How To Treat Infected Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail usually develops on the big toe, when the toenail corner curves down and eat into the soft flesh. Most often, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home. However, if you suspect an infection because bacteria have invaded your toe, you must go to the nearest healthcare provider to diagnose problems based on your symptoms and immediately treat your nail and the surrounding skin. Read the article for more information.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common condition that mostly appears when cutting the toes too short or incorrectly. Ingrown toenails typically occur in teenagers and adults from 20 to 40 years old. The medical names for this nail condition are onychocryptosis and unguis incarnatus.

Figure 01. The difference between Healthy Toenails and Ingrown Toenails.

Causes Of Ingrown Toenail Infection

The following reasons can cause swollen toenails:

• The tool to remove the corners of the toenails is not hygienic. When doing a manicure, all devices must be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide).
• The way to get the corner of the toenail is different than the correct technique, such as cutting too deep into the corner of the nail, taking too much skin,...
• Because the toenail has been trimmed too profoundly or the corner of the foot has been stripped of the cuticle, leading to damage to the flesh of the nail.
• In more severe cases, if you do not clean appropriately after cutting the toenails, it can also cause the nail to fester, hurt, bleed, and especially become infected. Because the feet are in direct contact with the ground, the chance of toenail infection is much higher than in other parts.

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How To Fix Ingrown Toenails At Home?

Moderate and mild cases of infected toenails can be effectively treated at home. You can apply some of the steps below to treat infected ingrown toenails as quickly as possible:

• Step 1: Sanitize your hands and wash over the infected toenail with water.
• Step 2: Soak your feet in the warm water of 40 degrees for about 30 minutes to soften the nails and skin.
• Step 3: Use a soft towel to dry the entire toe, gently massage the skin around the toenail to increase blood circulation, and help the wound heal faster.
• Step 4: Use your hands to gently lift the swollen edge of the toenail and insert a little cotton ball, so the nail does not eat into the skin, causing pain.
• Step 5: Using a nail file, the cuticle pusher has been disinfected to remove dead and damaged cells on the skin.
• Step 6: After drying the nails, apply more ointment, wash your feet daily with soap, and wear shoes that fit your feet, so the nails do not grow out of place. At the same time, do not go barefoot, and keep your feet clean and dry.

In addition, in cases where the corner of the nail is too deep, the nail needs to be aligned, and it is difficult for you to handle the corner yourself at home safely. Therefore, you should see a doctor or go to a credited nail salon to get the corners and clean the nails properly.

Helpful Tips When Treating Ingrown Toenails

Soak Feet In Water

To relieve pain and swelling from improper toenail removal, soak feet with swollen toenails for 10-20 minutes in warm water mixed with vinegar or salt, three times a day for one to two weeks.

Pour about 2L of warm water into the tub and add 3 tablespoons (75 g) of Epsom salt. Put your feet in the water and relax for about 15 minutes while soaking them. When the soak is complete, dry your toes thoroughly.

Prop Up the Nail Edge 

To relieve pressure under the edge of an ingrown toenail caused by improper cornering, experts say you can lift the nail slightly by sticking a small piece of cotton wool or just thick under the edge of the nail. This technique helps pull the nail away from the skin, so it doesn't go deeper into the skin.

You can dip cotton in an antiseptic to help soothe the pain and prevent infection under the nail. If the nail is infected, this can also help draw out any moisture trapped under the nail. If you use thick floss, make sure it's unflavored and wax-free.

Use Proper Ingrown Toenail Medicine

Antibacterial ointments and ingrown toenail cream are a lifesaver that is extremely helpful when dealing with an infected ingrown toenail. For mild cases of swelling, you can use some antibiotic ointments such as Fucidin, Foban, or Bactroban. But this topical medication limits the growth of bacteria, reducing infection.

Before applying the ointment, dry your toes thoroughly. Cover the infected area with an antibacterial cream. Apply the lotion in a thick layer to the infected toe area. Wrap your toes with a bandage. This helps prevent debris from entering the wound and keeps the ointment in place.

Visit a Podiatrist

If the toenail gets infected from a toenail removal, you should immediately stop home treatment and see a specialist. If the nail infection is severe enough, minor surgery may be required. However, in most cases, doctors will do a simple surgical procedure that involves numbing the flesh of the tip of the toe and then removing part of the nail growth.

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