Tips For Dealing With Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be more than a minor nuisance. They can be quite painful, and in some cases, they may lead to an infection in the tissue surrounding the nail. Often, you'll need to go to the podiatrist to have your ingrown nail professionally trimmed or perhaps even removed. While you are awaiting treatment, here are some ways to deal with the pain and discomfort of ingrown nails at home.
Wear Open-Toed Shoes
The pressure of a shoe pressing down on an ingrown nail can make the pain worse. It can also cause the nail to grow even further into your toe tissue. Whenever possible, wear sandals or open-toed shoes to prevent this pressure. When you do need to wear closed-toe shoes, choose ones with a wide and spacious toe box.
Soak in Epsom Salts
Soaking your feet in warm water at the end of the day can help ease the discomfort and prevent infection. Adding some Epsom salts to the water will make the soak even more effective. The magnesium in the Epsom salts helps draw out any inflammation, and it will also ease any muscle pain you may have after gingerly walking on your feet all day.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After your nightly Epsom salt soak, apply a little triple antibiotic ointment to the ingrown nail. This should help the skin heal and prevent infections. Leave your shoes and socks off for a half hour or so after applying the ointment so that it has plenty of time to work. If your ingrown nails are pretty painful, you can find pain-relieving formulas that contain an antibiotic and also a mild pain reliever like benzocaine.
Trim the Nail Straight Across
If you have to trim your toenail before your podiatrist appointment, do not try to cut out the ingrown portion or shape the nail in any way. Just cut it straight across. This is the best strategy to try and encourage the nail to grow out properly.
Ice the Nail
If you have some pain in the middle of the day, one of the fastest ways to get relief is to apply ice to the nail for about 10 - 15 minutes. This should draw out the inflammation and essentially numb the area for a little while. If you have the space and can do so without making a mess, just inserting your whole foot into a bucket of ice water for a few minutes works, too.
For more information about ingrown toenails treatment, talk to a local podiatrist.
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