what is the treatment for an ingrown toenail

Medication

What to do for an ingrown toenail

1. Epsom Salt. Epsom salt, or scientifically known as magnesium sulphate, has a range of different uses. ...
2. Hydrogen Peroxide. Being a powerful disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide helps the skin around the ingrown toenail to get soft.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
4. Vicks VapoRub. ...
5. White Flower Oil. ...
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil/ Lavender Essential Oil. ...
7. Oregano Essential Oil. ...

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Procedures

soak your foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day for a few days – this softens the skin around your toe and stops the nail growing into it. keep your foot dry for the rest of the day. wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals. take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain.

Self-care

They may:

• Lift the nail. The doctor might lift the ingrown nail and put a splint under it to relieve some pressure. ...
• Cut away part of the nail. If the doctor has to do this, they’ll numb your toe with a shot first.
• Remove the whole nail and some tissue. If your ingrown nail keeps coming back, this might be an option. ...

How to soften ingrown toenail?

Your podiatrist may recommend ingrown toenail surgery for a number of reasons:

• Your ingrown toenails keep recurring
• The nails have curved excessively
• You have diabetes (which can make complications more likely)
• The condition cannot be treated at home

How to prevent and treat ingrown toenails?

How do you remove ingrown toenail?

How does a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?

Will an ingrown toenail heal itself?

In some cases, an ingrown toenail will grow out and heal on its own. That's not always the case since an ingrown toenails left untreated can lead to complications.

How do I get rid of an ingrown toenail at home?

Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften your nails, and then use a towel to thoroughly dry your feet and toenails. Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across. To lessen the chance of the nail becoming ingrown, don't round off the corners.

How do you draw out an ingrown toenail?

Carefully pull skin away from your ingrown toenail with a small nail file that's blunt and won't cut your toe. Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between your nail and the lifted skin to lift the skin away from your nail.

How do you fix a ingrown toenail problem?

Here are 10 common ingrown toenail remedies.Soak in warm, soapy water. ... Soak in apple cider vinegar. ... Pack the area with dental floss or cotton. ... Apply antibiotic ointment. ... Wear comfortable shoes and socks. ... Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. ... Use a toe protector. ... Try a toe brace.More items...

Why does my big toenail hurt when I press?

Ingrown toenail Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe. Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own.

What can happen if you leave an ingrown toenail untreated?

Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can become very serious. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can spread to the bone beneath and infect your bone. You can also develop gangrene, which is the death and decay of the tissue. Diabetes is a particularly serious risk for foot disorders.

How do Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails?

A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide on an ingrown toenail?

Hydrogen peroxide is another great option to treat ingrown toenails at home. It is a natural disinfectant, which is the reason why it is commonly used to clean wounds. Soak your infected foot in a bucket of water and hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 to 20 minutes.

Does Vaseline help ingrown toenails?

Soak your toe in warm water for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, 2 times each day on the toe where the nail was removed. Wear a bandage on your toe. Wear loose-fitting shoes that don't press on the toe where the nail was removed.

Should I cut an ingrown toenail?

If a nail is already ingrown, however, a person should avoid cutting it at home, as this can make it worse or cause infections. An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail, usually on the big toe, grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails can be very painful.

When should you go to the doctor for an ingrown toenail?

When to see a doctor. The dividing line between relying on home care and seeking medical help for an ingrown toenail is if you see signs of infection. If the pain worsens considerably, or if you see pus or blood, increased redness, nail discoloration, or notice a bad odor, you need to seek professional care promptly.

Why do I get ingrown toenails on my big toe?

An ingrown toenail is a foot condition that develops when the corner of the toenail grows down into the skin. It usually affects the big toe. Ingrown toenails often happen when people cut their toenails by tapering the corner of their toenail. If the toenail curves with the shape of the toe, it can grow into your skin.

What to do if you have a red streak on your toenail?

If you notice signs of an infection, like fever or red streaks on your skin leading away from the nail area, let your doctor know. They can prescribe an antibiotic. If you have diabetes, there’s a higher chance an infected nail won’t heal properly.

What to do when your toe is hurting?

If you can, stick with sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes until your toe heals. Take pain medications. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can ease the pain.

What is a toe brace?

A toe brace. This is a plastic or metal brace that goes over your toenail to relieve pain and pressure. Sometimes an ingrown nail is caused by a fungus. A doctor can find out if you have a fungus and then offer treatment options. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Email Print.

How to get toes to grow?

You can do this three or four times a day. It’ll make your toe feel less tender and can help with swelling. Put dental floss or a cotton swab under your toenail. Once you’re done soaking your feet, put floss or cotton under the ingrown part of the nail. This will encourage it to grow above the skin.

Can antibiotics be used on toenails?

Your doctor might also suggest: Antibiotics. You might need to take antibiotics in the form of a pill or as an ointment to put on your toe.

What is the best way to treat ingrown toenails?

Soak in apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for almost everything these days, including ingrown toenails. It’s believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities, although scientific evidence is limited at best.

How to get rid of ingrown toenails?

