Toenail Infections: Origins, Home Solutions, and Avoidance Strategies
Ingrown toenails, a common foot condition, occur when the side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and potential infection. Here's a guide on preventing, treating, and seeking professional help for ingrown toenails.
Prevention
To prevent ingrown toenails, it's essential to maintain good foot hygiene. Always use clean tools to trim your nails, and ensure you trim them straight across. Avoid cutting them shorter than the tip of your toe. Wearing protective footwear and shoes that fit properly is also crucial. Comfortable shoes and socks can help slow the development of an existing ingrown toenail.
Home Remedies
For mild cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Soaking the feet in warm, soapy water or using Epsom salts in the water might help relieve swelling and pain. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is sometimes used due to its antimicrobial properties. Toe protectors, cushiony rings available online and in drugstores, can create a barrier around an ingrown toenail and may have medicated gels with various benefits.
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
A hydrogen peroxide soak can be used for cleaning and disinfecting the affected area. However, it's important to note that hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin, so use it sparingly and dilute it with water.
Over-the-Counter Antibiotic Ointments
OTC antibiotic ointments can reduce the risk of a toe infection and provide relief from discomfort and swelling.
Prescription Treatment
In more severe cases, prescription antibiotics can help ward off microbes causing an infected ingrown toenail. If an ingrown toenail causes chronic throbbing pain, severe pain or discomfort, skin that's warm to the touch or red, a weird or foul smell, inflammation, or doesn't respond to at-home remedies, consult a healthcare professional.
Professional Treatment
Toenail avulsion, a procedure to remove a recurring or severely ingrown toenail, is performed by a healthcare professional after a local anesthetic is administered. The report mentions treatment by a podologist who removes excess nail parts gently, possibly using a nail correction brace. Other sources mention Dr. Luigi Manzi at SmartHallux and surgical practices such as Sana Clinics in Wurzen or Dr. Sauer's surgical practice in Hamburg as centers treating ingrown toenails.
Recovery
During the recovery period, it's important to give the toe a lot of TLC and avoid tight shoes and strenuous activity. Healing times for toenail avulsion procedures vary, but most people recover within 2 to 6 weeks.
Conclusion
By following the preventative measures and seeking professional help when necessary, you can effectively manage and treat ingrown toenails. Always remember to prioritise your foot health and consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent symptoms or discomfort.
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