Our feet are an important part of our body that helps in daily life tasks like walking and bearing the weight of the whole body. However, they often get ignored when it comes to taking good care of themselves. Even though our feet are tough, they can be susceptible to various issues. One of the common foot-related issues is ingrown toenails. It happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, and it creates irritation and swelling. Even it can get worse and more painful if not taken proper care of.
Here’s how you can handle ingrown toenails.
1. Soak Your Feet in Warm Water Regularly
When you have an ingrown toenail, the first thing you can do is to soak your feet in warm water. Warm water is very helpful in relieving the pain by reducing swelling. It can also soften the skin and nails, which makes it easier for you to handle them. If you are experiencing high discomfort, you can add Epson salt or any type of antibacterial soap. You should soak your feet for 12-15 minutes twice or thrice a day, depending on the discomfort you’re dealing with. Afterwards, you can gently dry them to keep the area clean. You can do it regularly to ease the discomfort.
2. Use Proper Nail-Cutting Techniques
People who cut their nails improperly are more likely to face ingrown toenails, as it’s one of the common causes of nail ingrowing. You should always cut your nails straight and avoid rounding the edges. When you round the edges, the nails become ingrown after they regrow and cause discomfort in your toes. Additionally, you should avoid cutting the nails too short, as it can increase the risk of growing into the skin. On cutting, if you feel the edges are too sharp, you can gently file them instead of cutting them too much. When you follow such techniques, you can keep your toes safe from having ingrown nails.
3. Pay Special Attention to Your Shoes
While dealing with ingrown toenails, you should pay proper attention to your footwear. They really affect how you feel while walking and the health of your toenails. When you wear tight shoes where your toes don’t have enough room, then they can worsen ingrown toenails by putting extra pressure on your toes. You should opt for shoes that have enough room for your toes to move freely. If you need temporary relief, wear open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops until the condition improves. They can help you a lot by reducing the discomfort and pain while walking.
4. Seek Medical Treatment for Severe Ingrown Toenails
Sometimes, home remedies are not enough for severe cases, and you may need medical help. If you’re dealing with severe issues with your toenails, such as if the area becomes red, swollen, or filled with pus, then you should immediately consult with a doctor. When you contact a professional, they can recommend a specialised ingrown toenails treatment to prevent them from escalating and causing further harm to your toes. They can suggest treatments like removing a part of the nail or prescribing antibiotics for infections.
