You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether you can swim with an ingrown toenail. Most people suffer from this condition from time to time, and it can be frustrating and embarrassing. The good news is that there are some easy, safe ways to treat this condition. Read on to discover what they are, the symptoms and causes, and some home remedies.
Treatment options
If you’re having trouble with an ingrown toenail, several treatments can help you get rid of it. These include a plastic gutter splint that separates the nail from the skin and braces that can help the nail grow out of the inflamed area. However, these options are only ideal for some people and should be discussed with your doctor before you try them.
In some cases, ingrown toenail pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some symptoms of an ingrown toenail include fever and red streaks of skin that lead away from the nail area. You should also see a doctor if you notice these symptoms, as they could be signs of an infection. People with diabetes often have a much higher risk of ingrown toenail pain than others.
Surgical treatment is also an option, although this option is generally reserved for severe cases. The effectiveness of surgery will depend on the type of ingrown toenail and the severity of the symptoms. In mild to moderate cases, conservative treatments are usually sufficient. Patients should consider surgical intervention if conventional treatments fail to improve the condition. A 2012 Cochrane review concluded that surgical interventions were more effective than nonsurgical treatments. However, the Cochrane review did not specify the stage of the ingrown toenail, so results may be more applicable to moderate to severe cases.
Another surgical treatment for ingrown toenails is penalization. This procedure aims to destroy the ingrown nail and regenerate the nail matrix, resulting in a new, narrower nail. Surgical treatments for ingrown toenails can be performed under local anesthesia and usually have minimal recurrence rates. However, the procedure is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection.
Symptoms
Consider seeing a podiatrist if you have ingrown toenail symptoms. A podiatrist can determine the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. Conservative treatment usually involves applying waxed dental floss or cotton under the nail to prevent infection. In some cases, the disease may be severe enough to require surgery. If this is the case, your podiatrist may recommend surgical removal of the ingrown part of the toenail.
The treatment for an ingrown toenail is often a combination of home remedies and treatment with a podiatrist. Home treatments can help relieve the pain for a few days or weeks. However, if the problem persists or causes you to be unable to perform daily activities, it is essential to see a doctor.
Ingrown toenail symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and yellow pus. If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, it can lead to infection and bacterial or fungal infection. The condition can result in a fever and may require antibiotics. In the meantime, you can try soaking your foot in warm salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect you have an infection.
Although an ingrown toenail is unlikely to be life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and cause serious complications, especially for older people with thicker nails. In severe cases, the infection can spread into the bone, causing a foot ulcer or gangrene.
Causes
An ingrown toenail is a painful condition in which the edge of the toenail penetrates the skin of the toe. This causes pain and swelling. The area may also become infected and produce pus. If the condition is left untreated, it can worsen and lead to gangrene. It can also make it difficult to wear shoes or walk. However, the best treatment for an ingrown toenail is to seek medical attention.
Although there is no known cure for an ingrown toenail, you can try a few home treatments. First, soak your feet in warm water. Next, dry them. You can also use olive oil to push the affected skin away from the ingrown nail. Another natural remedy is apple cider vinegar. This remedy can be mixed with warm water or purified water. It can also be applied directly to the ingrown toenail. The vinegar helps treat the condition and fight bacteria.
While treating an ingrown toenail is relatively easy, it is essential to know the causes. Ingrown toenails can lead to infection. If you suspect an infection, see your doctor. Ingrown toenails can be painful and require prompt medical attention. Always wear socks and shoes that fit correctly to protect your feet from disease.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by improperly trimming the nails, trauma, or overuse. They are common in healthy people but can also develop into a severe infections. Infected toenails can cause foot ulcers and even lead to tissue death. Those who suffer from poor blood circulation or diabetes are at higher risk for complications.
Home remedies
A warm bath can help reduce swelling and ease pain from an ingrown toenail. Soak the affected foot in warm soapy water for 15 minutes to prevent infection. Another effective treatment is applying petroleum jelly to the affected area. Alternatively, you can use an antibiotic ointment on the infected site and bandage the affected toe.
A good ointment for an ingrown toenail can be obtained over the counter at a hardware store. This ointment can be applied to the ingrown area three times per day and should be covered with a bandage to prevent a recurrence. However, if the condition is severe, you should consult your doctor. In the meantime, use an acetaminophen or ibuprofen pain reliever.
Ingrown toenails are painful and can lead to a fungal infection. If left untreated, they can lead to severe health problems. People with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease are particularly susceptible to ingrown toenails. Improper foot hygiene or foot trauma can also cause ingrown toenails.
If you suspect you may have an ingrown toenail, you should consult a medical professional as soon as possible. Treatment is usually simple and can provide near-instant relief. Swimming in public pools is a bad idea. The chemicals in chlorinated pools can irritate and dry the skin surrounding the toenails. In addition, public pools can also harbor bacteria and fungal spores. If you have an ingrown toenail, you should avoid swimming.
Visiting a podiatrist or foot clinic can be necessary if your ingrown toenail is causing you pain. If the pain persists, it may signify a deeper infection. If you experience this condition often, you should see a medical professional to get it properly diagnosed. A doctor will cut the offending toenail out by carefully cutting it with scissors.
Surgery
Surgery for an ingrown toenail is an option for patients concerned about the condition of their foot. The procedure can be quick or take several months to cure the problem. Although the surgical procedure is more effective, it comes with risks. After the process, you’ll have to keep the foot elevated for a few days and be careful not to do anything that may cause pain to the infected toenail. You might be given antibiotic ointment to help keep the wound clean.
Surgery for an ingrown toenail usually involves removing part of the toenail. This process can lead to inflamed skin and may also result in pus and pain. However, the surgery can prevent the ingrown toenail from growing back in the future. The surgeon may use a laser or chemical to remove the ingrown section.
A non-surgical treatment for an ingrown toenail can include threading dental floss under the ingrown nail or using glue to glue it in place. However, in some cases, surgery is required to remove the infected nail or drain the abscess. This may be done in a doctor’s office or the emergency room. The type of surgery needed depends on the severity of the infection and how often the problem occurs.
While surgery is not the ideal treatment for an ingrown toenail, it can relieve the pain and provide an aesthetic solution. A podiatrist will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you and your doctor. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers or topical creams to reduce discomfort and pain. Surgical treatment is only required when medication and conservative treatment are insufficient.
