Ingrown toenails can be excruciatingly painful and unsightly. They happen when your toenails, typically those on your big toes, curve and grow into your skin at the borders. Upon ignoring the advice of Dr. Tyler Gloschat Colorado Springs, ingrown toenails can cause uncomfortable symptoms like pain or discomfort, warm-feeling skin, redness, and swelling. They can also get infected at the point where the nail meets your skin. and produce odors and pus, which can be embarrassing. And while you can sometimes treat ingrown toenails at home, they can often cause serious complications that require medical intervention. This is why it is best to prevent them from happening at all. Here is how.
Trim Your Toenails Properly
Improper nail trimming is often the main culprit behind ingrown toenails. Many people try to trim their nails to match the shape of the front of their toes, angling the sides into the skin. Usually, the belief is that this notching is neater or that it reduces the tendency of your nails to curve downward. Unfortunately, cutting your toenails like this makes them more likely to grow into your skin. The best way to cut your toenails is straight across, where the tips can grow over but not into your skin. If you have a blood flow problem that makes it unsafe for you to trim your nails, ask your podiatrist to do so.
Maintain Moderate Toenails
Short toenails and nails are considered the hallmark of proper hygiene. They do not store germs that can transfer into your body when you rub your eyes or eat with your hands. When it comes to toenails, the narrative is the same. You should aim to keep your toenails at a moderate length. This is especially important if you have curved or irregular toenails. However, do not cut them too short as this could increase the pressure exerted on them by your shows. This pressure can force your toenails to grow into the skin. Instead, cut your toenails to about the same level as the tips of your toes. You should be able to pass a fingernail between them and your skin. Also, avoid repeatedly trimming the borders.
Wear Well-Fitting Shoes
Ill-fitting shoes exert pressure on your toes and can pinch or push your toenails to grow into your skin. This is why podiatrists recommend only wearing shoes that fit your feet properly. Unfortunately, you may not be able to tell if a shoe is too tight if you have nerve damage in your feet. In this case, you can work with your podiatrist to determine the best shoe size for you. You should also avoid shoes that are too loose as they tend to transfer pressure to your toes when you walk.
Practice Proper Foot Care
Lastly, check your feet every evening for any signs of trauma or injury. Regularly trim any overgrown nails and avoid too-tight socks or stockings. If your feet feel sore after a long day, soak them in Epsom salts and warm water then dry them completely and rest with them elevated. This will help ensure proper foot health and avoid ingrown toenails, among other problems.
If You Have an Ingrown Toenail, Seek Treatment
You risk developing ingrown toenails if you regularly trim your nails too short, injure your toes, or wear ill-fitting shoes. If you do develop an ingrown nail, you become one of about 40 million Americans 21 and older who suffer from this condition. In this case, these prevention tips may not be enough to help you. Even topical medications will only mask your pain without treating the problem. The best way to get rid of an ingrown toenail is to see a certified podiatrist. They can diagnose and treat the underlying cause and guide you on how best to protect your toes from damage. Call today to learn more.
