Brilio.net - Ingrown toenails are known in medical terms as onychocryptosis, which is a condition that occurs when the tip of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This is a common problem that can be very painful and make a person feel very uncomfortable. Ingrown toenails usually occur on the toes, especially the big toe, and can be caused by various factors, including cutting the nails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, or injury to the nails.
Symptoms of ingrown toenails can include redness, swelling, pain, and even infection if not treated properly. Treating ingrown toenails requires proper treatment and sometimes requires the help of a medical professional. There are several steps you can take to treat ingrown toenails, from self-care to more intensive medical treatment.
One effective way is to soak the feet in warm water containing Epsom salts to help reduce swelling and reduce the risk of infection. Apart from that, avoiding wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight can also help prevent ingrown toenails.
It is important to remember that in some cases, ingrown toenails may require further medical treatment, such as minor surgery to remove the part of the nail that is trapped in the skin. If you experience severe or recurring ingrown toenails , immediately consult a doctor or foot care professional to get proper treatment and avoid more serious complications. With proper treatment, ingrown toenails can be treated effectively and prevent recurrence in the future.
Here, brilio.net has summarized effective ways to deal with ingrown toenails from various sources, so that you find a safe solution to escape suffering, Tuesday (7/5).
1. Soak with warm soapy water.
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Soaking the affected finger in warm, soapy water can help reduce inflammation and remove germs that may cause infection. Warm water helps loosen the skin around the affected nail, making it easier to clean. Soap has antiseptic properties that can help clean the area more effectively. However, it is important not to use water that is too hot to avoid damaging the skin around the nails.
2. Apply antiseptic ointment.
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Smearing the affected finger with an antiseptic ointment can help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Antiseptic ointments contain ingredients such as topical antibiotics or antiseptics that can kill bacteria or prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
You should use this ointment according to your doctor's instructions or the instructions on the packaging, and if symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling or pain get worse, immediately consult a health professional.
3. Provides cushioning for fingers.
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Fingers affected by ingrown toenails need to be padded with cotton or other soft material to reduce the pain felt because these pads can provide protection for sensitive and infected areas. Soft materials such as cotton can also help reduce friction and pressure in the area, thereby reducing discomfort during activities.
In addition, pads can also help keep the affected area clean, prevent further infection, and speed up the healing process. It is important to ensure that the pads used are clean and changed regularly to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
(Intern/Robiul Adil Robani)
4. Take anti-pain medication.
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Taking anti-pain medication can help reduce the pain caused by an ingrown toenail, making the condition less excruciating. Anti-pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve the pain and inflammation that often occurs in the area affected by an ingrown toenail.
Use of this medicine should be in accordance with the doctor's recommendations or the instructions on the packaging, to avoid side effects that may arise. Apart from that, it is also important to keep the affected area clean and avoid wearing shoes that are too narrow so as not to worsen the condition of the ingrown toenail.
5. Taking antibiotics.
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Taking antibiotics can help heal a finger affected by an ingrown toenail by treating any infection that may occur. Infection of the ingrown toenail can cause swelling, redness and more severe pain. Antibiotics are prescribed by doctors to help fight infection-causing bacteria.
It is important to follow the instructions for using antibiotics given by your doctor and make sure to finish the entire prescribed dose, even if the symptoms have begun to subside. This is important to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotic drugs. If there are unusual symptoms or side effects after taking antibiotics, consult a doctor immediately.
6. Cut and trim nails.
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Cutting your nails and trimming them as soon as possible when the area around the nail feels painful can help prevent the ingrown toenail from getting worse. Nails that are too long or not cut neatly can be one of the causes of ingrown toenails. By trimming your nails regularly and trimming them carefully, pressure on the tips of the nails can be reduced, thereby reducing the chance of the nail growing inward and causing an ingrown toenail.
It is important to use clean, sharp nail clippers and cut the nails straight without cutting too short or too close to the surrounding skin to avoid irritation or injury which can worsen the condition of the ingrown toenail.
7. Choose comfortable footwear.
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Choosing comfortable footwear when suffering from an ingrown toenail is very important to reduce pressure and friction on the affected area. Choose footwear that is loose enough so that it does not put excessive pressure on the nail affected by the ingrown toenail. Avoid wearing shoes that are too narrow or have sharp toes, as this can worsen the condition of the ingrown toenail by pressing the nail inward.
Soft, breathable footwear is also recommended to provide comfort and adequate ventilation to the affected area. If possible, wear sandals or looser shoes to give your nails room to grow without being disturbed.
8. Soak with water mixed with apple cider vinegar.
photo: Twitter/@JenderalBoru
Soaking fingers with ingrown nails in water mixed with apple cider vinegar can help reduce infection and inflammation in the area. Apple cider vinegar has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clean the area around the nails and reduce the risk of infection.
To do this, mix apple cider vinegar with warm water in a container large enough to soak the affected finger for 15-20 minutes. Do this soaking several times a day for optimal results. Make sure the apple cider vinegar used is diluted with water to avoid skin irritation. If there are signs of severe infection or worsening symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
9. Soak in salt water.
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Soaking an ingrown toenail in salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause infection. Salt water has natural antiseptic properties that can clean the area around the nail and relieve pain and swelling caused by an ingrown toenail.
To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then soak the affected finger for about 15-20 minutes. Do this soak several times a day for better results. Make sure the salt water is not too hot so as not to burn the skin, and if there are signs of severe infection or worsening symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
10. Surgical procedures.
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Consultation with an expert doctor is very important to get the right surgical treatment to treat ingrown toenails. An expert doctor will thoroughly examine and evaluate the condition of the nail affected by the ingrown toenail, and provide recommendations regarding surgical treatment according to the severity of the ingrown toenail.
Surgery for ingrown toenails usually involves cutting off part of the affected nail or even removing the entire nail if the condition is very severe. The doctor will provide post-operative guidance and appropriate care to ensure the healing process goes smoothly and prevent complications.