Here are some top care tips for easing ingrown toenail discomfort.
If you are noticing pain around your toenail you could be dealing with an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail is a common foot problem that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails often aren’t a problem for healthy individuals, they can still be painful or make it difficult to wear shoes. They can also lead to an infection if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, our Columbus and Dublin, OH, podiatrists can treat your ingrown toenails.
Soak Painful Peds
When ingrown toenails cause you discomfort, run yourself a warm bath and let your feet soak for up to 15 minutes. You can also add Epsom salts to the water, which can reduce pain and swelling. This is a simple and easy way to ease painful ingrown toenails throughout the day.
Take a Pain Reliever
When pain rears its ugly head, sometimes soaking your feet just isn’t enough. In this case, you may want to reach for an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. While it won’t treat the ingrown toenail, it can certainly help ease your discomfort and swelling when it gets too much to deal with. If you’d prefer to stay away from pain relievers, there are over-the-counter pain-relieving ointments that are designed specifically to ease painful ingrown toenails. These can easily be found at your local Columbus, OH, drugstore.
Separate the Nail from the Skin
This is something you want to be very careful doing, but you can gently lift the edge of the nail away from the skin. You may also want to place a tiny piece of cotton under the nail to keep it lifted away from the skin so it can grow out properly.
Reduce the Chances for an Infection
One way to reduce the risk for an infected ingrown toenail is to apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. You can easily pick up an antibiotic ointment from your local drugstore. Apply as directed.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice that your ingrown toenail is getting worse or isn’t getting better with home care then it might be time to schedule an evaluation with our Columbus and Dublin, OH, podiatrists. Those with nerve damage in their feet and patients with diabetes should not try to treat ingrown toenails on their own. Instead, schedule an appointment with our podiatric team to get the care you need (and to prevent the problem from getting worse).
If you are dealing with painful ingrown toenails, our podiatrists offer two practices in Columbus, OH, and one in Dublin, OH, to serve you. To schedule an appointment with our team, call Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group at (614) 267-8387, (614) 761-1466, or (614) 272-2313.