Tips for Ingrown Toenails
While some people may not be affected, others can experience great pain from ingrown toenails. Also known as onychocryptosis, they commonly develop on the big toes. Incorrectly trimming toenails, hereditary factors, fungal toenails, and excessive external pressure from shoes or injury can be causes of this toenail condition. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can turn into a bigger complication that may even require surgery.
Ingrown toenails are preventable, for the most part. Attentive care of the feet and awareness of changes in the nail can help you prevent getting ingrown toenails in the first place. The following are some tips:
When cutting toenails, make sure to cut straight across, instead of round. Nails should also not be cut too short, since freshly exposed skin can swell up and toenails can grow into the skin.
Make sure your shoes fit well. Your footwear should not put pressure on your toenails. The toebox of your shoes should have space for your toes to wiggle.
·Treat injuries and infections promptly. Injuries involving swelling should be treated with ice. Additionally, fungal and bacterial infections should be treated promptly to prevent hardened toenails and pushing through skin.
Hereditary traits that have caused deformities should be treated so that they do not promote ingrown toenails. Hammertoes or curly toes may require specific pads or spacers to prevent toenails from experiencing pressure so that the nails grow into the skin.
Tips for Treating Ingrown Toenails
Bandages, padding, and/or spacers on ingrown toenail areas or between toes can be used to reduce pressure from footwear.
If you have redness or inflammation from the ingrown toenail, or if your toe has a cut from the ingrown toenail, treat with antibiotic cream.
Take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain and inflammation.
It is very important for those with complications or additional risk factors, such as diabetes to see podiatrist to help you with ingrown toenails. Contact us at PerfectFeetCare Podiatry Centers. Our podiatrists will assess your ingrown toenail problem to find the best treatment. They can also take care of your toenail trimming if you have diabetes and cannot feel your feet due to neuropathy. Make an appointment with us at our Miami (305-225-4277) or Hialeah (305-246-7437) offices.
