How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful. The sides of the nail embed themselves into the meat of your toe, which can cause bacterial infections if you aren't careful. The infections can make simply walking around a pain for you. There are things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails. See below for some helpful tips:

Wear Proper Fitting Shoes

Shoes that are ill-fitting such as too tight or even too tall can cause ingrown toenails. Your toes will push together and cause the nails to eventually curl inward. If your shoes are too tall they can cause your toes to be pushed forward and can also cause them to squish together as well. Be sure to wear shoes that fit your feet. If you have wide feet wear wide width shoes. Also, try to keep heels less than two inches tall.

Cut Toenails Properly

If you don't clip your toenails properly they can lead to ingrown nails. Clip them straight across, don't try to clip the sides of your toenails. Clipping them at an angle is also a no-no. Don't clip the skin either, it can cause bleeding and lead to infections in your skin too. Cut the nails straight across and file them if need be.

Visit The Podiatrist

If your nails are growing into your skin or you are noticing your nails curling inward and cutting into the meat of the toe you should visit the podiatrist. The podiatrist can treat your ingrown toenails and help them heal, as well as help make sure your toenails grow out properly to prevent it from occurring again.

How To Treat Ingrown Toenails At Home

Treat ingrown toenails at home using an Epsom salt bath to clear up any inflammation and to soften the skin. Soak your feet for about 15 minutes, then use dental floss to pull up on the nail to get it off of the skin. Place some cotton beneath the nail to keep the nail off. Then place a bandage over the nail and skin to help it heal. Keep the cotton under the nail for at least 24 hours and then replace the cotton and bandage. Try your best to keep your toes cool and dry. Wear socks that pull sweat away from your feet and change them often if your feet sweat a lot.

Ingrown toenails are a real pain. Visit a podiatrist like Greenberg Paul for treatment and for help if you are experiencing pain in your toe near the nail.