Tuesday 18 March 2014

How to Get Rid of Painful Ingrown Toenails

There are several foot conditions which are quite common and can strike anytime due to negligence or poor foot hygiene. Ingrown toenail is one such foot problem that primarily affects the great toenail. While the normal toenail grows vertically or outward towards tip of the toe, ingrown toenails grow abnormally. Though not that serious from medical point of view, but ingrown toenail is one condition which often turns painful coupled with redness or swelling. If not taken care in time, it can result in clear or yellow drainage too.

What causes Ingrown Toenails

One sure indication of ingrown toenail is when the soft skin on one or both sides of the nail starts growing over edges of the nail. Sometimes the nail itself juts into the skin thus causing cracks in that area of the skin. Ingrown toenails often results in inflammation and in severe cases infection too. Inflammation even worsens the problem as the nail folds into the skin even more. As the ingrown toenail protrudes deeper into the skin, this exacerbates pain and injury.

Who are prone to it

Though no such specific category can be pinpointed but experts opine that athletes, children or adolescents are more prone to ingrown toenails. Then there are certain factors which can also trigger the problem one of which is congenital foot/toenail deformation. Repeated trauma or a sudden accident when your toe is stepped on can also cause a piece of nail to pierce into the skin. You are most likely to fall into the vulnerable category if born with long toes or short nails. Cutting the toenail inaccurately can also result in its abnormal growth. If you have this habit of cutting the nail too short, then be careful; you might be inviting serious problem! Those suffering from diabetes, obesity, arthritis or foot sweating problem are susceptible to this foot condition too.

General Complications Related to the Ailment

Infections of varied degrees can happen because of ingrown toenail. The person may suffer from bacterial tissue infection. The nail fold and surrounding skin might get infected or scarred.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenail

It is always advisable to take timely action before infection sets in. You can try out some easy home remedies. Just soak your feet in warm salt water and then dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Apply some mild antiseptic cream on the toenail and surrounding skin. Bandage the toe properly. Shift to comfortable footwear that offers enough room for your toe. However, if the swelling, pain or discharge aggravates in spite of this home remedy then it is time to visit an expert podiatrist. Don’t be intimidated if he says that a minor surgical procedure needs to be conducted. In fact this is nothing but an in-office treatment whereby the overgrown skin or affected nail portion is removed and the infection is treated with some medicine. However, it is always advisable to visit an experienced foot care specialist only for the purpose rather than opting for a general physician.

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