what is an ingrown toe nail?

When a toe nail or your skin extends past the edge of your toe, it results in an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails pierce the skin, resulting in inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and pain. The toenail's edge itself can be straight or jagged. Infected ingrown toenails may result in pus accumulation, seeping, bleeding, warmth, and excruciating pain. Although ingrown toenails might be uncomfortable, they are typically simple to treat at home. Ingrown toenails can be avoided by wearing shoes that fit properly, clipping your nails straight across, and soaking your feet.

what causes an ingrown toe nail?

The causes of ingrown toenails are numerous. Wearing poorly fitting shoes is a major contributing factor. The skin of your toe may press into your toenail if your shoes are too tiny or too tight. Improper toenail  cutting is another significant contributing factor. Ingrown toenails are more prone to occur in nails with corners filed down or their edges ripped off. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by a toe injury. Ingrown toenails are more common in persons who have damaged or irregularly formed toenails. 

how can I treat an ingrown toe nail at home?

A mild ingrown toenail can be treated at home but if the ingrown toenail is severe it is advisable to visit a Podiatrists.There are several ways you can treat ingrown toe nail at home .They include;

• SOAKING IN WARM WATER(what you need)

1.water (Soak your toe in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes)

2.Dry towel(to dry your foot after soaking it)

3.Cotton wool (wet the cotton wool with the disinfectant then place it under the cotton wool under the corner of your nail change the piece of cotton each day until nail grows out and can be treated)

4.disinfectant( to use on the cotton wool)

• WEARING COMFORTABLE SHOES.

Wearing comfortable and proper fitting shoes and socks will be of great help considering that the main cause of an ingrown toe nail is wearing shoes that do not fit well (too small)or wearing socks that are too tight on your toe nails. It is advisable to wear sandals if you struggle with ingrown toe nails.

• SOAKING ON APPLE CIDER VINEGAR( what you will require)

It is said to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects, though there is little scientific evidence to support this. 

1.Apple cider vinegar(Prepare a basin with warm water and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar . Soak the problematic foot for up to 20 minutes every day. After soaking, properly dry your foot.

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PUT ON A TOE GUARD

 A toe protector provides comfort for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as full-toe covers or rings that fit around the damaged area. Some toe guard manufacturers, including Dr. Scholl's, provide a medicinal gel to assist soften toenails for simple clipping. Follow the treatment instructions until the ingrown toenail has disappeared.

• UTILIZATION OF A TOE BRACE

Toe braces are lightweight composite devices that protect the skin while holding the toe in place until a new nail grows in. They aid in the treatment and avoidance of ingrown toenails. Toe braces are accessible online and at some pharmacies.

If symptoms persist it is advisable to see a podiatrist. When to see a doctor;

1.If there is pus coming out of your toe nail

2.Increased swelling and redness

3.Throbbing pain

4.Foul odor