How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail: Complete Care Guide

Ingrown toenails are a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and discomfort when a toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. Whether you're dealing with an ingrown toenail on your big toe or another digit, this comprehensive guide will help you understand, treat, and prevent this painful foot problem.

  • What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

    An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This common condition often affects the big toe and can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful, especially if the nail is infected.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

How do you know if you have an ingrown toenail? Look for these signs:

  • Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
  • Redness and swelling around the affected area
  • Infection around the nail fold (the skin surrounding your nail)
  • Pus or drainage if the nail is infected
  • Skin growing over parts of the toenail

How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home

For mild to moderate cases, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home with these effective methods:

Foot Soaking Treatment

  1. Fill a basin with warm water and add Epsom salt
  2. Soak the affected toe for 15-20 minutes
  3. Keep your feet clean and dry between soakings
  4. Repeat 3-4 times daily to reduce pain and inflammation

Lift the Ingrown Edge

After soaking:

  1. Gently lift the edge of the nail that's growing inward and cutting into your skin
  2. Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and your skin
  3. This helps the toenail grow above the skin edge rather than into it
  4. Change the cotton daily after soaking
Nail Care Pen (Health Week Deal)

The Supplend Nail Care Pen Solution

The Supplend Nail Care Pen offers an innovative approach to ingrown toenail treatment with several advantages:

  • Precision application directly to the nail fold
  • Helps reduce pain and inflammation around the affected area
  • Contains antibacterial properties to help prevent infected ingrown toenail complications
  • Easy to use at home for treating an ingrown toenail
  • Portable design for treatment anywhere
  • Non-invasive alternative to more drastic measures

This effective tool works by softening the nail while creating a protective barrier that encourages proper nail growth.

When to See a Podiatrist

While home remedies work for many ingrown toenails, you should see a podiatrist if:

  • Your pain is severe or worsening
  • You notice signs of infection (increased warmth, pus, spreading redness)
  • You have diabetes or poor circulation
  • The ingrown toenail is a recurring issue
  • Home treatment hasn't improved the condition after several days

Professional Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options

A podiatrist might recommend one of these procedures:

Partial Nail Avulsion

For a severe ingrown toenail, a podiatrist may perform a partial nail avulsion to remove part of the nail that's growing into the skin. This procedure:

  • Is done under local anesthetic
  • Removes only the problematic portion of the nail
  • May include treatment to prevent that section from growing back
  • Takes a few months for your nail to regrow properly

Complete Nail Avulsion

In more extreme cases, your podiatrist might recommend complete nail removal. This toenail surgery:

  • Removes the entire nail
  • May be necessary for severely infected cases
  • Includes a longer recovery period
  • Might be combined with a procedure called matricectomy to prevent nail regrowth

Trim Your Toenails Properly

  • Cut your toenails straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer
  • Avoid trimming your toenails too short
  • Refrain from tapering or rounding the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe
  • Use proper tools designed specifically for trimming toenails

Wear Appropriate Footwear

  • Choose shoes that fit properly with adequate room for the toes
  • Avoid tight shoes that compress your toes
  • Wear shoes and socks that keep your feet clean and dry
  • Consider protective footwear to prevent trauma to your toes

Regular Foot Care

  • Inspect your feet regularly for signs of problems
  • Keep your feet clean and dry
  • Use the Supplend Nail Care Pen preventively if you're prone to ingrown toenails
  • If you have foot problems like ingrown toenails frequently, establish a relationship with a podiatrist

Treating an Infected Ingrown Toenail

If your ingrown toenail may be infected, take these steps:

  1. Continue warm water soaks with salt
  2. Apply an antibiotic ointment
  3. Keep the area clean and covered
  4. See a podiatrist if the infection doesn't improve quickly
  5. Don't attempt to remove part of the nail yourself if infection is present

Special Considerations for Different Types of Ingrown Toenails

Big Toe Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe due to:

  • The way the toenail grows in relation to the shape of your toe
  • Pressure from walking and standing
  • The big toe's vulnerability to trauma and tight shoes

Fingernail Ingrown Nails

While less common than toenail issues, ingrown fingernails require similar treatment approaches with attention to:

  • Hand hygiene
  • Proper manicure techniques
  • Avoiding nail biting and picking

Fixing an Ingrown Toenail: When Home Care Isn't Enough

If you've tried home remedies without success, don't hesitate to seek medical help. A fix for persistent ingrown toenails might involve:

  • Professional assessment by a podiatrist
  • Customized treatment plan
  • Possibly a minor procedure to cure the problem
  • Follow-up care to ensure the nail doesn't grow back incorrectly

Remember that one way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect your feet from trauma and to wear shoes that provide enough space for your toes.

  • Conclusion

    Ingrown toenails are a common condition, but with proper knowledge and care, you can effectively treat an ingrown toenail at home or know when to see a podiatrist. By trimming your toenails straight across and wearing properly fitting shoes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful ingrown toenails.

    For an effective at-home solution to help treat and prevent ingrown toenails, consider adding the Supplend Nail Care Pen to your foot care routine. Its unique formula and application method make it an excellent option for maintaining healthy toenails and preventing the discomfort of ingrown nails.