There are a number of reasons for ingrown toenail. Basically not wearing the proper shoes is one major reason. Improper cutting of the nails, injury to the nail base, are also the reasons. For some people it may be inherited. The infectivity may spread, if not treated in the initial stage itself. The pain may be chronic and it will appear as if there is no permanent cure. Usually the big toe is affected but it is possible with any toe.
The major causes of ingrown toenails are ill fitting shoes and defective trimming of nails. It so happens that the symptoms will appear only when the pain is noticed. The nail, if they happen to be bigger than the toes itself there is a possibility for the growth of toe nail. Children are rarely affected. It is a serious misery for diabetics. If for any reason blood circulation to the feet is affected, very harsh complications may result because of the ingrown toenail.
Short-term relief can be obtaining by keeping the foot soaked in warm saline water. Illness may spread to the toe itself from the nail once the ingrown toenail takes hold. Injury to the toenail should be avoided. Unnatural shape of the toenail, with extraordinary curvature is susceptible to the grown of ingrown toenails. While cutting the nail, care should be taken that it is not too short, it leaves the fleshy portion without any protection.
Infectivity of the foot due to ingrown toenails may be contagious and therefore it may reach to other members of the family also. Therefore treatment should start instantly and it can be done at home. Applying antiseptic is the first step. Soaking the feet a number of times every day, in salty warm water is a must. The warm water need not contain any antiseptic or antibacterial agent. Clean water will do. Padding with antiseptic cotton will help in stopping the puss coming out and also as a cushion against any external pressure.
It has been found that in majority of cases, coagulating the affected region with heated instrument or an alkaline substance has been very successful in treatment. With all steps being taken, unless the person chooses to wear the correct shoes, the problem will arise again and again. The essential point is that the toes should not get crowded within the shoe and they should have ample space in the shoes to occupy the necessary area required by them.
Sandals instead of shoes may be an option, the condition reaches normal. Use of antibiotics may help control the infection. Surgery is the last resort, done under local anesthesia. It will involve removing a part of the nail.
Ingrown toenails could be very painful and may lead to severe infections if left untreated. You can visit author's website about?top three ingrown toenail remedies?to get more in-depth information about?ingrown toenails.
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