Ingrowing Toenail Self-Treatment

Ingrowing Toenail

In this condition the skin and flesh at one or both corners of a nail, usually a great toe, become tender and inflamed. Shoes that are either too short or too narrow across the toes may cause this trouble. High heels may also cause it by throwing the foot forward so that the toes are pinched. A faulty method of trimming the nails may also cause ingrowing toenails. The nails should be cut straight across and left long enough so there is no flesh in front, especially if rounded at the corners, the skin and flesh are pressed inward in front of these corners, and as the nail grows it cuts into the skin and flesh and makes the trouble.

Here’s what to do:

• Cut the toenails as suggested above.
  
• If a toenail is already ingrown, apply a strip of adhesive plaster, drawing it around under the toe and attaching the ends so as to pull the skin and flesh away from the edges of the nail.
  
• Gently pack a bit of oiled cotton or gauze under the buried edge and corner of the nail.
  
• If the toe is inflamed, give alternate hot and cold foot baths twenty minutes night and morning.
  
• Cut a V-groove in the nail near the sore side and parallel to it, as deep as possible without drawing blood.

If these treatments fail, consult a physician, who can cure the condition by a simple operation.