How to cure an ingrown toenail?

The scientific name of ingrown nail - onihokryptoz. This unpleasant phenomenon is characterized by the fact that the nail plate grows into the lateral edge of the nail roller. This ailment is quite common. Especially common is an ingrown toenail.

The main signs indicating a problem:

- Pain in the nail area, accompanied by bleeding from soft tissues and their inflammation. Discomfort is especially worse during walking, the pain is much stronger if the shoes are narrow and uncomfortable.

- Allocating pus and the appearance of edema in the place of injury.

It is noted that an ingrown toenail is a particularly dangerous phenomenon for people suffering from diabetes mellitus and impairment of blood circulation in the lower extremities. This is because this ailment can lead to gangrene (in the absence of proper treatment).

An ingrown toenail can be found even in children. Among the main causes of this disease are the following: orthopedic pathology of the feet, excessively tight shoes, nail fungus, congenital inclination for its occurrence, incorrect pedicure, flat feet.

How to treat an ingrown toenail ?

To solve the problem, one of four methods is used: surgical intervention, folk remedies, laser removal, conservative method. Each of them is discussed in detail below.

Surgical intervention. This method involves carrying out various kinds of procedures that affect the ingrown toenail. At the initial stage of the disease, it will be sufficient to remove the part of the disease on which the compaction formed due to inflammation. In more complex situations (when purulent discharge and deformation of the nail are observed), surgical intervention can not be avoided, in which the ingrown nail is removed.

The use of folk remedies. At the very beginning of the development of the disease, when the inflammation and pain are not so pronounced, the probability of successfully eliminating the problem at home is quite high. How to cure an ingrown toenail? It is necessary to adhere to certain rules:

- It should be worn only comfortable shoes with a wide front part, this will significantly reduce the pressure exerted on the toes of the foot. It is recommended to walk as much as possible barefoot or with open fingers (if possible).

- Briefly cut the ingrown nail should not be. This only activates the process of ingrowth and deformation. The pedicure is carried out with scissors, whose blades are straight.

- Every day to do a bath (with salt warm water) for the feet. These procedures will reduce pain, relieve swelling, eliminate inflammation (if it is not strong), soften the nail and skin around it. Instead of salt, you can add furatsilin or potassium permanganate (this will help prevent infection). After inserting under the edge of the problem nail, wadded turundochku that it was in a raised position. If infection can not be avoided, use antibacterial ointment.

Laser removal. This method is the least traumatic and the most effective. Currently, it is being used increasingly. The bottom line is this: not the entire problem nail is removed, but only its ingrown part and the edge of the growth zone evaporates. In this case, the risk of recurrence is minimal, since the edge of the nail plate (inner) no longer grows.

Conservative method. It helps to avoid surgical operations. The therapy is carried out by means of such corrective devices as staples, special springs, elastic plates of plastic or metal. They promote the gradual extension of the nail plate, which has undergone deformation. A procedure for fixing such a device can even be carried out by a manicurist.

Be healthy!