Foot Care for Ingrown Toenails
- Reach target blood sugar and HbA1c levels
- Wear diabetes footwear or footwear that prevents foot deformities
- Wear absorbent diabetes socks to absorb excess sweat
- Never walk barefoot
- Examine feet thoroughly for any changes on skin and toenails
- Trim toenails properly. ...
- Avoid smoking as it can accelerate diabetic neuropathy
When should you seek medical treatment for an ingrown toenail?
Medical Treatment of Ingrown Toenails. Once your ingrown toenail has progressed past the first stage, you may need to seek medical help. There are various surgical treatments of ingrown toenails your podiatrist may recommend. All of these are standard, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
How to properly cut diabetic toenails?
- medical-grade toenail clippers, as standard clippers may not be able to cut all the way through and can slip off the nail and cut your skin
- longer foot soak (20 or 30 minutes in warm water)
- clipper disinfection using alcohol or diluted bleach
How to treat ingrown toenails correctly?
Steps to Treat Ingrown Toenails
- First, take a large enough container, in which you will soak your feet in hot water, for 15 to 20 minutes. ...
- After this time, dry your feet well and put some dental floss under your nail. ...
- Cut your fingernails with a straight nail clipper and file them so that they are straight, without any protruding edges. ...
Why you should never ignore an ingrown toenail?
REASONS FOR INGROWN TOENAILS
- Tight shoes. Ballet pumps or football boots might press on the side of the toenail, causing it to bend and lacerate the skin
- Poor cutting. Cutting nails and leaving a spike at the edge of the nail will mean it subsequently digs into the skin
- Genetics. ...
- Stress. ...
- Hormones
Can diabetes cause ingrown toenails?
If you have diabetes, you're more likely to develop ingrown toenails, in addition to other foot conditions. This is because diabetes causes poor blood flow to your feet. You should inspect your feet on a regular basis, especially when you have diabetes.
How do you treat diabetic toenails?
Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. Don't let the corners of your toenails grow into the skin.
What kills ingrown toenail infection?
Use an antibiotic to reduce swelling and pain The swelling and pain that you experience with an ingrown toenail often come from bacteria that gets trapped between the nail and your skin. Dr. Rambacher recommends using a topical antibiotic to kill the bacteria.
What does diabetic toenail look like?
What to Look For in Diabetic Toenails. The first toenail change you'll notice in diabetic patients is likely to be discoloration. Most have some yellowing of the nails, though the shade and involvement can vary. Discoloring may start at the distal edge (tip), and run all the way to the root of the nail bed.
What does a diabetic foot infection look like?
The symptoms of diabetic foot infections are similar to those of any infection. The area around the injury will become red, eventually spreading from the original site. People with diabetic foot infections will also experience pain or tenderness at the site of the wound, and the original cut may seep pus.
Why shouldn't diabetics cut their toenails?
Toenails that are too long, too short, or jagged pose a risk to your foot health, especially if you have diabetes. Sharp, long toenails can scratch or cut your toes and feet without your knowledge. On the other hand, toenails that are too short increase your risk of getting ingrown nails.
What will draw out an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails occur when the side corners of a toenail grow down into your skin and pierce the soft tissue. Soak your foot in lukewarm water with Epsom salts two or three times a day and massaging the skin afterwards may help draw out an ingrown toenail.
What is the fastest way to get rid of an ingrown toenail?
Lifestyle and home remediesSoak your feet in warm, soapy water. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves.Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail. ... Apply petroleum jelly. ... Choose sensible footwear. ... Take pain relievers.
Does hydrogen peroxide help ingrown toenails?
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.
What are 3 things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
What is the best thing for diabetics to soak their feet in?
In some cases, people add Epsom salt to baths or tubs to soak in. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath.
Why shouldn't diabetics soak their feet?
Do not soak feet, or you'll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can't feel that the water is too hot.
How to treat ingrown toenails?
Foot Care for Ingrown Toenails 1 Reach target blood sugar and HbA1c levels 2 Wear diabetes footwear or footwear that prevents foot deformities 3 Wear absorbent diabetes socks to absorb excess sweat 4 Never walk barefoot 5 Examine feet thoroughly for any changes on skin and toenails 6 Trim toenails properly. Ensure that you do not cut the edges too small as it can pierce into the adjoining tissue 7 Avoid smoking as it can accelerate diabetic neuropathy 8 Get feet examined by a podiatrist regularly
Why do my toes get ingrown?
