Your Health Q & A:Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is a condition when nail at the edges or corners of the toes grow beyond the skin causing pain, swelling, bleeding and pus accumulation. It is very uncomfortable as terribly affect the patient from wearing shoes, walking or even mild friction with blankets.

What are the possible causes?

• improper nail cutting
• irregular, curved toenails
• excessive pressure from footwear
• toenail injury
• poor posture
• improper foot hygiene
• genetic predisposition
• excessive foot usage in certain activities such as ballet, football, kickboxing and many others.

How do you fix them?

• Soak your feet in warm and soapy water
• Rectify the causes
• Wear toe brace or protector
• Seek medical attention for an antibiotic if evidence of infection.

How to identify if the ingrown toenails infected?

Generally, will exhibit symptoms such as swelling, redness, oozing of pus , painful and fever.

Can this condition heal on its own?

Possible with good care but warrants closer medical attention if infected in view of possibilities to spread ankle and leg.Worse in diabetic or immunocompromised patients.

How long it takes for ingrown toenails heals?

About 3-5 days with antibiotic but is swelling buildup even worse than small incision made to remove the pus or part of nails. It will take about 1-2 weeks to clear up.

Does hydrogen peroxide help?

Yes in a mild case, soak your foot in warm water with salt. Then wipe with hydrogen peroxide aim to disinfect.

What are the ways to prevent ingrown toenails?

Cut your nail in notch V-shaped and do this regularly.

Why do ingrown toenails hurts a lot?

Due to the nail that digs into the skin , break in skin results in infection.

From kitchen to cure:

• Mix 1 salt of Epsom salt into salt water and soak for about 10-15minutes

Crave for a healthy mind and body always!