Here are 10 common ingrown toenail remedies. 1. Soak in warm, soapy water. Soaking the affected foot may help reduce swelling and ease pain. You can soak your foot in warm, soapy water three times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time. Castile soap is a good option.

How to stop ingrown toenails from growing?

Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Shoes and socks that are too tight can crowd your toes. This is considered to be a leading cause of ingrown toenails. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from developing or worsening, wear shoes and socks or hosiery that fit but still leave ample space in the toe bed.

What is a toe protector?

A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. Some brands of toe protectors, such as Dr. Scholl’s, come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails for easy trimming.

How long does it take for ingrown toenails to heal?

They should improve within a week or so without causing permanent damage with the proper home care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause severe pain and infection that could spread to the bone. It’s common for ingrown toenails to recur, especially if you don’t take steps to prevent them.

How to heal a toenail with antibiotics?

Using over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream can promote healing and help reduce the risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the affected toenail following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually up to three times daily. These ointments include Neosporin, Polysporin, and Bactroban. Be sure to bandage the toenail after application.

What is a toe brace?

Try a toe brace. Toe braces are usually made of thin, adhesive, composite material and are glued to the top of your toe. They’re meant to help shield your skin from a sharp, ingrown nail and lift the nail edges as your nail grows. Toe braces are available online and in some pharmacies. 9.

How to treat ingrown toenails?

These steps help control the infection and prevent further pain: Soak the foot in warm water and Epsom salts twice daily. Keep the foot dry the rest of the time. Gently lift the edge of the nail and place some cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin.

What happens if you get an ingrown toenail?

If the nail grows into the skin, or the skin grows over the nail edge, bacteria can enter. The nail may become infected. Signs of ingrown toenail infection include: Liquid or pus coming out of the toe. Pain.

How long does it take for a toenail to regrow?

Then the provider cuts away part or all of the toenail. It can take a few months for the nail to regrow.

Do you need an X-ray for an ingrown toenail?

You typically don’t need any tests or X-rays to diagnose an ingrown toenail. In rare cases, when the toenail is severely infected, your healthcare provider might take a sample culture to identify the infection. X-ray may also be required in more serious infections.

Can you walk with an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail pain can make it hard to stand or walk. But ingrown toenail treatment is straightforward, and you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. If you have an infected ingrown toenail or a condition such as diabetes, see your healthcare provider for complete care.

Can an ingrown toenail heal without surgery?

Most of the time, an ingrown toenail heals without surgery. In severe cases, your healthcare provider may need to remove part of the nail surgically. The procedure is called a nail avulsion. Surgery keeps the edge of the nail from growing inward and cutting into the skin.

Can an ingrown toenail grow back?

Ingrown toenail treatment usually works. The ingrown toenail won’t grow back if you practice good foot care. You may need regular foot care exams if you have a condition that causes foot problems, such as nerve damage or diabetes.

How to treat ingrown toenails?

It is possible to treat an ingrown nail at home. Here are a few ways to deal with that troublesome toenail: 1. Olive oil treatment . Use a cotton bud to apply olive oil to the skin that is adjacent to the toenail.

How to get rid of a toenail?

2. A warm soak. Soak the foot in warm soapy water to soften the skin and separate it from the toenail. Do this three or four times a day. Instead of soap, a person can opt for white vinegar, a little bleach or some Epsom salts. After each soak, place dental floss or cotton between the nail and the skin. 3.

Why do my toenails grow?

An ingrown toenail can be as a result of one or more of the following reasons: Constant stress to the toes : This can occur with athletes who kick things all the time.

How to stop a toenail from growing back?

To stop the nail from growing back, the doctor will put cotton on the edges of the remaining nail.

Can an ingrown toenail immobilize you?

That type of ingrown toenail can immobilize a person. More so if it is left to grow to a point that it causes complications. Nobody wants that, which is why prompt treatment will help you get rid of the pain, discomfort or complications caused by that pesky toenail.

Can ingrown toenails cause pain?

Ingrown toenails can cause minor discomfort or terrible pain, depending on how much they have grown. For many lucky people, an ingrown nail will resolve by itself, without any treatment. Others people get aggressive ingrown nails that force them to walk with a limp.

Can you use home remedies on a toe nail?

That said, home remedies should only be used by healthy people with no chronic conditions or weakened immunity. As an example, a person with diabetes should always choose medical treatment over home remedies.

What to do if your toe is sore?

DO. Use the degree of soreness to figure out if you have an infection: If your toe becomes very swollen and sore, and you experience pus or discharge, seek immediate medical attention. You may have a severe infection (paronychia) that needs to be treated with oral antibiotics.

What is the skin on my toenail bed?

The skin bordering your nail bed is red, irritated and swollen. It's painful and tender to the touch. You have an ingrown toenail, and if you’re like most people, the next 3-4 days will be filled with an arsenal of nail clippers, antibiotics, and Band-Aids.

How to treat irritated skin on foot?

Adding a gentle foot massage can improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Dry your foot and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream. Keeping the affected area clean is a must to avoid infection.

Can diabetes cause ingrown toenails?

