What is the fastest way to fix an ingrown toenail?

To swiftly address an ingrown toenail, start by soaking your toe in warm Epsom salt water. This helps to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Next, carefully clip the nail, ensuring not to cut too deep into the corners. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. For severe cases, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist for professional treatment to guarantee quick and effective relief.

What Draws Out an Ingrown Toenail?

To soften the skin, soak it in warm water with Epsom salt. Apply antibiotic ointment afterwards and wear open-toed shoes to reduce pressure. Consult a podiatrist if needed.

Is it okay to dig out an ingrown toenail?

It's not advisable to dig out an ingrown toenail yourself. Doing so can lead to infection and complications. Instead, seek professional help from a podiatrist, who has the expertise to treat it safely and effectively.

An ingrown toenail can be painful and frustrating, but there are ways to treat it quickly. If caught early enough, begin by soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salt to soften the skin and nail, making it easier to manage.[1]

Carefully lift the edge of the nail using clean tweezers or dental floss to relieve pressure [2]. Applying antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection [3].

However, if these home remedies don’t bring relief, it might be time to seek professional advice. If you interested in knowing more about the most efficient ways to tackle this issue and prevent it from recurring, then our latest blog was written with you in mind.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails & Nail Infection

Ingrown toenails, which occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, are a common condition that can cause significant pain and inflammation. Recognising ingrown toenail symptoms early on is essential for effective management.

Symptoms often include a sore toenail, redness, swelling, and sometimes even pus if infection sets in. These symptoms can interfere with your daily activities, making it vital to address the issue promptly.

Understanding how to get rid of an ingrown toenail starts with identifying the underlying causes. Poor nail trimming techniques, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, can increase the risk. Tight-fitting shoes can also contribute to ingrown nails by putting excessive pressure on your toes.

Home Remedies to Try For Your Ingrown Toe Nail & Nail Infection

To alleviate the discomfort and promote healing, begin by soaking the affected toe in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. This helps reduce inflammation and softens the skin around the nail, making it easier to treat [4]. Aim for a 15-20 minute soak, twice a day.

Here are some additional home remedies to try:

Lift the Nail: Using clean tweezers or a small piece of dental floss, gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail. This can help it grow out properly and reduce pressure on the nail bed.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment: After soaking, dry the toe thoroughly and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. This prevents infection and promotes faster healing.
Choose Comfortable Footwear: Wear open-toed shoes or shoes with a wide toe box. This aids in alleviating discomfort and speeding up the healing process.

These remedies offer a practical approach to how to get rid of an ingrown toenail [5, 6, 7]. Consistently following these steps can improve your condition, giving you the freedom to move comfortably. If symptoms persist, consult an experienced ingrown toenail podiatrist for further guidance.

Effective & Lasting Ingrown Toenail Podiatry Treatments

To effectively and permanently address ingrown toenails, consider professional podiatry treatments such as expert nail trimming, the OnyFix Nail Brace System, or ingrown toenail surgery. These methods aim to offer immediate relief and deter future occurrences.

Consulting a podiatrist guarantees you receive evidence-based care tailored to your specific needs:

Podiatrist Nail Trimming

When dealing with stubborn or recurrent ingrown toenails, consulting a podiatrist for professional nail trimming can provide effective and lasting relief. Podiatrists possess the necessary expertise to precisely trim ingrown toenails, ensuring quick pain relief and the prevention of future occurrences.

With their specialised skills, podiatrists can address the underlying causes of your ingrown toenail, promoting optimal healing and minimising complications.

Here’s why professional nail trimming by a podiatrist is beneficial:

If you’ve experienced recurrent ingrown toenails or if home remedies haven’t worked, seeking professional treatment is especially important. Podiatrists can offer tailored advice and treatment plans, ensuring you regain comfort and mobility quickly [8, 9].

OnyFix Nail Brace Solution

The OnyFix Nail Brace is a groundbreaking podiatry treatment that effectively addresses ingrown toenails by gently lifting the nail edge to alleviate pressure and promote natural nail growth. This innovative system transforms how you manage ingrown toenails, offering a non-invasive, evidence-based solution that provides lasting results [10].

