There is an old wives’ tail about correcting chronic ingrown toenails. This treatment involves cutting a V-shape into the top edge of the nail. The belief was that ingrown toenails were the result of the nail being too big. Cut away from the middle and the nail would naturally grow toward the center. The problem is that nails grow from the base of the toe to the top. That’s the only way they grow. So stop cutting a V into your nail to get rid of ingrown nail problems.
Preventative steps can be taken, nevertheless, to prevent future occurrences of ingrown toenails. This problem is often caused by the nail having been cut too short in the first place. Shoes that don’t fit right are another way to cause ingrown nails. Take some steps toward grooming yourself on a regular basis and getting shoes that fit if you really want to prevent ingrown nail problems. If you have thick nails that make cutting them a chore, try soaking them first to soften the nails. Make sure to cut straight across the nail and make sure you also leave enough of your nail to cover the toe beneath it.
The shoe problem can be avoided by buying only shoes that fit instead of shoes that look good. You may be able to get away with buying some nice shoes that don’t fit if you also wear socks that fit comfortably. Tight shoes means staying away from thick socks. Women and drag queens need to stay away from hose that is too tight to prevent ingrown toenails. The constriction down below causes pressure on the nail which contributes to the process of ingrowing.
Treatment of ingrown toenails actually varies. You don’t necessarily have to put up with the often intense pain. An infected ingrown toenail will likely result in your doctor prescribing an antibiotic along with a topical cortisone ointment. Severely infected ingrown toenails could mean cortisone injections and ultimately the removal of the entire nail.
Herbalists recommend soaking an ingrown toenail in a solution of warmed calendula. Drop one tablespoon of calendula into one pint of water. This will both soften the nail as well as keep it clean to stave off infection. After soaking, place a thin piece of cotton beneath the nail to help lift it up and away from the skin. Keep doing this until the ingrown toenail has healed.
Another home remedy that seems to work for some people is to take a strip of adhesive tape and place it near the ingrown nail. Pull the skin away from the nail and then wrap the tape to prevent the edge of the nail from digging back into the skin. The problem with this ingrown toenail treatment is that it can take some trial and error to get it right and the error can be painful.
Be sure to seek professional medical attention if your ingrown toenail becomes infected or your nails are so thick that you cannot withstand the preventative measures.
Sources:
The Medical Advisor: Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments”
“Symptoms and Their Causes and Cures”
