Looking for more information on what to do or what to avoid when it comes to ingrown toenails?
Ingrown nails can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Learn more about preventing yourself in this article.
Many people suffer a lot from ingrown toenails. The problem is common and painful.
Luckily, you can either treat a nail that already has the problem or prevent it from happening. With some good habits and care, you can prevent the appearance of ingrown nails.
Want more tips to keep your feet always beautiful and healthy? Also read this other content that we have prepared for you! Corns and Calluses: how corns on the feet form, types and prevention.
In the following, you will better understand what are the possible causes of ingrown nails, how to treat and especially, what to do to prevent the problem from starting! Check out:
What are Ingrown Nails?
Ingrown nails, known clinically as onychocryptosis, happen when the edge of a nail grows to penetrate the skin of the finger.
The severity of the problem varies widely. Ingrown nails can cause pain, redness, swelling around the nail and even more serious infections.
What are the causes of ingrown nails?
A wide variety of factors can cause or contribute to ingrown nails.
Commonly, the problem is caused when excessive pressure is placed on the nail. Some examples are tight shoes, foot or toe deformities can also put extra pressure on the nail area.
Another common cause of ingrown nails is improper trimming. When toenails are cut too short or the edges are rounded rather than cut straight, the toenail can turn and grow into the skin.
The natural shape of the nail also contributes. Some people are born with curved nails, which tend to grow downwards.
As you can see, the possible causes for ingrown nails are varied.
Therefore, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This professional is prepared to identify the cause of the problem and thus recommend the most appropriate treatment!
How to treat ingrown nails?
If you have ingrown nails, it is essential to make an appointment with a podiatrist. This is because, during at-home treatments, it is possible for the patient to make inappropriate cuts or expose the site to bacteria or other contaminants. Both are factors that can worsen the condition, turning minor injuries into infections.
In particular, they should seek medical help when they notice the problem:
- diabetics, as they are more susceptible to infections;
- patients with the nail too deep in the skin, inflamed or with pus;
- patients with swelling and circulation problems in the affected finger.
How to prevent ingrown nails?
The best remedy for ingrown nails, without a doubt, is prevention. There are some simple precautions that, when they become habits, can prevent this problem from appearing.
Check out the tips to avoid ingrown nails:
- Don't cut your nails too short;
- Do not cut the corners of your nails to make them rounded: the right thing is to keep the cut straight;
- Wear comfortable shoes: Both models that are too tight and those that are too baggy can put pressure on your nails and feet, causing a variety of problems;
- Keep an eye on your feet: the health of your feet deserves attention! Therefore, be sure to regularly observe the growth of the nails and the appearance of possible lesions. After all, ingrown nails can also be caused by the natural shape of the feet, fingers or nails.
- Control your weight: Being overweight is one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails.
- Let your feet breathe: not spending all your time with closed shoes helps keep your feet healthy and free from this and other problems.
How to cut toenails correctly?
See steps to cut your toenails to avoid ingrown toenails:
- Leave the foot in warm water to soften the nail;
- Use a clean, sharp nail clipper - preferably sterilized;
- Cut your nails straight. Do not round corners or cut them too short;
- Do not try to cut the ingrown part of the nail yourself. This will only make the problem worse;
Inflamed ingrown nails? Know what to do!
If you already suffer from an ingrown toenail, it's important to know what to do if there is inflammation. So here are the guidelines you need:
If the inflammation does not present pus
In this case, you can apply a treatment at home:
- Wash your foot with soap and water;
- Carry out the cleaning of the place, as recommended by the podiatrist; you will usually need to use some antiseptic and healing solution.
- Do not bandage or bandage. It is essential that the place can breathe.
And it doesn't hurt to reinforce: don't try to use homemade methods to lift or unnail your nails, especially if the area is inflamed. The home environment and tools are not suitable for the procedure and may cause major wounds or lesion contamination.
If the ingrown nails have pus
It is essential that you see a podiatrist immediately if your ingrown nails have pus. This is a possible sign of a more serious infection that needs to be treated correctly.
The podiatrist is able to give guidance and, in more serious cases, refer you to the doctor.
What not to do
Below you find very common errors among patients with ingrown nails. Avoid these actions so that there are no major complications:
- cut the part of the nail that is ingrown;
- cut the nail in a "v";
- put on dressings;
- try to lift the ingrown nail at home.
These measures only make ingrown nails worse. They also increase the risk of infection or the nail becoming ingrown again.
Take care of your feet and stop feeling pain! Schedule a review with us today.
