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Nail Care
Ingrown Nails? Here's what you can do
Look at your feet. Do you have onychocryptosis (in-grown toenails)?
Would you know if you did? In-grown toenails occur when the toe nail
grows into the skin. This condition creates red, swollen skin that
is very painful. It can also lead to serious infections. If you have
an in-grown toenail it is important that you address the problem
immediate to prevent deformation of your toe and toenail, to prevent
infections, and to prevent other serious foot problems from
developing.
Ingrown Nails? Here’s What You Can Do Step #1 – Cleanse and
Disinfect the Area
The first thing that you will want to do to treat your ingrown
toenail is to clean it and disinfect it with rubbing alcohol or
peroxide. You will also want to disinfect or sterilize your toenail
clippers. This precautionary step will help you to prevent bacterial
and fungal infections.
Next you will want to soak your foot in a solution of Betadine and
warm water. You should allow your foot to soak for at least 10
minutes. This will disinfect your foot and it will soften both the
nail and the skin around the nail. When you’re done with this step
pat your foot dry.
Ingrown Nails? Here’s What You Can Do Step #2 – Clip the Ingrown
Nail
Now you are ready to remove the nail. Place the edge of the clippers
under the nail’s border. Angle the clipper and cut the ingrown nail
away. Be careful not to clip your skin as this will heighten your
risk for infections. Pull the ingrown nail out of the skin gently.
If your toe is too sore for you to do this on your own then you will
need to go to a podiatrist.
Ingrown Nails? Here’s What You Can Do Step #3 – Disinfect the Area
Again
Now that the nail is removed you will want to disinfect the area
again, especially if you accidentally broke the skin. Use a cotton
ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to thoroughly saturate the toe. Next
you will want to put together another Betadine solution. Soak your
foot in this solution for 20 minutes.
Ingrown Nails? Here’s What You Can Do Step #4 – Bandage the Toe
Slide a small piece of cotton under the toe nail to keep if from
growing back into the skin. Then apply a thin coat of antibacterial
cream or ointment to the toe. Finally wrap your toe in a bandage.
Ingrown Nails? Here’s What You Can Do Step #4 –The Aftermath
You will need to continue treating your toe for several days after
you remove the ingrown nail. First of all you will want to soak your
foot in a Betadine solution 20 minutes a day for the first 3 to 5
days after you remove the nail. After your soak your foot, dry it
and wrap it in a fresh bandage.
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