Ingrown toenails treatment and cure in Houston TX.

Ingrown toenails occur when sharp toenail corners dig into the side and end toe skin. This leads to pain and inflammation at these points which may lead to growth of extra tissue or draining of yellowish fluid. If left untreated, ingrown nails can lead to an infection or an abscess that needs surgical intervention.

Children and infants don’t usually suffer from ingrown toenails; it is more prominent in men than women while teenagers and young adults are at maximum risk. While any toe may have ingrown toenails, it is usually found in the big toe.

Ingrown toenail causes

There are various factors that lead to ingrown nails.

• The most important is the use of tight-fitting shoes or high heels. These shoes compress the toenails together to make the nails grow abnormally.
• The wrong trimming of nails makes nail corners dig into the skin. The right way to trim nails is straight across, and not rounded.
• Fungal toenail infections can lead to thick or wide toenails, which may also grow inwards.
• Injuries or repetitive damage to nails like playing soccer can lead to ingrown nails.
• Heredity also plays a factor for ingrown nails. So if a family member has ingrown nails or rounded nails, then there is an increased chance of one developing ingrown nails.

Toenail Treatment and curing options

The following home remedies are effective in treating ingrown nails if started early.

1. Soak the foot in warm water four times a day, without any soap, salts or antibacterial agents for relief from ingrown nails.

2. Keep the foot clean and dry throughout the day. Wash feet twice a day with soap and water.

3. Stop wearing high heels and tight fitting shoes. Instead, wear sandals till the condition clears up.

4. The most effective home remedy is to slightly lift the nail corner digging into the skin and placing a small piece of rolled cotton into the space. This is painful but as it keeps the nail elevated, it cures ingrown nails. Try to push the roll farther in after each soaking and change the rolls everyday. You will have to wait a week or two for the nail to grow out.

5. If dicarequired, take a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. If there is no improvement in three days’ time, you will need mel treatment.

Medical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Dr Rees Houston Foot Specialists will elevate and advise warm soaks, use of proper shoes and frequent cleaning of the nail if there is no infection. They may advise using splints like cotton wicks, plastic strips and glue-like substances to protect the skin from the nail’s sharp corners.

However if there is extra tissue around the inflamed skin, the doctor will remove the tissue to facilitate fast healing. The area will be numbed using an anesthetic before removal of the tissue.

Other Podiatry Conditions Treated