The feet have numerous sweat glands and moisture contributes to ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the pressure of the toenail growing out pierces the skin adjacent to it. This condition is characteristic with pain, swelling, discomfort and infections.
Why do my toe nails pierce?
When the ingrown toenail pinches against adjacent skin, it lacerates and pierces the soft tissue. Due to humidity and heat conditions present in the feet, fungal infections and bacterial infections emerge. Over a period of time, this results in death of the surrounding tissue and causes gangrene. Diabetic foot infections, ...
Why are my toenails infected?
Poor foot hygiene. Activities like sports, and dancing. Genetic causes. Obesity. Diabetes. Ingrown toenails are prone to infections due to humid and heat conditions.
Can diabetes cause ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be a risky condition in people with diabetes as it can lead to diabetic foot infections and diabetic foot. People with diabetes have poor blood circulation and nerve problems of the feet. Feet are the farthest extremities of the body and so they are the first to be affected by poor blood circulation.
Who can diagnose ingrown toenails?
Your family doctor or a foot doctor (podiatrist) can diagnose an ingrown toenail. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor during your appointment. Some basic questions include:
What to take for toe pain?
Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help ease the toe pain.
How to stop toe nail from growing back?
This procedure may prevent that part of your nail from growing back. Your doctor will use a chemical, a laser or other methods.
How to get rid of swollen feet?
Soak your feet in warm water. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day. Soaking reduces swelling and relieves tenderness.
Can you take antibiotics for toe infection?
Your doctor may also recommend using topical or oral antibiotics, especially if the toe is infected or at risk of becoming infected.
Can you trim an ingrown toenail?
Partially removing the nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail (redness, pain and pus), your doctor may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Before this procedure, your doctor may temporarily numb your toe by injecting it with an anesthetic.
How to get rid of gangrene on toe?
You will be prescribed stronger antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and you will most definitely need wound debridement to clean the wound and/or surgery to get rid of the offending nail.
What happens if you leave a toe infected?
If left untreated, your toe infection could spread to the surrounding skin, the underlying tissues and bones, and into your bloodstream. Untreated or non-healing wound infection could also result in deep ulcerations and gangrene.
Can you take ingrown toenails for granted?
So don’t take ingrown toenails for granted. Be very vigilant and always check your foot for any signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail.
Can you clip an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable, even painful, at times. But the moment you clipped the offending part off, the relief is so good. For a few days, that is, until the nail grows back and you’re dealing with the pain again.
What causes an ingrown toenail to grow?
The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. Other possible symptoms include: pain if pressure is placed on the toe inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe a build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe bleeding white or yellow pus coming from the affected area When to see your GP See your GP or podiatrist (foot care specialist) if your ingrown toenail is badly inflamed, bleeding or has pus coming from it, because it may be infected. It's also important to seek medical advice if you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail. Having diabetes could affect how your toenail heals. Read more about foot care and diabetes. Causes of ingrown toenails A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including: badly cut toenails – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it's pressed on to your toenail sweaty feet – if the skin around your toenails is soft, it's easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it injury – for example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop natural shape of the nail – the sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail A fungal nail infection can cause your toenail to thicken or widen. Treating ingrown toenails Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected, so it’s important Continue reading >>
Why are ingrown toenails dangerous?
For a few days, that is, until the nail grows back and you’re dealing with the pain again. As a diabetic, you should keep an eye out for ingrown toenails and have it taken care of right away. Unfortunately, because of poor blood flow and nerve damage to the distal extremities, the signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail are oftentimes missed. Some diabetics only visit their doctor when the ingrown toenail is already causing problems. You should be vigilant when it comes to checking for any signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails since this toe problem can be very dangerous to diabetics. #1 – Infection As the corner of the nail grows longer, it pushes deep into the soft flesh of your toe and causes some discomfort. The offending bit will also irritate and pierce the soft flesh, resulting in superficial laceration and inflammation. It also increases your risk of bacterial and fungal infection. If left untreated, your toe infection could spread to the surrounding skin, the underlying tissues and bones, and into your bloodstream. Untreated or non-healing wound infection could also result in deep ulcerations and gangrene. - Advertisement - #2 – Amputation Once the toe infection causes ulcerations and gangrene, you will need aggressive treatment to control the spread of the infection. You will be prescribed stronger antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and you will most definitely need wound debridement to clean the wound and/or surgery to get rid of the offending nail. If these measures cannot control the problem, amputation may be ordered. According to experts, diabetics who have a history of pre Continue reading >>
What causes diabetic foot problems?
