The fastest way to fix an ingrown toenail is to soak your foot in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes to soften the skin around the nail and help reduce swelling. After the soak, you can gently lift the nail from the skin with a pair of tweezers and clip away any sharp points at the edge of the nail.
Make sure to use sterile tools and soap and warm water to avoid infection. If you can’t lift the nail from the skin or the ingrown is particularly painful, you should see a doctor for care. Your doctor can also provide tips for preventing future ingrown toenails, such as wearing shoes that fit correctly, trimming your toenails correctly, and changing your footwear when your feet are prone to sweating a lot during physical activity.
How do you get rid of an ingrown toenail ASAP?
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, the best thing you can do to get rid of it as soon as possible is to see your doctor. A doctor can remove the affected ingrown toenail and provide treatment including antibiotics to prevent further infection.
In the meantime, you can begin self-care steps to reduce the pain and reduce the risk of infection. These include soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts, avoiding tight-fitting socks, wearing shoes with a wider toe box and elevating your foot whenever possible.
To reduce the pain, do not try to remove the ingrown piece of toenail, as this can cause even more pain and can lead to infection. If the pain is severe, consult your doctor for an over-the-counter painkiller or an antibiotic if the area is infected.
How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to go away?
The length of time it takes for an ingrown toenail to go away can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the steps taken to treat it. In most cases, an ingrown toenail can heal within a few weeks with proper treatment and care.
However, more serious cases may require several months before the toenail returns to its normal shape and condition.
If the ingrown toenail is minor, treatment and care at home may be sufficient for recovery. This includes soaking the affected foot in warm water for 15 minutes, twice a day to reduce swelling, wearing wide and comfortable shoes, and padding the affected area with a cotton gauze strip.
In severe cases, the ingrown toenail may need to be treated by a doctor. Professional take care may involve reducing the nail edge, partial nail avulsion (removal of a part of the nail), or complete nail avulsion (removal of the entire nail).
In addition, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the infection and reduce pain.
Recovery time will also depend on how well you adhere to the treatment plan and care instructions given by the doctor. For example, if you fail to follow the doctor’s advice to take the prescribed medications or soak your feet regularly, the healing process may take longer.
Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
Can an ingrown toenail heal itself?
An ingrown toenail can often heal itself, especially if it is caught early and treated promptly. Treating an ingrown toenail early can prevent it from becoming painful and infected. If caught early, the treatment might include soaking the toe in warm, soapy water and gently massaging the affected area.
Additionally, it may be helpful to wear shoes with a wide toe box to help relieve pressure from the toenail and reduce irritation. If the ingrown toenail becomes deeper or more painful, it may need to be removed by a healthcare professional.
The healthcare provider will numb the toe and use a scalpel or special scissors to remove the ingrown toenail. This technique is called a partial nail avulsion. After the nail is removed, the area needs to be kept clean and kept dry, usually with the help of ointments or creams.
If the toenail is particularly problematic, the healthcare provider may suggest a surgically placing a chemical, such as phenol, around the nail to prevent the nail from growing back in the wrong direction.
Does Vaseline help ingrown toenails?
Vaseline can help protect the skin surrounding an ingrown toenail, and can provide some relief when applied directly to the affected area. It can also help to soften the skin, making it easier to gently push the ingrown toenail back in line.
However, Vaseline should not be applied directly to the toenail itself as this can lead to an infection. If the toenail is causing considerable pain or discomfort, it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist in order to get proper treatment.
In extreme cases, it may be necessary to remove part of the toenail in order to alleviate pain and prevent further ingrowths.
What does an infected ingrown toenail look like?
An infected ingrown toenail typically appears red, swollen, and tender around the affected area. It may also be accompanied by drainage and a foul smell. The nail will likely be curved and embedded into the surrounding skin, potentially leading to an abscess or pockets of pus.
The skin around the area may be swollen, warm, and painful to the touch. In rare cases, the toe may become infected with a fungal or bacterial infection and will usually have a yellow or white discoloration.
In extreme cases, fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms may manifest. If the infection is not treated properly the toe may require amputation.
Why do ingrown toenails hurt so much?
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, and the reason for this is because the nail digs into the surrounding skin. As the toenail continues to grow, it can cause a buildup of pressure on the skin around it.
Small pieces of the nail can even break off and become embedded in the skin leading to swelling, redness, and even infection. The nail and the soft tissue around it can also become inflamed from bacteria and fungi, causing the area to become tender, painful, and swollen.
With an infection, it can also cause an extremely painful, swollen, red area around the nail. Overall, an ingrown toenail can cause a great deal of pain due to the pressure and infection of the surrounding skin and tissue.
How can I make my ingrown toenail grow straight?
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to treat it quickly and properly in order to prevent any further complications. To make the ingrown toenail grow straight, you will need to do the following:
1.Soak your foot in warm water regularly. This will help to reduce inflammation, providing relief and helping the toenail to eventually grow straight.
