When it comes to an ingrown toenail, there are certain activities and practices one should avoid. First of all, it is important not to pick at the nail or try to remove it manually. This can cause further inflammation and can also be quite painful.
It may also result in infection. Additionally, one should not wear tight shoes or socks, as this can worsen the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. That’s why it is important to pick a shoe or sock size that is comfortable and not too tight.
Additionally, soaking the toenail in a solution that is too hot or cold can also be detrimental. Finally, one should avoid trimming the affected toenail in an attempt to fix the ingrown portion. This can make it worse and prolong the healing process.
Although it’s tempting to do something about the discomfort and pain, it is essential to remember not to do anything that can worsen the ingrown toenail. Professional medical attention should be sought to ensure proper and safe treatment.
What makes an ingrown toenail worse?
An ingrown toenail can become worse for a variety of reasons, such as improper trimming of the toenail, inadequate footwear, and certain activities or sports that put a lot of pressure on the affected toe.
In some cases, the toenail may continue to grow into the skin, growing more painful over time. Without proper care and treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected, leading to redness, swelling, and increased pain.
Other factors, such as diabetes and circulatory issues, can also make an ingrown toenail worse. If an individual with an ingrown toenail experiences any irritation, redness, swelling, pus, fever, or extreme pain, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
How do you stop an ingrown toenail from getting worse?
The best way to stop an ingrown toenail from getting worse is to make sure you are taking good care of the area around the toenail. Make sure you are keeping your feet and toes clean and dry and that you are wearing properly fitting shoes.
Avoid cutting the toenail too short or too round in shape. Instead, cut the toenail straight across and file the edges so they are smoother. Soak the affected toe in warm water for about 15 minutes a day to reduce inflammation and pain.
If the pain and inflammation does not improve, it is best to consult with a doctor to make sure there are no underlying issues causing the ingrown toenail. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a procedure to help remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
Can an ingrown toenail fix itself?
Generally speaking, an ingrown toenail cannot fix itself, though the symptoms may resolve on their own in some cases. If an ingrown toenail becomes infected and the infection can get worse over time, professional treatment is recommended to prevent further damage and discomfort.
Commonly, treatment involves removing some of the affected nail, allowing the ingrown corner to be freed from the skin. If the infection has spread, antibiotic medications may be prescribed to help clear the infection.
In some cases, a doctor may elect to permanently remove the ingrown nail. Taking preventive measures, such as wearing well-fitting shoes, trimming nails properly, and avoiding tight hosiery may help reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail.
Can ingrown toenails come out of nowhere?
Yes, ingrown toenails can come out of nowhere. This painful condition is caused when the nail grows into the skin of the toe instead of growing over the skin. It can be the result of a number of factors such as improper pedicure techniques, trauma to the nail or toes, improper fit of shoes, or a fungal or bacterial infection.
In some cases, people are predisposed to this condition due to the shape of their toenail. Additionally, some people have toenails that are thicker, curved or wider than normal, which can increase their risk of ingrown toenails.
What happens if you don’t remove ingrown toenail?
If you don’t remove an ingrown toenail, it can become a very serious problem. When the toenail grows into the skin, it can cause infection, swelling, redness, and intense pain. This can lead to complications without proper treatment, such as tissue and bone damage, gangrene, and even the development of cysts and tumors.
All of these can lead to long-term foot and ankle deformities and other foot-related problems. Therefore, it is important to treat an ingrown toenail as soon as it is noticed. Seeing a doctor is the best course of action to make sure the ingrown toenail is removed properly and that any infection is treated.
Treatment is also important to reduce the chance of the nail growing back in an unwanted way. Ultimately, this can help to avoid potential long-term foot damage.
How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to fix itself?
The length of time it takes for an ingrown toenail to fix itself will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to four weeks for the condition to improve.
If the toenail is severely infected, then it may require medical intervention and antibiotics to help reduce swelling and improve the condition. In addition, if the toenail has become too embedded in the surrounding tissue, then it may require corrective surgery.
If a home-treatment option is desired, it may help to soak the affected foot in a warm, salt-water solution several times a week, as well as keeping the area clean and dry to help reduce the risk of infection.
Finally, wearing shoes with plenty of toe-room can help to reduce the chances of an ingrown toenail in the first place.
At what point does an ingrown toenail need surgery?
Surgery for an ingrown toenail is usually only recommended when other treatments have not worked. When non-surgical treatments, such as wearing open-toed shoes and soaking the toe in warm water with Epsom salt, do not bring relief, surgery may be the best option.
Surgery for an ingrown toenail may also be recommended if there is a significant infection, if the toe is abscessed, if the nail is very large, or if the problem is recurrent. The most common surgery for an ingrown toenail is a partial nail avulsion, which involves removing part of the nail and the offending tissue.
After the procedure, a bandage and gauze is applied and regular soaking, icing, and use of an antibiotic ointment may be recommended. If the nail is removed completely, the doctor may cauterize the base of the nail bed to prevent further ingrowth.
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor.
Do ingrown toenails always have to be removed?
No, not always. In many cases, an ingrown toenail can be treated without needing to be removed. The first step is to make sure the nail is kept clean and dry and to wear loose fitting shoes. Soaking the foot in warm water for 10-15 minutes can also help to reduce swelling and pain.
If the toe is chronically infected or does not improve with home treatments, then a doctor should be consulted and removal of the nail may be necessary. Removing the entire nail or part of the nail depending on the severity of the situation.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to prevent the nail from growing back in the same way, or a medicated pad may be recommended to reduce inflammation.
Can you get rid of an ingrown toenail without surgery?
Yes, it is possible to get rid of an ingrown toenail without surgery. The first step to treating an ingrown toenail is to soak the foot in warm water for about 10 minutes several times a day. You can also add Epsom salts or other natural salts to the water to help reduce swelling.
After the soaking, gently massage the nail and the surrounding skin to help the nail become uningrown. Alternately, you can put a piece of cotton or dental floss underneath the nail to help it start growing normally again.
Other home remedies such as applying a warm compress and liniments may also help to reduce the pain associated with an ingrown toenail. If these methods do not work, you may need to see a doctor who can use special instruments to help you remove the nail while minimizing pain and damage to the surrounding skin.