How to Get Rid Of An Ingrown Toenail
If you have an ingrown toe nail, then it is not only unpleasant but quite painful as well. Although small in size, but even then it proves to be a thorn in the flesh. The main causes of ingrown toenail include shape of the nail, improper nail cutting, tight footwear, nail trauma and chubby toes. It starts with nail digging in the skin, causing irritation followed by pain, redness, swelling and warmth of the toe. If it is not treated properly then the pain can grow, followed by bleeding and difficulty in taking steps. There are some ways that can help you treat the ingrown toenail at home. However, it may be not be a bad idea to take a physician’s advice in order to obtain better results.
Instructions
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1
Warm Salted Water
Add a little salt in to 2 cups of warm water and boil it. After boiling, allow the solution to cool. Place the bowl containing salt solution on the floor and rest your foot in it for about 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day. This will fight off infection, and reduce swelling and tenderness.
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2
Cushioning the toenail
This means that you insert a small piece of cotton under your toe. This is best to do after you have taken a shower as it makes your nails soft. Now with the help of a nail tool, push your toenail upwards and move the cotton inside. Now cut the excessive, outside part of the cotton.
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3
Wear loose footwear
It is advised not to wear tight shoes if you have an ingrown toenail problem. The best footwear to use in such condition is sandals as they allow easy movement of your foot fingers.
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4
Hydrogen Peroxide
Immerse a small piece of cotton or an ear bud into hydrogen peroxide and clean the infected area of your toe. Try wiping away any dirt to prevent further infection and avoid using already used cotton or ear bud on the infected toenail.
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5
Antibiotic Ointment
After you have tried the above remedy then it is good to apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin quite frequently during the day. You may also put some bandage on the toe to avoid from absorbing moisture and dirt.
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6
Pain Killers
Considering that an ingrown toenail causes considerable pain, so you can have pain killers if it gets too severe. You can try taking pain killers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen but do always take a doctor’s advice.
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7
Applying Phenol
This process is called Phenolisation and involves application of phenol, which is a colorless crystalline solid and aromatic compound that can be used as an exfoliant. The phenol is applied on the affected toe which then prevent re-growth of the nail.
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8
Part of the nail removed
Considering it is only a part of the nail that grows inside skin, that part can be cut by piercing through the skin. However, it requires anesthesia injected into the affected area to reduce pain and it can only be done by a certified doctor.
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9
Removing Nail Completely
Sometimes the ingrown toenail problem gets so severe that there is no way of curing it except for completely removing the nail. It is done by applying a chemical on the sides of the nail. But this should be done by a reputable doctor too, otherwise there can be an infection.
