An ingrown toenail is a condition that can occur on any toe but it is common in the big toe. The condition occurs as the toenail grows into the skin. You can experience pain aggravated by pressure and can be red and warm, and you might have swelling. An ingrown toenail can become severe if left untreated. If the ingrown toenail is becoming severe to you notice signs of infection, visit a podiatrist Houston for Houston ingrown toenail treatment to relieve discomfort and avoid further complications. People with poor blood flow experience ingrown toenails.

  • Keep the feet dry and clean. Good foot hygiene will help prevent ingrown toenails. Good foot hygiene involves regular checking of the feet for foot problems including looking for a sign of ingrown toenails.
  • Cutting the toenails too short or with round edges can cause ingrown toenails. Use nail scissors to trim the toenails straight across. Avoid too short toenails to ensure you leave a better size that will lie against the skin on corners.
  • Having poorly done or damaged toenails leaves you susceptible to ingrown toenails. File uneven nails across until they are neat.
  • Wearing shoes that make the foot uncomfortable can cause ingrown toenails. High-heeled shoes or shoes that are too narrow or small might cause the condition because of the position they put your toenails in. Choose appropriate and properly fitting footwear for any activity you are engaging in. If you work in areas where you are at risk of trauma that can cause ingrown toenails please ensure you get shoes with a reinforced toe box in case something drops on the foot.
  • Low-heeled shoes are recommended and ensure they have enough toe room. Combine with moisture-wicking socks or stockings that allow free movement of the toes.
  • If you experience foot perspiration, you are at risk of developing ingrown toenails because of the softening of the skin. Contact your podiatrist ingrown toenail Houston on ways to reduce excessive foot perspiration by wearing footwear made of breathable material and changing socks during the day.

When to seek Houston ingrown toenail treatment

  • If you have underlying conditions that cause poor blood flow such as diabetes, an infection, or a foot sore.
  • When you experience discomfort, inflamed skin, or pus.

How to treat ingrown toenails at home

Ingrown toenail removal Houston can be done at home. When your ingrown toenail is in the early stages without any complications such as hot to the touch, foul odor, swelling, and oozing.

  1. Soak the foot with Epsom salt and apply antibiotic ointment and cover the area.
  2. After soaking the feet in a warm bath and Epsom salt softens the skin and reduces inflammation. Use clean and sterilized toenail cutting tools and clip the affected area and apply antibiotic ointment.
  3. If Houston ingrown toenail treatment at home does not improve book an appointment with your podiatrist. The podiatrist will treat the ingrown toenail under a local anesthetic. The foot doctor numbs the toenail and cuts it out.

Do not ignore an ingrown nail infection to avoid serious complications.