Infections can easily be caused by ingrown toenails, which can be painful and inconvenient.If you have an ingrown toenail, you will need to treat it to prevent it from getting worse.To remove an ingrown toenail, carefully prop up the edge and apply an antibiotic directly to the nail.It is strongly advised to visit a podiatrist for proper treatment instead of relying on home treatment for the problem.
Step 1: You should soak your toe.
If you have an ingrown toenail, soak the foot for 10 minutes in warm, soapy water three times a day for one to two weeks.The salt can help with inflammation and pain.Add 3 tbsp (75 g) of Epsom salt to the tub after filling it with warm water.Put your foot in the water and relax for 15 minutes.Dry your toe completely when you're done soaking.If your toe is growing out, you can do this multiple times a day.It should be soaked in warm water.
Step 2: Put the edge of the nail down.
Doctors sometimes suggest that the nail be propped up a bit to relieve the pressure on the ingrown toenail.The cotton or floss is stuck under the edge of the nail.The technique pulls the nail away from the skin.If you use cotton, you can use antiseptic to make the pain go away.If the nail is damaged, it may help to soak up the water that is trapped under it.If you use thick floss, make sure it is unflavored and unwaxed.Don't put a metal tool under the nail to try to get cotton or floss.This could cause more damage to the toe.
Step 3: It's a good idea to apply antibacterial ointment.
When dealing with an ingrown toenail, an antibiotic is helpful.Dry your toe before applying the ointment.The area should be covered with an antibacterial cream.The toe should be covered with a thick coat of the ointments.Wrap your toe in a bandage.This keeps debris out of the wound.Use antibiotics such as Neosporin.
Step 4: Go to a foot doctor.
Most infections should not be treated at home.You should visit a foot doctor if you have an illness.Minor surgery may be required if the nail is bad enough.For the most part, a simple surgical procedure involving numbing the nail bed and then removing part of the ingrown nail with clippers or scissors by the doctor, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics, which are taken by mouth, to help fend off further infections.Make sure you complete the entire course if you are prescribed antibiotics.
Step 5: Don't cut the nail.
People think that an ingrown toenail needs to be cut.Cutting the nail can make the problem worse.In the future, it can cause more ingrown toenails.Put the nail up to relieve pressure.The doctor may be able to cut the toenail, but it should not be done at home.
Step 6: Don't try to dig under the nail.
It is possible to relieve pressure by digging at the skin underneath the nail.It can make the ingrown nail worse if you do this.Stay away from your toenails with metal tools.
Step 7: Don't try to drain an infection.
A lot of people think that you should use a needle to puncture a blisters.It will make it worse if you do this.Even if you use clean tools and a sanitized needle, you can cause serious damage by poking and prodding at a wound.Don't touch it with anything other than a cotton swab or bandaging materials.
Step 8: Don't cut a V in the nail.
According to some old folk healing methods, you should cut a V shape in the top of the toenail to relieve the pressure and heal the nail.This only creates a jagged edge on your nail.
Step 9: You don't want to coat your toe.
Do not believe urban health myths such as rubbing coal on your toe.The ingrown nail will not benefit from the coal method.This method may make it worse.You shouldn't put anything on your toe except for bandages or antibiotic cream.