Though ingrown toenails can afflict people of all ages, some people are more vulnerable to getting them than others. Those with diabetes or nerve damage caused by circulatory diseases should be particularly vigilant, as lack of blood flow can slow healing. A tendency to develop ingrown toenails can also be genetic.

Can you cut your toenails too short?

Cut your toenails too short: Avoid tapering the edges of the toenail. Cutting your toenails too short increases the risk of having the nail grow into the exposed skin. A podiatrist can help cut toenails that have become difficult to trim, which often happens as we get older and our toenails become thicker and more prone to curling.

Can toenail break into flesh?

It can also happen when the skin grows over the toenail bed. When the toenail has broken into the flesh, bacteria can form and occasionally lead to serious fungal infections. The resulting inflammation is not only painful, but can cause health problems if left untreated.

Can you get an ingrown toenail from a dry toe?

Teens, athletes, and those prone to excessive perspiration should take precautions so they don’t unwittingly create an environment for bacteria and fungal infections. You’re less likely to get an ingrown toenail if you keep the skin surrounding your toenails dry.

How to get rid of ingrown toenails?

Salt water will help reduce the growth of bacteria in the area. Gently massage the affected area. This will help water soak into the ingrown toenail, which will help clear out bacteria and may relieve swelling and pain. ...

What does it mean when your toe nail is ingrown?

An ingrown toe nail occurs when your toe nail starts to grow down into the skin around it. Ingrown toe nails can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort, especially when you're wearing shoes .

How to get toenail to separate from skin?

Gently pull away the skin alongside your toenail. This will help separate the skin from the nail so that you can see the edge of the nail. Use a piece of floss or a pointed file to lift the edge of the toenail away from the skin.

How to soften toenail after soak?

Use cotton or floss to gently lift the nail edge. After you soak your foot, the toenail should be softened. Carefully work a piece of clean dental floss under the edge of your nail. Lift up the edge of the toenail gently so that it does not grow further into your skin.

What to do if you have diabetes and have ingrown toenails?

Wear protective footwear. If your work puts you at risk of injuring your toes, wear protective footwear, such as steel-toed shoes. Check your feet. If you have diabetes, check your feet daily for signs of ingrown toenails or other foot problems. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

How to tell if you have an ingrown toenail?

Symptoms. Ingrown toenail symptoms include: Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail. Redness around your toenail. Swelling of your toe around the nail. Infection of the tissue around your toenail.

What causes redness and swelling in the toenail?

Overview. An ingrown toenail may cause pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection around the toenail. Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe.

Why do my toenails grow?

If you trim your toenails too short, the pressure from your shoes on your toes may direct a nail to grow into the tissu e. Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that place too much pressure on your toes or pinch them may cause a nail to grow into surrounding tissue.

Can you trim your nails straight across?

If you have your toenails done at a salon, be sure to tell your pedicurist to trim your nails straight across. If you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet and you can't trim your nails, see a podiatrist regularly to have your nails trimmed. Keep toenails at a moderate length.

Can a cut on the foot heal?

So a minor foot injury — a cut, scrape, corn, callus or ingrown toenail — may not heal properly and become infected. A difficult-to-heal open sore (foot ulcer) may require surgery to prevent the decay and death of tissue (gangrene). Gangrene results from an interruption in blood flow to an area of your body.

Can you take care of ingrown toenails on your own?

Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe. Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. If the pain is severe or spreading, your doctor can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid complications of ingrown toenails.

How to get an ingrown toenail out of a toenail?

Take the cotton or floss out if it makes your pain worse or you see any signs of infection, such as pus. Carefully clip off the ingrown edge of the toenail if possible. Cover your ingrown toenail with an over-the-counter ointment, such as petroleum jelly, and a bandage.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the top corner or side of your toenail grows into the flesh next to it. It happens most commonly on your big toe. Common causes of ingrown toenails include: Many ingrown toenails can be successfully treated with home care.

How to keep toenails from growing out?

Cover your ingrown toenail with an over-the-counter ointment, such as petroleum jelly, and a bandage. This will help keep your toenail clean and protected as it grows out. Wear comfortable, open-toed shoes or shoes and socks that give your toe plenty of room. This gives your toenail space to heal.

How do you know if you have ingrown toenails?

Common symptoms of ingrown toenails include: pain around your toenail edges. buildup of fluid and thickening in the skin around your toenail. redness and swelling around your toenail. infection with draining pus around the toenail.

How long does it take for a toenail to grow back after surgery?

Ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective. If you have a partial toenail removal, your nail may grow back in approximately three to four months. If you had your toenail totally removed, regrowth can take up to a year.

How to prepare for toe surgery?

To prepare you for surgery, your doctor will first clean and numb your toe with an anesthetic injection. This can be quite uncomfortable. A snug elastic band may be applied to the area near where your toe joins your foot. They may put a wedge under your nail to hold up the ingrown section.

Why is my toenail ingrown?

Even after surgery, your toenail can become ingrown again. Sometimes this is because the new nail can grow in curved. An ingrown toenail can also come back if you continue wearing poorly fitting shoes, or if your toenail naturally grows in a curved direction.