How To Improve Ingrown Toenails

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

There are many people who suffer from ingrown toenails, a very annoying and painful condition that is also difficult to alleviate. For many, a simple pedicure is enough to improve or alleviate any pain they have in their feet or nails, but for people who suffer from ingrown toenails, the process is more complicated. Luckily there are ways to avoid it or to improve if you are already suffering from it. To help us a little more to understand this problem and know how to treat it, we spoke with foot doctor or podiatrist Emily Splichal, who gave us some advice to end this horrible condition once and for all.

Why do some people suffer from ingrown toenails?

There are many reasons for ingrown toenails to appear, but the most common are wrong or very short toenails, wearing very tight shoes, walking in a way that puts pressure on the nails, and cutting the cuticles poorly, which can cause infections. You should also avoid cutting your nails round.

How to avoid it?

It is good to cut the nails round or square. Instead of cutting the cuticles, you better try pushing them back. Make sure the shoes fit you well. If you notice that any of the nails is incarnating, do not try to fix it at home. Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt and then go see a podiatrist, who has the appropriate instruments to treat the problem.

Is there a permanent solution to this problem?

There is a permanent non-surgical procedure and a permanent surgical procedure. For people who have ingrown toenails three to four times a year, it is recommended that they have the permanent non-surgical procedure done. But in some cases this does not work, so the best option is to have the surgical procedure done.

What steps are recommended to avoid suffering so much before going to the doctor?

It's good to keep cuticles soft with a cream like Foot Care Moisturizer and Gentle Exfoliators by Arm & Hammer and avoid leaving the corners of the nails too short.

Any other recommendation?

In most cases, the only way to resolve an ingrown or irritated nail is to remove it. I always recommend going to a podiatrist because this requires specific instruments to fix it.