear tight hosiery or shoes that do not fit properly that press the nail into the toe.
- Inherit genes that put you at risk of having them.
- Injure the toe by jamming or stubbing it.
- Round the nail edges. To avoid an ingrown toenail, always trim them straight.
- Put stress repeatedly on the toes because of poor physical activity or posture that stress the foot like soccer, ballet, and running.
What are the treatments of an ingrown toenail?
- Soak the feet in warm water for a duration of fifteen to twenty minutes each day three times.
- Keep them dry and avoid dampness.
- Take the help of a wedge to lift the nail.
- Apply an antibiotic cream.
- Proper fitting socks.
- Take painkillers.
Conclusion
If you have an ingrown toenail, you can contact Dr. Chetan Oswal at Orthowin Foot and Ankle Clinic in Pune.