Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be a real pain — literally. If you spot the telltale signs of an ingrown nail, you might wonder if you can do anything about it at home.
That’s just what Aamir Mahmood, DPM, Joseph Wilson, DPM, FACFAS, and the Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic team are here to discuss today.
Read on to learn what you can do for an ingrown nail at home and how we can help you get the lasting relief you need.
First things first — take a close look at your ingrown toenail. Is it causing redness, swelling, or pain? Is there any pus or drainage? If the ingrown toenail is mild and not accompanied by signs of infection, you may be able to manage it at home.
If, on the other hand, it seems severe, don’t delay seeking professional podiatric care.
Regardless of whether your ingrown nail appears mild or severe, if you have diabetes, it’s important to get professional care right away. Any wound, including blisters or ingrown nails, can lead to complications if not addressed quickly.
Give your nails some TLC by soaking them in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day in warm soapy water. This can help soften the skin around the ingrown toenail and reduce discomfort.
After soaking your feet, gently massage the skin around your ingrown toenail to encourage circulation and promote healing. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
The American Family Physician recommends applying an ointment (antiseptic cream and mild corticosteroid cream) to the area after each soak. Over-the-counter antiseptic creams or ointments can help keep the area clean and prevent infection. You can also try using a mild corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
The American Family Physician also recommends using a piece of dental floss under the edge of your ingrown nail. This is only suggested for mild cases.
Again, if you have diabetes, skip the at-home remedies and visit us first. Our team of experts specializes in diabetic-related foot concerns.
Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners, which can encourage ingrown toenails to develop. Keep your nails at a moderate length and file any sharp edges to prevent them from digging into the surrounding skin.
Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. These can exacerbate your symptoms and make your ingrown nails even worse. This tip is helpful while your toe is healing and can also help you prevent ingrown nails in the future.
You don’t have to wait for your ingrown nail to get worse before you reach out for help. In fact, waiting can increase your risk of complications, such as infections and increased pain.
After Dr. Mahmood or Dr. Wilson examines your foot, they may recommend:
The bottom line is that you can treat mild ingrown nails at home; however, in severe cases, in cases where you have diabetes, or in recurrent cases, professional podiatric care is invaluable.
Help for your ingrown nail is available in all our offices: Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, or Lombard, Illinois. Call the location of your choice or click here to get started.
