An ingrown toenail is a type of condition where the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This results in the redness and swelling of the skin. It results in great pain and discomfort that can even hinder an individual’s movement. So, it is crucial to understand the causes of this foot condition and how to get rid of it to regain your comfort and movement capabilities.
What are the causes of ingrown toenails?
Improper nail trimming:
cutting the nails too short can cause them to grow into your skin. In addition, rounding the edges can also encourage the nail to grow inwards.
Tight footwear:
Wearing shoes that are small and narrow can exert pressure on the nail that can press it into the skin, resulting in an ingrowth.
Injury:
Toenails also experience trauma from actions such as dropping a heavy object on it. The trauma can make the nail grow inwards.
Genetics:
Sometimes it is not about your careless handling but what you carry inside your genetics. The natural shape and thickness of your toenails can make them grow inwards from time to time.
Poor foot hygiene:
Not observing foot hygiene can result in ingrown toenails.
Prevention and treatment for ingrown toenails
You can avoid and treat ingrown toenail conditions by doing the following prevention and treatment activities:
Proper nail trimming:
It is important to trim your toenails straight and across using clean and sharp clippers. You should avoid rounding the edges and let the nail remain in its natural shape.
Wear appropriate footwear:
Do not just wear shoes because you like their appearance. It is good to take your time to find the right shoe size that fits well and leaves enough space for the toes to move freely inside. This also applies to when you start noticing that your initial shoes are becoming smaller due to your current foot size and no longer give you comfort when worn.
Avoid trauma:
If your nature of work involves constant lifting of heavy objects, avoid dropping them on your toes to prevent ingrown toenails as a result of trauma. You should also be careful when strolling across the street as you may stumble upon objects that may cause trauma to your toes.
Maintaining proper hygiene:
You should always keep your feet clean and dry, especially after engaging in dirty work that can cause dirt to stick deep into the nail openings. It is also recommended to change socks regularly after a single use to avoid ingrown toenail conditions.
Applying antibiotic cream:
If you are diagnosed with ingrown toenails, you can purchase an antibiotic cream from over-the-counter and apply it to prevent infection and restore your toenails.
Lift the nail:
You can comfortably lift the ingrown nail edge using a cotton ball to encourage it to grow above the skin. If you are not sure how to do this, you can seek the help of a physician.
Wear comfortable shoes:
If you have ingrown toenails, it is crucial to wear open-toed shoes to avoid putting pressure on the affected area and encourage faster healing.
An ingrown toenail can exert immense pain and discomfort on your foot. It is important to properly trim your toes, have proper footwear, maintain foot hygiene and avoid trauma to prevent the occurrence of ingrown toenails. If the condition persists, it is advisable to seek medical assistance immediately.