Symptoms and signs of diabetic foot problems arise due to the decreased sensation from nerve damage as well as the lack of oxygen delivery to the feet caused by vascular disease. Diabetic foot problems also include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails. These problems are not specific to diabetes, but may occur more commonly due to the nerve and vascular damage caused by diabetes. Treatment depends on the exact type of foot problem. Surgery or even amputation may be required for some cases. Gangrene (dry gangrene) is tissue death due to absence of blood circulation. It can be life threatening if bacterial infection develops (wet gangrene). Many diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented by good control of blood sugar levels combined with appropriate care of the feet. How can diabetes cause foot problems? Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in problems in the legs and feet. Two main conditions, 1) peripheral artery disease (PAD), and 2) peripheral neuropathy are responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), means that there is narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. This is sometimes referred to as "hardening" of the arteries. Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing peripheral artery disease. In addition to pain in the calves during exercise (medically known as intermitte Continue reading >>
Why do diabetics get sores on their feet?
High blood glucose from diabetes causes two problems that can hurt the feet: Nerve damage. One problem is damage to nerves in the legs and feet. With damaged nerves, your elderly parent might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet. A sore or cut on your foot may get worse because you do not know it is there. This lack of feeling is caused by nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage can lead to a sore or an infection. Poor blood flow. The second problem happens when not enough blood flows to the legs and feet. Poor blood flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called peripheral vascular disease, also called PVD. Smoking when you have diabetes makes blood flow problems much worse. These two problems can work together to cause a foot problem. For example, a diabetic gets a blister from shoes that do not fit. He does not feel the pain from the blister because there is nerve damage the foot. The blister gets infected. If their blood glucose is high, the extra glucose feeds the germs. Poor blood flow to the legs and feet can slow down healing. If a bad infection never heals, it could cause gangrene, which makes the skin and tissue around the sore die. The area becomes black and smelly. To keep gangrene from spreading, a doctor may have to do surgery to cut off a toe, foot, or part of a leg. Caring for a Diabetic's Feet Wash the feet in warm water every day. Make sure the water is not too hot by testing the temperature with your elbow. Do not soak feet. Dry the feet well, especially between the toes. Look at the feet every day to check for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other problems. Checking every day is even more important if your elderly parent has nerve damage or poor blood flow. If the skin is dry, Continue reading >>
What are the complications of diabetes?
Chronically high blood sugar (glucose) levels can be associated with serious complications in people who have diabetes. The feet are especially at risk. Two conditions called diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease can damage the feet (and other areas of the body) in people who have diabetes. What is diabetic neuropathy? Chronically high sugar levels associated with uncontrolled diabetes can cause nerve damage that interferes with the ability to sense pain and temperature. This so-called "sensory diabetic neuropathy" increases the risk a person with diabetes will not notice problems with his or her feet. Nearly 10% of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers due to peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage. People with diabetes may not notice sores or cuts on the feet, which in turn can lead to an infection. Nerve damage can also affect the function of foot muscles, leading to improper alignment and injury. What is peripheral vascular disease? Diabetes is associated with poor circulation (blood flow). Inadequate blood flow increases the healing time for cuts and sores. Peripheral vascular disease refers to compromised blood flow in the arms and legs. Poor blood flow increases the risk that infections will not heal. This, in turn, increases the risk of ulcers and gangrene, which is tissue death that occurs in a localized area when there is an inadequate blood supply. What are common foot problems of people with diabetes? The following images show common foot problems that anyone can get; however, those with diabetes are at increased risk for serious complications associated with these conditions, including infection and even amputation. Athlete's foot Fungal infection of the feet is called athlete's foot. Cracked skin, itching, and redness are associated w Continue reading >>
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.
What to do if you have an ingrown toenail?
Mayo Clinic recommends tucking small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of an ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.
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.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- If home remedies haven't helped your ingrown toenail, your health care provider may recommend: 1. Lifting the nail. For a slightly ingrown nail, your health care provider may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge, usually in 2 to 12 weeks. At home…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- You can treat most ingrown toenails at home. Here's how: 1. Soak your feet in warm, soapy water.Do this for 10 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves. 2. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail.After each soaking, put fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge. This will help the nail grow above the s...
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Your primary health care provider or a foot doctor (podiatrist) can diagnose an ingrown toenail. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your appointment. Some basic questions include: 1. Is my condition temporary or long term (chronic)? 2. What are my treatment options and the pros and cons of each? 3. What results can I expect? 4. Can I wait to see if the condition goes away o…