Ingrown toenails An ingrown toenail is one of the causes of toe pain. Ingrown toenails occur when the sharp corners of the toenails dig into the skin on the sides of the toe. There is usually inflammation and pain at the point where the toe nail digs into the skin. It is important that you seek treatment for an ingrown toenail. This is because they are likely to develop infections or abscess if left untreated.
Causes of ingrown toe nails
Among the causes of ingrown toenails are improper shoes. High heels and tight fitting shoes compress toes together and pressure the nails causing them to grow abnormally. Trimming toenails improperly causes the nail corners to dig into the skin resulting in ingrown toenails. Nails should not be rounded. Always trim them straight across. Such disorders as fungal infections are known to cause the development of wide and thick toe nails. Such nails are more likely to dig into the skin resulting in ingrown toenails. Trauma to the toe or nail plate can cause injure the flesh and toenails to grow abnormally pressing into the skin resulting in an ingrown toenail. People with naturally rounded toe nails are naturally predisposed.
Treating ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can be treated in a variety of ways. In the early stages home remedies may work. Home remedies involve washing the feet twice a day and effectively drying the toe area. Lifting up the nail corners so that they do not dig into the flesh is part of the home remedy. Ingrown toenails may also be medically treated. The doctor first examines the toenail. If there is no acute infection the doctor simply elevates and recommends such conservative treatment as soaking the toes in warm water, using proper shoes and cleaning the nail frequently. In other instances however, the doctor may use splints. He/she may either use plastic strips, plastic tubes and cotton wicks in addition to resin to protect the flesh from the nails sharp corners. If there is extra tissue on the inflamed area, the doctor may remove it. This can help the toe heal faster. If the toenail is already infected, the doctor may recommend surgery. The surgery performed under local anesthesia drains abscess and removes the whole nail or part of it.
Preventing ingrown toenails
The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to properly cut toe nails. Also wear shoes that fit well and keep your feet clean.
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