Forget Ingrown Toenails With These 7 Tips and Tricks

Ingrown toenails can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. If you have then in Bakersfield, California, find a podiatrist right away. They’re often caused by bad habits, like wearing tight shoes or cutting your toenails too short. An ingrown toenail Bakersfield specialist will evaluate the extent of your toe problem before the treatment. Are there some things you can do to help prevent them from happening in the first place? Here are six tips that will keep your feet looking and feeling their best.

1. Avoid Cutting Toenails Too Short

One of the leading causes of ingrown toenails is cutting your toenails too short. The nails can grow back into the skin when you do this, causing pain and irritation. Instead, cut them straight across and slightly longer than the end of your toe. This will help prevent them from growing into the skin.

2. Wear Shoes That Fit Properly

Tight shoes are another common cause of ingrown toenails. They put pressure on the toes and can cause the nails to grow into the skin. Wear shoes that fit correctly and give your toes plenty of room to breathe. Avoid shoes with pointy toes or high heels, which can also contribute to the problem.

3. Soak Your Feet Regularly

Soaking your feet in warm water can help soften the skin and nails, making it easier to trim them. It can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Do this several times a week or as needed.

You can even soak your feet in apple cider vinegar to help reduce inflammation and pain. Add a cup of vinegar to a tub of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Do this once or twice a day as needed.

4. Applying a Topical Antibiotic

If you have an ingrown toenail already infected, you may need to apply a topical antibiotic. This can help clear up the infection and allow the nail to grow back correctly. Some good examples of topical antibiotics include polymyxin and neomycin. These medications can help clear up the infection and allow the nail to grow back correctly.

5. Wear Proper Fitting Shoes

Tight shoes are one of the leading causes of ingrown toenails. When you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, it puts pressure on your toes and can cause the nails to grow into the skin. Look for shoes that fit well and give your toes plenty of room to breathe. Avoid shoes with pointy toes or high heels, which can also contribute to the problem.

6. Find Steel-Toe Boots

If you work in a job that requires you to wear steel-toe boots, make sure they fit correctly. Ill-fitting boots can put pressure on your toes and lead to ingrown toenails. Look for comfortable boots and give your toes plenty of room to move around.

7. Avoid Injury To Your Toes

Ingrown toenails can also be caused by injury to the toes. If you stub your toe or drop something on it, it can damage the nail and cause it to grow into the skin. Be careful when working around the house or in the yard to avoid injuring your toes.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem for people who wear tight shoes, cut their nails too short, or have an injured toe. Fortunately, you can do some simple things to prevent them and reduce the pain they cause if you already suffer from one. Whether it’s wearing proper fitting shoes, soaking your feet in warm water, or applying a topical antibiotic.