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Is a condition whereby the nail grows into the skin of the toe instead of over
it.
What to
look for
Ingrown
nails usually affect the toenails and can be very painful.
People who
have curved or thick nails are most susceptible, although anyone can
suffer from ingrown nails as a result of an injury or because of shoes
which do not fit properly.
Diabetics
need to be aggressive in treating and preventing minor foot ailments
because they can develop into serious medical problems.
Causes
Ingrown
nails are most frequently caused by cutting your toenails too short or
rounding the nail edges, or by wearing ill-fitting shoes that press the
nail into your toe. You can also develop an ingrown nail after an injury
such as stubbing your toe.
Traditional
Treatment
This can be
prevented by wearing shoes that fit well, and by taking proper care when
you cut your toenails. Care must be taken to ensure the area does not
become infected.
If this
does occur, you will probably be put on a course of antibiotics and be
given an ointment to help the infection.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal
Therapies - Medical
herbalists may suggest soaking the toe in a warm solution of
calendula
(Calendula officinalis) and
tea tree
oil.
Personal
Care
-
When
you cut your nails, put a small ‘V’ in the middle with the
scissors. This will allow the nail to grow in towards the middle and
not spade out to cause trouble.
-
soaking
your foot in warm salt water and then applying an over-the-counter
topical solution for ingrown nails
-
Lemon
is said to act as a natural softening agent. If you want to try a
natural remedy, tie a fresh lemon slice around the toe and leave it on
overnight.
Prevention
Proper
grooming is the first step in preventing ingrown nails.
Soak the
feet first to soften the nails. Do not cut the nails with a downwards
slope at the sides as this can cause the problem.
Call Your
Doctor If:
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