2. Gently push the nail away from the skin. You can do this lightly with a cotton swab, or by using a curved nail file. This will help to reduce pressure and prevent it from further cutting into the skin.
3. Apply an antibiotic ointment and/or a topical antifungal cream. This can prevent infection and will help to keep the area clean and free from bacteria. Be sure to dry your toenail thoroughly after each treatment.
4. Wear loose fitting shoes. This is especially important for times when you expect to be on your feet for more than a few hours at a time. Loose-fitting shoes with plenty of room for the toes will help to reduce the pressure on the ingrown toenail and will help to encourage it to grow straight.
5. Visit a podiatrist for more serious cases. In cases where the ingrown toenail is especially painful or infected, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a more individualized treatment plan.
This may include antibiotics, surgery, or other treatments.
By taking a proactive role in your treatments and following these tips, you can help to ensure that your ingrown toenail grows straight and in the comfort of your own home.
Is VapoRub good for ingrown toenail?
No, VapoRub is not a recommended treatment for an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection, so it is best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. While VapoRub is often used to soothe sore muscles and relieve congestion, it should not be applied to an ingrown toenail.
VapoRub can sometimes cause skin irritation, so it is not advised to apply it near or on a toenail. To reduce pain and swelling, it is recommended to soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salts several times a day.
If the ingrown toenail does not improve, it is recommended to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What aggravates an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are caused when the nail grows into the soft tissue of your toe instead of over it. This can be extremely painful and can become aggravated when it is ignored or not properly taken care of.
Some of the activities and habits that can aggravate an ingrown toenail are wearing improperly fitting shoes, overly trimming the toenail, or participating in physical activities that subject the toe to excessive force or pressure.
Keeping your nails trimmed and wearing shoes that fit properly can help reduce the irritation and the risk of infection. If you notice that your toenail is growing inward, it is important to contact a doctor or healthcare professional to address the issue as soon as possible.
What does Epsom salt do to ingrown toenails?
Epsom salt can be used to help treat ingrown toenails. When Epsom salt is soaked in hot water, the resulting solution is known as a “bath soak” and can be used to ease inflammation and reduce swelling around the affected nail.
It also helps to reduce pain, discomfort and itching associated with ingrown toenails.
The Epsom salt helps to soften the skin around the nail, which then allows the nail to grow more evenly and not grow into the surrounding nail bed. This can also help to stop the toenail from becoming infected.
Epsom salt baths are recommended for soaking the affected toe for about 15 minutes, twice a day for five days to help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the nail. After soaking the toe, it is important to thoroughly dry the skin to avoid any further irritation.
It is also important to use caution when treating an ingrown toenail with Epsom salt. If not used properly, it can cause further irritation or even damage to the surrounding skin. Soaking with Epsom salt should not be done more than twice daily, and it is important to avoid getting the solution into any cuts or open wounds.
Proper medical care is recommended if the issue persists despite home care.
Can ingrown toenails go away by themselves?
No, ingrown toenails typically will not go away by themselves. Ingrown toenails occur when part of the nail penetrates the skin in the toe and can lead to painful swelling, redness, and infection. To properly treat an ingrown toenail, you should see a doctor or podiatrist.
They will be able to trim the nail so it grows correctly and the skin can heal. They can also prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication, if the area is infected. In more severe cases, an ingrown toenail may need to be surgically removed.
It is important to seek medical attention for ingrown toenails as soon as symptoms start to appear in order to prevent further infection of the area.
Is it worth removing ingrown toenail?
Yes, it’s definitely worth removing an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail is a condition that can cause pain, redness, and swelling around the nail. It can also cause infection. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious problems such as cellulitis, abscesses, and chronic infection.
Such as soaking the affected foot in warm water and salt, applying antibiotic ointment, and applying ice packs to reduce swelling. However, the only way to fully treat an ingrown toenail is to have it surgically removed.
This is often done under local anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to help reduce the potential for future complications and infections.
Is there a downside to removing a toenail?
Yes, there are several potential downsides to removing a toenail. These risks include:
1. Pain: Removal of the toenail can be quite painful. This is especially true if the toenail has become embedded in the skin, or if the area is particularly sensitive.
2. Infection: If the removal process is not handled correctly or if proper aftercare is not provided, an infection may develop. This can manifest as redness, swelling, oozing or discoloration.
3. Bleeding: Bleeding can occur if the toenail is removed improperly. This can be especially dangerous if not cared for in a timely manner.
4. Nerve Damage: Because the toenail is very close to the nerves in the toe, the removal process carries a risk of damaging those nerves.
5. Re-growth Issues: It is possible for the toenail to grow back in an abnormal or deformed shape, or to not grow back completely.
6. Cosmetic Issues: Depending on the extent of the removal process, scarring and discoloration could potentially occur.
For this reason, it is recommended to seek professional help if removal of a toenail is necessary. A doctor or podiatrist can advise you of the best procedure to ensure that any potential risks associated with the removal process are minimized.