Ingrown Toenail Home Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a painful but common problem caused by high heels, or tight shoes, genetics, incorrect cutting, disorders such as toenail fungus or an injury to the area. Also known as unguis incarnates or onychocryptosis, symptoms include the toenail digging into the skin at the end or side of the toe, pain, swelling, redness, and in more serious cases there can be an abscess, fluid and even extra tissue growth. It usually affects the big toe, though it can occur in others, and is most common in adults in their 20s and 30s and men in particular.
Ingrown toenails treatment
You can choose to try to use ingrown toenail home treatment or you can get medical attention. If the problem is not chronic and there is no infection the doctor will probably use a splint to lift the nail and give you instructions on what to do at home. However if the problem is more serious you may need to undergo a simple surgical procedure that often your doctor can preform his or herself right there in the office. It is very important that if you do have an infection or a serious case, you have a doctor deal with it rather than attempting ingrown toenail home treatment surgery. Most cases of people that perform a home surgical procedure are made worse.
What to do for ingrown toenail home treatment in less serious cases
Apart from that fact you should not perform surgery on the nail at home, other people that should also seek medical help are diabetics, those with poor circulation and people with nerve damage in the foot. Otherwise if there is no infection here is what you can do for ingrown toenail home treatment.
- Soak the foot in warm water at least 4 times a day, you can add salts if you want to, but they are not necessary.
- Make sure you wash the infected area twice a day with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly after and try to keep it dry all day.
- Avoid tight shoes and high heels. Until it has heeled sandals would be ideal.
- Use a small piece of cotton or gauze and roll it into a small wick. Lift the nail and place the wick in between the nail and skin to stop it digging in and keep the nail elevated. This will hurt but is very important. After you soak it try to push the wick a little further in and change the wick once a day. After 7 to 15 days the nail should grow out so that it no longer cuts in to the skin.
- For pain relief use acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Be aware however this ingrown toenail home treatment does not work for everyone. Usually relief occurs after three or four days. If it does not see a doctor.
Homeopathic ingrown toenail home treatment
- Oils such as lavender oil or tea tree oil can be added to the foot soak. They will help with the healing and have antiseptic properties. Do not use undiluted directly on the toe though.
- Visit a local homeopathic practitioner and he or she may have other herbal suggestions for you.
- Some over the counter remedies are natural.
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