When the toenail starts growing into the skin, it is known as an ingrown toenail. It usually happens to the big toe and if you do not the fix ingrown toenail, it can swell, become red, and be painful. In severe cases, it drains pus and the skin around the nail becomes tender making running and walking uncomfortable, especially in closed shoes.
An injury to the nail, cutting the toenail too short, wearing close-fitting narrow shoes that squeeze the toes together, poor foot hygiene, curving your toenails, and some sports such as skiing can all cause ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails treatment with Epsom salt?
Soaking your toe in a warm foot bath with Epsom salts soothes and heals an ingrown toenail. In a shallow container, add a ratio of two tablespoons to every quart of warm water. Soak the toe for 15 minutes and if the toenail is severe soak several times a day. Dry the foot after soaking and apply antibiotic cream to ease the infection. Epsom salt draws pus out of the toenail and eases discomfort. It loosens the skin and pulls it away from the ingrown toenail Houston.
Ingrown toenail removal
If severely infected and does not resolve with other home care or over-the-counter treatments, seek podiatric care. If you have poor blood flow or diabetes know that foot problems can escalate so you need a checkup as soon as possible. Ingrown toenail removal is considered in cases where the ingrown toenail is painful and infected. A minor surgical procedure can be done to remove the ingrown toenail. The procedure begins with the ingrown toenail doctor numbing the toe that sets in within 10 seconds. The podiatrist cuts the bit of the nail growing into the skin. A portion of the nail may be removed and in rare and severe cases the entire toenail is removed. Sometimes the podiatrist might destroy the margin of the ingrown significantly to prevent future ingrown toenails without altering the appearance of the toenail.
Aftertoenail removal surgery, alleviate the discomfort. Soak the foot in warm soapy water and Epsom salt once in a while. The toenail should be submerged for about 7 minutes during each soak. Avoid soaking using absorbent dressings. Wear sandals or comfortable shoes that will not press on your toes during the recovery. Use an antibiotic ointment on the toe and cover it with a bandage when you are out and about. A bandage acts like a protector over the wound while absorbing the drainage from time to time. If the bandage is filled with blood or fluid replace it. From time to time remove the bandage to air out whenever convenient for about 30 minutes but keep it on for about a week. Take pain relievers when the toe feels sole and if it is not effective seek further medical care.
If you are looking for some expert advice on ingrown toenail treatment, you may want to seek help from a Houston podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your ingrown toenail problems. Our foot specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet
Follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions to allow the toenail to heal without much discomfort. Within a few days. you should be able to resume normal activities without restrictions.
DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center 