Our toenails are just as a part of our body as our hands, legs, and everything else. Then why is it that we consider them as non-living and non-growing elements? Whenever our toenails get infected, we wonder how and why that happens.
Every toenail is nothing but a hardened surface of the top layer of the epidermis. So why do you think that toenails are not susceptible to infection?
This brings us to our topic of discussion; ingrown toenail infection. Ingrown toenails are a common occurrence. And infection after ingrown toenail development is even more widespread.
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Contents
Ingrown Toenail Infection: Common Causes
- An ingrown toenail is a condition resulting from hereditary factors. It means that if either one or both of your parents suffered from the condition, then you might too.
- Do you wear shoes or socks that are too tight or too short? Then the development of foot ailments is inevitable. This can lead to the formation of ingrown toenails. It can also cause heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, etc.
- One of the most common causes of ingrown toenail infection is an injury to the toenail. Jamming the toe or dropping something heavy on it might have caused the damage. When you exert excessive pressure on your toes, it can lead to ingrown toenail infection.
- You may think that you’re doing a good thing by clipping your nails too short but think again. When the length of your nail is shorter than it should be, the skin around the nail tends to fold over it. Once this happens, say hello to the ingrown toenail infection.
Ingrown Toenail Infection: What to Do about It?
More often than not, you can treat the condition on your own. All you need is Epsom salts or mild detergent. You should soak your feet with either of the two products mixed with warm water. What this does is makes the skin soft, which helps in reducing inflammation.
After the skin has become soft and supple, you can use a clipper to remove the infected nail. Following which, you should apply some antibiotic ointment. Put it on the affected region after the clipping.
How to Prevent & Treat Ingrown Toenails?
But do you know what’s better? Visiting a podiatrist to treat an infection after ingrown toenail development. A medical expert will be able to perform the same procedure but after giving you a local anesthetic.
There are two ways in which a doctor would treat the condition.
1. The first is the use of phenol. The doctor needs to kill all the cells responsible for the formation of the toenail. And phenol helps in achieving that.
2. The second method is matrix ectomy.
During this procedure, the ingrown toenail infection spot needs to become numb. And then it’s completely removed. These two are the most efficient permanent solutions. They can help you get rid of this infection formation.
The ingrown toenail infection is a pretty serious matter. So it’s always a better idea to not ignore it. Otherwise, the infection will spread and cause serious complications. It can be even more dangerous if you have a faulty immune system, poor blood circulation, or diabetes.
Ingrown Toenail Infection: Why you Should Remove the Toenail?
The removal of nails is what they call nail avulsion. And it is advisable if you’re suffering from conditions like an infection. Other conditions include nail tumors, fungal infections such as paronychia and onychomycosis, or warts.
The primary goal of a nail avulsion is for the doctor to be able to study the nail bed, nail folds, and the matrix. This is essential in helping the doctor decide whether he or she needs to examine your nail bed. And that happens by conducting a biopsy.
Conclusion
It’s always a better idea to visit a podiatrist. Especially if you have an infection after ingrown toenail or any other toenail injury. Seeking medical help will not only cure the condition but also make sure that it doesn’t happen again. Because finding a temporary solution when it comes to the feet and toenails is a horrible idea.
Infections developing in that region can cause significant inconvenience in your life. And nobody likes that, right?
So whatever you decide to do, please don’t cut the nail without soaking it first. Don’t even try to drain the infection or rub coal on the toenail. Many people try to dig under the nail for immediate relief. But these techniques don’t work, so don’t even think about trying them at home. Instead, visit a doctor right away!
What about you? Have you tried any home remedy to treat the ingrown toenail infection? Or did you opt for nail avulsion?
Please let us know what your toenail story is. The more information we have, the better solutions we can all rely on.
Happy feet!
Sources:
1. http://www.advancedtissue.com/properly-treat-toenail-infection/
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/03/how-you-can-prevent-and-treat-painful-ingrown-toenails/
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