Info About Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are something many people end up struggling with at some point during their lives. However, there are some that deal with them a lot more than others. In order to have a better understanding of why you may be getting ingrown toenails and what some of the things are that you can do about them, review this information.

Some helpful facts about ingrown toenails you should know – Although you can get ingrown nails in any toe, they often happen in the big toe. Some of the most common reasons some people end up getting them include not trimming their nails properly, wearing shoes that allow their toes to press up against the insides of the shoes and picking their toenails with their fingernails which causes them to become misshapen.

What you can do at the start of an ingrown toenail – If you just notice the start of an ingrown nail in one of your toes, you can try to treat it at home. However, if you aren't able to get it better, then you will need to go to the podiatrist to have it properly treated. At home, you can make sure you properly trim the toenail and try to gently work it out of the skin.

You also want to be sure to soak it in an Epsom salts bath with very warm water. This soak may help to draw the nail out and will help prevent infection. If the nail becomes infected, you can see it as it will get red around the area. It may also have puss coming out of it, and it will become extremely painful. You will need to be put on a round of antibiotics to get rid of an infection.

Some people have an increased risk of getting ingrown toenails than others – There are some people who are going to end up being more prone to getting ingrown toenails than others. Some people may be at an increased risk due to genetics, while others may be at an increased risk due to their lifestyle.

Some of the people more prone to them including athletes involved in on-foot sports, those with poor hygiene habits, anyone who stands on their feet most of the day in the wrong shoes, someone with bad foot mechanics, someone who has had a foot injury, someone with bunions or hammertoes, diabetics, someone with foot fungus, and anyone who happens to have oddly long toes. While you may not be able to do anything about some of these things, if you can decrease your risk of dealing with ingrown toes, you should.

For more information, contact a professional like Greenberg Paul.

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