Medical Services

What You Should Know About Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a common occurrence in adults. It is caused by various things and it is related to our lifestyle choices. The condition occurs when the corners or edges of the nail grow into the skin causing a lot of discomfort and pain. You will need professional help if the toenail is infected. Otherwise, there are a few home remedies that you can try. You should be more concerned if you’re someone who suffers from diabetes or poor circulation to feet.

It is more common for ingrown toenails to occur when the person has sweaty feet. This is compounded by the fact that people wear tight fitting shoes that squeeze the toes or put undue pressure on it. There are many pointy toed shoe styles, narrow shoes or shoes that are a size too small that can give rise to the condition. You should also avoid wearing socks and stockings that are too tight for your feet. If you have irregular or curved nails you may be more prone to this condition. In such as occasion, an ingrown nail solution for podiatrists should be looked at.

You should also make sure that you don’t trim your toenails incorrectly. It is better if you cut them straight across without rounding or pointing so that there is little chance of the nail growing into the skin. Try not to trim the nails too short. This is something you should inform your pedicurist before the process. You can also get the condition if you injure your toenail by stubbing it, kicking a ball repeatedly and dropping something on your foot. Get the better treatment possible so that you will experience relief much sooner. Some other things to watch out for are improper posture and bad foot hygiene. You should always make sure that you wash your feet well in the shower or bath so that your feet are completely clean. Once you’re done, wipe your feet dry.

There are activities that can heighten the risk of getting an ingrown toenail such as football, ballet, soccer, kickboxing etc. This is because these activities can put a lot of stress on your feet constantly. You should be extra careful about the wellness of your feet if you’re engaged in such activities. If you do develop the condition, you may feel pain when there is pressure on the toe, there’ll be fluid buildup or pus around the toe and the skin next to is will become swollen. Ingrown toenails are prone to infection and if this happens you will experience pain, bleeding, oozing of pus and reddish swollen skin. Therefore, it is important that you treat it immediately. You can soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes. This has to be done about 3 to four times in a day. You can also use over the counter medicines. Other treatments include BS brace technology, applying a topical antibiotic and using a soaked cotton ball with olive oil to gently push the skin away from the nail edge.