Unlike traditional methods, the OnyFix Nail Brace doesn’t require surgery or medications [11]. Instead, it works by gradually correcting the nail’s curvature, reducing discomfort and inflammation. Praise for this technique’s effectiveness and minimal downtime allows you to regain your freedom and resume daily activities more quickly [12].

Applied by a qualified podiatrist, the OnyFix Nail Brace ensures accuracy and safety in treatment. A qualified podiatrist carefully affixes the brace to the nail, applying gentle pressure to guide the nail into its correct position. Over time, this leads to healthier nail growth and prevents the recurrence of ingrown toenails [13].

For those seeking a fast, effective solution to the pain and inconvenience of ingrown toenails, the OnyFix Nail Brace stands out as a cutting-edge option. It’s a wise choice for anyone looking to address the issue with minimal disruption and maximum comfort.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Considering the severity of your ingrown toenail, ingrown toenail surgery offers an effective and lasting solution performed by skilled podiatrists. This procedure is particularly beneficial when other treatments haven’t worked or if you’re dealing with recurring issues. Under local anaesthesia, the surgery involves removing a portion of the nail or the entire nail border, ensuring minimal discomfort.

Here’s what you can expect during the process:

You can trust in the expertise of podiatric care to provide a swift and definitive solution, so you can get back to your daily life without the nagging pain of an ingrown toenail.

When To See A Podiatrist Or Healthcare Provider

You should consult a podiatrist if you’re experiencing severe pain, noticeable swelling, or any signs of infection in your ingrown toenail. These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition that requires professional attention. If home remedies aren’t alleviating your discomfort, seeking expert help is vital. Podiatrists have the specialised tools and knowledge to treat ingrown toenails effectively, minimising the risk of complications.

Persistent ingrown toenails that don’t improve with self-care may expert intervention. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Moreover, if you’re prone to recurring ingrown toenails, a podiatrist can offer preventive advice tailored to your specific needs. This might include guidance on proper nail care, footwear recommendations, or even corrective surgical options to prevent future occurrences.

Ignoring severe symptoms can lead to more serious infections or complications, so a timely consultation with a podiatrist guarantees you receive the most effective treatment and relief, allowing you to maintain your freedom and avoid future issues.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails & Protecting Your Nail Health

To prevent future ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Proper nail trimming is important because it prevents the nails edges from digging into the surrounding skin.

Here are some additional steps you can take to ensure your toenails grow healthily:

Wearing shoes that fit well is crucial, as tight shoes can squeeze your toes and encourage nails to grow improperly. Keeping your feet clean and dry is another key preventative measure.

Moist, dirty environments are breeding grounds for infections that can complicate an ingrown toenail. Using toe protectors or braces can provide an extra layer of defence, particularly if you’re prone to recurring issues.

Summing It All Up...

Dealing with an ingrown toenail promptly can greatly reduce discomfort and prevent complications [14].

Soak your toe in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to soften the area [15].

Gently lift the nail edge using a clean dental floss or cotton bud, taking care not to force it [16].

Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and wear comfortable shoes that don’t put pressure on the affected toe [17].

If these steps don’t bring relief, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist. After all, why endure unnecessary pain when professional help is available?

Taking preventive measures, such as cutting your nails straight across and avoiding tight footwear, can also help you avoid future occurrences, ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free.

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail and want the right professional advice on how to treat it, we currently have a limited offer running to help you out. A GAP FREE ingrown toenail assessment consult (only $59 for those without extras private insurance).

Please feel free to book yourself in online or call our friendly Reception on (03) 8104 9270 today.

Ingrown Toenail Infection

Understand how you get ingrown toenails your self care home options and what you can do to get rid of them once and for all. You don't need to put up with the pain of an ingrown toenail any longer.

Bellevue Podiatry Health Care Treatment

Bellevue Podiatry has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs for over 10 years. We have the qualifications, experience and education to effectively treat any lower limb condition or injury that requires expert podiatry care.

Blog 68 – How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Toenail Once & For All?