How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and sometimes painful if left untreated. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, about 20% of Americans have had at least one ingrown toenail in their lifetime. The condition is common, but most cases can be easily prevented. This article aims to educate readers on how to avoid ingrown toenails, and the measures to take when one appears.

The Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails usually occur when the edge of a toenail curves and grows into the skin surrounding the nail. The condition can result from different factors, including improper trimming of toenails, tight shoes or socks, foot injuries, and inherited nail shape among others.

The best way to avoid ingrown toenails caused by ill-fitting shoes or socks is to choose footwear that provides ample room around the toes and does not press the nails into the skin. Tight shoes and high heels can also worsen the condition of existing ingrown toenails. Make sure you wear shoes that fit well and give proper support.

Sudden injuries to the toe can cause the nail to grow abnormally, leading to an ingrown toenail. If you experience any foot injury or trauma, it is critical that you see your doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Lastly, ingrown toenails caused by improper toenail trimming usually occur when the nails are cut too short or when the nails are rounded instead of being cut straight across. To avoid this, always trim your nails straight across and only to the tip of the toe.

How to Spot Early Signs of Ingrown Toenails

The early signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, inflammation, and swelling around the toenail area. You might also notice clear or yellow-colored fluid coming from the affected area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to act fast and adopt measures to prevent worsening the issue.

Seven Practical Tips for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Here are seven practical tips to prevent ingrown toenails:

a) Trim your toenails straight across

Trim your toenails straight across with a nail clipper, not scissors. Do not round off the corners of your toenails, as this can lead to the nail growing into the skin on the side of your toe. Also, file the corners of the nails with an emery board to smooth out any sharp edges.

b) Soak your feet in lukewarm water before trimming them

Soaking your feet in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes before trimming can make your nails softer and easier to cut without splitting. Once you finish trimming, apply an antiseptic cream to avoid any potential infections.

c) Wear shoes that fit well

Ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on the nails and lead to ingrown toenails. Make sure that you buy shoes that fit well and allow enough space for your toes. Make sure the shoes are not too tight or too loose, as your toes need to breathe.

d) Avoid tight socks and hosiery

Similarly, tight socks or hosiery can force the toenails to grow into the skin. Choose comfortable socks and hosiery that do not restrict the toes’ movement or squeeze the area around the toenail tightly.

e) Keep your feet clean and dry

Maintain good hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially around your toes. Moisture can cause infection to develop and worsen the ingrown toenail.

f) Wear comfortable shoes with adequate cushioning and support

Wearing shoes that provide adequate cushioning to your feet will help to reduce the risk of injury and trauma. Good quality shoes that provide support and comfort will reduce the pressure on the toes, reducing the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.

g) Treat foot injuries or infections as soon as they occur

If you experience any foot injury or infection, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Delayed treatment may worsen the problem and lead to more severe health issues.

Possible Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

Home remedies for ingrown toenails include soaking your feet in warm water, applying antiseptic cream, and gently lifting the nail from the skin using dental floss. However, these self-care measures should be approached with some caution as they may lead to a more severe infection if done improperly.

If an ingrown toenail becomes severe and causes significant pain, your doctor or podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the affected part of the nail. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the toenail typically grows back, but with proper care, it should not grow ingrown again.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

If you keep experiencing ingrown toenails or your condition worsens despite self-care measures, it is essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat infections and recommend surgery if the problem becomes severe.

Conclusion

Ingrown toenails can be a real bother, but they are preventable. The best approach is to maintain good hygiene, follow optimal nail cutting practices, and wear adequately fitting shoes. Remember, early intervention is essential when spotting the early signs of ingrown toenails. Lastly, do not hesitate to seek medical attention if the condition worsens or reoccurs. Make prevention a habit and enjoy happy and healthy feet.