How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Toenail
Having an ingrown toenail can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient. There are several steps that need to be taken in order to avoid this condition. These steps will ensure that the condition is prevented from occurring and will also make the patient feel better after it does occur.
Prevention
Getting rid of an ingrown toenail is an important part of preventing a more serious infection. If left untreated, the infection can continue to grow and cause damage to surrounding tissue.
Ingrown toenail infections occur when the skin over a toenail breaks and allows bacteria to enter. The skin will then become inflamed and the bacteria can destroy tissue. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pus, and pain.
The best way to prevent an ingrown toenail is to cut your nails straight across. This will prevent them from curling over the edge of your skin.
If you are diagnosed with an ingrown toenail, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics to help treat the infection. These medications are a great way to reduce inflammation and ease the pain. You can also try soaking your feet in Epsom salt. This will help drain pus and ease inflammation. You should repeat the soak once a day until the toe heals.
A doctor may also take an x-ray to determine how deep the infection is. If the ingrown toenail is located below the skin, you may need a surgical procedure to remove the affected nail.
Another treatment method for an ingrown toenail is to use a gutter splint to keep the nail in place. The splint will keep the nail in place until the nail grows out of the skin. This may take up to four months. You can also wear loose-fitting socks to reduce pressure on the affected toe.
If you have diabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor about any foot problems. Diabetic patients have a greater risk of developing foot problems.
An ingrown toenail can also occur if you wear shoes that are too tight. These shoes can pinch the toes. The resulting pressure will cause the nail to curl over the edge of the skin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, swelling, and a feeling of warmth around the affected area. These symptoms can be very painful and if not treated, can lead to infection.
The most common cause of an ingrown toenail is improper nail trimming. If the nail is cut too short, it can cause the surrounding skin to fold over the nail.
Ingrown toenails can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or too long. Wearing shoes that are too tight puts pressure on the toenail and can cause it to bend or fold over.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by practicing good hygiene. Washing your feet regularly and wearing shoes with room in the toes are two steps you can take to prevent them. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment to your toenails.
If you notice signs of an infection, such as swelling, oozing pus, or redness, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, the infection can become very serious and even lead to tissue decay or bone infection.
In some cases, your doctor may need to take an x-ray to see how deep the nail is growing into the skin. This can help determine the right antibiotic to start treatment.
If you suspect an ingrown toenail, see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan to treat the infection and prevent it from reoccurring.
If you have diabetes, the complications of an ingrown toenail can be severe. Make sure you keep your feet dry. If you have a fungal toe, soak it daily and apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment. You should also change sterile gauze regularly to keep the area clean.
Treatment options
Having an ingrown toenail is a very painful situation. Ingrown toenails can cause swelling, redness, edema, and white pus. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need to consult with a doctor.
An ingrown toenail can be treated with over-the-counter medications, surgery, or prescription ointments. These medications are designed to reduce pain, reduce swelling, and infection, and promote healing. Some of the medications include ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. Oral antibiotics are also available. Oral antibiotics, such as Amoxil and vancomycin, help kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Antibiotics do not speed the healing process, however.
Nonsurgical treatment options include soaking the foot in warm water and applying an antiseptic ointment. You can also apply petroleum jelly to the tender area.
Surgical treatment options include a lateral onychoplasty, which is a procedure that removes the nail matrix. This method has a nearly 100 percent success rate. However, it can take two to four months for the nail to grow back. The procedure may also require antibiotics.
If a lateral onychoplasty isn’t effective, the doctor may try a more extensive procedure called wide wedge resection. This method removes a part of the nail matrix and makes the nail permanently narrower.
Ingrown toenail surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. In general, general anesthesia causes the patient to be unconscious. This is a good choice for people who are nervous or anxious. However, general anesthesia requires more preparation. During surgery, the doctor will cut infected areas and may also remove some soft tissue.
When it comes to surgical treatment options, the goal is to reduce pain and infection. The best treatment options are offered by an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist.
Precautions
Having an ingrown toenail is a painful experience. It can be treated with home remedies and antibiotics. However, if the infection becomes more severe, you may require surgery to remove the toenail.
An ingrown toenail is a common problem that affects people of all ages. People who are at risk for this condition are those with diabetes or vascular problems. They should take extra care to prevent ingrown toenails.
It is also important to avoid tight-fitting shoes that may pinch your toes. Tight shoes may force the nail into the skin, creating an opportunity for bacteria to enter and create an infection.
If you notice pain, swelling, or redness in your toe, visit your doctor. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat the infection and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate the pain. You can also soak your foot in warm water for several minutes to reduce swelling and tenderness.
For an ingrown toenail to heal, you need to keep the skin surrounding the nail clean and dry. You can also apply an antibacterial cream or Band-Aid. If the pain is severe, you may need to take an oral antibiotic.
If you experience swelling, redness, pain, or discharge, you should visit your doctor. The doctor will then clean the area and numb the toe with an anesthetic injection. Then the doctor will use special tools to separate the nail from the bed and remove it.
Your doctor may also recommend that you see a foot specialist. This is especially true if you have diabetes. This is because diabetics are at a greater risk for ingrown toenails and other complications.
An ingrown toenail is not a serious condition, but it can be a painful experience. You may need to see a doctor if the pain does not ease after a few days. You should also avoid putting pressure on the toe until it heals.
Surgery
Surgical removal of an ingrown toenail can be done in the doctor’s office or in an emergency room. Ingrown toenails can be painful and can lead to septicemia, a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthetic.
Ingrown toenails are caused by the side of the nail growing into the skin of the toe. The skin will become tender and oozing pus may occur. The doctor may recommend an antibiotic ointment or a topical cream to reduce the risk of infection. The pain should subside as the infection is cured.
If the nail is severely infected, the doctor may recommend the removal of the entire nail matrix. This will prevent the nail from growing back. This may be done by cutting out part of the nail or by destroying it altogether. The process is called nail debridement.
The doctor may also show you how to apply antibiotic ointment. If the infection is mild, it may be possible to control the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The doctor will examine your foot and toes thoroughly. This includes checking your pulse and temperature. He or she will also ask about any medications or allergies. The doctor will also ask about your recent tetanus immunization.
He or she may give you a tourniquet to hold the area where the surgery will take place. This will prevent bleeding during the procedure. Your foot will be elevated, which will help with pain control.
During the surgery, the doctor will also remove extra tissue around the nail. This will allow the toe to heal and will stop the infection from spreading to the rest of your toe.
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