Infected ingrown nails are usually caused by a buildup of bacteria under the surface of the nail, which is what causes thickened and discolored nails. You probably know that ingrown nail infection treatment can be costly and painful. For this reason, in this article we will show you how to cure an infected ingrown nail at home.
Symptoms of ingrown nails
Before discussing how to treat an infected ingrown nail at home, it is important to recognize what symptoms it presents to avoid further complication on your feet.
Pain around the nail
An ingrown toenail is often caused by defective footwear. It can also be due to wearing tight shoes for an extended period of time. When this happens, the toe begins to grow into the skin near the nail, becomes red in the affected region, and you may feel pain when walking.
Swelling or redness
When the lack of attention persists in a nail abused by footwear, this can cause swelling or redness in the area of the affected nail. When this happens we are possibly dealing with the appearance of infected ingrown nails.
If you want to know how to choose the right shoes to avoid any inconvenience, you can read more here.
Discomfort during physical activity
An ingrown nail will not only cause discomfort when wearing defective footwear. When too much irritability has been caused in the area of the affected nail, it becomes more sensitive to any friction. For this reason, even if other footwear or socks are worn, the pain will persist during physical activities.
It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, since any carelessness leads to infected ingrown nails. If that happens, you run the risk of experiencing other more severe symptoms such as fungus, fluid accumulation, bad odor, pus, among others.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, read on to learn how to treat an infected ingrown nail.
How to cure an infected ingrown nail at home?
When it comes to how to cure an infected ingrown nail at home, there are several options. Here are some alternatives that may benefit you:
Hydrogen peroxide for infected ingrown nails
If it is on the nail, you might consider using a dilute iodine or hydrogen peroxide solution. Applying some to the area is one way to get immediate relief. You will need to apply this solution to the affected area several times a day until the infection goes away.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antifungal solution that also has the ability to penetrate through many thicker layers of the nail.
Trimming toenails correctly
One of the ways to properly treat an infected ingrown nail is to avoid trimming in areas where the nail is buried. This will increase the risk of infection. In any case, so that the infected ingrown nail does not present a major problem, you can make a straight cut, avoiding oval shapes.
On the other hand, if your infected ingrown nail contains a higher degree of risk you will need to seek ingrown nail infection treatment from a professional.
Antibiotics and analgesics
Infected ingrown nails can also be treated by antibiotics and analgesics. Commonly used are tetracycline and acetaminophen. While these medications are effective for mild to moderate infections, they cannot completely cure the infection. As such, these medications should only be given on a short-term basis.
However, it is important to consult a specialist in podiatric treatments to obtain better advice on the use of antibiotics and analgesics.
Natural remedies
Finally, natural remedies are a valid alternative in any case you need to seek relief from infected ingrown nails.
A home remedy to consider is the mixture of equal parts of water and olive oil. The application of this remedy should be every night and left on throughout the day. For best results, apply the remedy in the morning before your feet begin to swell. As the olive oil removes excess moisture from the skin, it creates a protective barrier that allows the nail bed to dry out and the scar tissue to shrink.
Risks of infected ingrown nails
While treatment of ingrown nail infection can be done at home, a satisfactory result is not always guaranteed. The condition is likely to become complicated to the point of damaging the underlying bone. These risks are even more serious for people with diabetes, as their blood flow becomes deficient.
When it comes to how to cure an infected ingrown nail, it is preferable to seek the attention of a physician who specializes in the area. They will have the appropriate tools to effectively combat this type of condition. In addition, they are trained to indicate when a minor ingrown nail surgery should be performed.
For infected ingrown nails, consult YOUR PODIATRIST TEAM IN LAVAL.
We have mentioned some alternatives on how to cure an infected ingrown nail at home. However, symptoms may persist. To avoid future risks, seek medical attention from Clinique Podiatrique de Laval.
At the Podiatrique de Laval clinic, we guarantee the care of your feet through high quality treatments, with the help of our professional podiatrists to provide you with the ideal care for your infected ingrown nails. You will say goodbye to discomfort and future risks on your feet.
We invite you to contact us and book an appointment You can also visit us at 3333, 100 e Avenue – bureau 105, Laval (Quebec) H7T 3C4 (corner of highway 440). With Podiatre de Laval you will learn how to treat an infected ingrown nail in the hands of qualified professionals. Don’t forget to visit our blog to learn more about topics related to the health of your feet.
Leading professionals to keep your feet healthy!
