What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails are a painful and common condition in which the edge of a toenail grows through the skin. This causes discomfort, swelling and infection. They can affect anyone but are especially problematic if left untreated. This could lead to serious complications. If you have an ingrown nail in Perth, or anywhere else in the world, knowing how to effectively treat it can give you relief and prevent future issues.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes or an injury. Most commonly, trimming nails too short causes the nail grow into the skin. Ingrown toenails can be caused by other factors such as fungal infection, abnormal nail growth or genetics.

Step 1: Soak your foot

To treat an ingrown nail, soak the foot in warm water. The skin and nail are softened by soaking the toe in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times per day. This makes it easier to treat the problem. By adding Epsom salts to the water, you can reduce the risk of infection and ease inflammation.

Step 2: Gently lift the nail

After soaking your foot, try to gently lift the ingrown edge. To avoid infection or further injury, this step must be performed with extreme caution. Consult a Perth podiatrist if the nail is embedded deeply in the skin. A podiatrist in Perth can safely lift the nail and separate it from the skin to minimize the risk of infection.

Step 3: Apply Antiseptic and bandage

Apply an antiseptic after gently lifting the nail to prevent infection. During the healing process, it is important to protect and keep the toes clean. A sterile bandage will protect the toe against dirt and bacteria. Change the bandage frequently and watch for signs of infection such as swelling, redness or pus.

Step 4: Pain Treatment

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective pain relievers. You may also need to apply an antibiotic ointment over the counter to soothe and prevent infection. It’s important to keep in mind that these remedies only provide temporary relief. They should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment.

Step 5: Wear Proper Footwear

Tight shoes or socks may put pressure on your toes and worsen the condition. Choose shoes that are well-fitted and comfortable with a large toe box. This will help reduce pressure on the affected part. Avoid wearing high heels and shoes with pointed toes as these can aggravate the condition by putting pressure on the affected area.

Step 6: Get Professional Help From a Perth Podiatrist

Consult a Perth podiatrist if home remedies do not relieve the symptoms, or if an ingrown toenail has become infected. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may offer several options for treatment. In minor cases, the podiatrist may recommend a more thorough technique of nail lifting or give advice on nail care. In severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend a minor surgery to remove the entire ingrown nail or part of it. This is usually done under local anesthesia.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails by Surgery

In severe cases where an ingrown toenail causes persistent pain or recurrent infection, a podiatrist might suggest a partial-nail avulsion procedure. The podiatrist will remove the part of the toenail growing into the skin during this procedure. This allows the toes to heal properly. They may perform an additional procedure to stop the nail from growing into the skin. This will ensure that the problem does not recur.

After-Treatment Care

It’s important to follow your Perth podiatrist’s aftercare instructions after receiving treatment for an ingrown nail. The healing process can be accelerated by keeping the toe dry and clean, avoiding tight shoes, and limiting your physical activity. Your podiatrist might also recommend that you have regular checkups in order to prevent the ingrown nail from returning.

Preventive measures are Key

After treating an ingrown nail, prevention is the next step. It’s important to trim your toenails correctly by cutting them across the middle rather than rounding their edges. Wear socks that breathe and are comfortable. Avoid wearing tight shoes, which can cause pressure on your toes.

The conclusion of the article is:

Ingrown toenails can be treated quickly at home with remedies such as soaking the toe and taking care of your nails. If the problem worsens or persists, you should consult a Perth podiatrist. A professional treatment is the best way to solve the problem, whether that involves minor surgery or nail lifting. You can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails by following good foot care.