Buzz
Ingrown toenails can cause significant pain, inconvenience, and may easily become infected. If an ingrown toenail is infected, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent worsening damage. To address the infection, soften the affected toenail by soaking it in warm water, then gently lift the nail and apply an antibacterial ointment directly to the infected area under the nail. While this initial step may help, it's best to consult a foot care specialist for proper treatment instead of trying to manage the infection at home.
Steps
Treating an Infected Toenail
Soak the Foot. To relieve pain and swelling from an ingrown toenail, soak the affected foot in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes, three times a day for 1-2 weeks.
- Epsom salt may also help ease pain and inflammation. Add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a warm foot bath, then relax while your foot soaks in the solution. Be sure to dry your foot thoroughly after soaking.
- If the pain is severe, you can soak your foot multiple times a day.
- Avoid soaking your foot in hot water. Always use warm water for soaking.
Lift the Edge of the Toenail. To relieve pressure under the edge of an ingrown toenail, doctors typically recommend gently lifting the nail. You can achieve this by placing a small piece of cotton or thick dental floss under the edge of the toenail. This method helps pull the nail away from the skin, preventing it from digging into the skin again.
- If using cotton, you can soak it in disinfectant to reduce pain and prevent infection under the nail.
- If the toenail is infected, this method can also help absorb excess moisture under the nail.
- Ensure the dental floss you use is thick and free of wax and flavoring.
- Avoid inserting metal objects under the toenail to place cotton or dental floss. Using metal can cause further injury.
Apply Antibacterial Ointment. Antibacterial ointments are very useful when treating an infection caused by an ingrown toenail. Before applying the ointment, make sure your foot is completely dry. Apply the antibacterial cream to the entire infected area. Spread a thick layer of ointment over the infected part of the toenail. Then, cover the toe with a large bandage to keep the ointment in place and protect it from debris.
- Use antibiotic ointments like Neosporin.
Consult a Podiatrist. You should not attempt home treatment for infections caused by ingrown toenails or other foot wounds. Visit a foot specialist for professional care. If the infection is severe, you may require a minor surgical procedure. In most surgical cases, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic and then use scissors to remove the ingrown toenail.
- You may be prescribed oral antibiotics to fight the infection. Be sure to take the full dosage and follow your doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics.
Avoid Common Misconceptions
Do Not Cut the Toenail Yourself. A common misconception when dealing with an infected ingrown toenail is that cutting the toenail will help. In fact, cutting the toenail may make the infection worse. Instead, keep the toenail intact and lift it to reduce the pressure.
- Only a doctor should trim an ingrown toenail, so do not attempt to cut it yourself at home.
Do Not Insert Anything Deep Under the Toenail. Many believe that inserting something deep under the toenail can relieve pressure or help lift the nail. However, this can worsen the infection and aggravate the ingrown toenail.
- Avoid using tweezers, cuticle pushers, nail clippers, nail files, or any metal objects to treat the toenail.
Do Not Puncture the Infection. Another common misconception is using a needle to drain pus from an infected area. This should be avoided, as it can further exacerbate the infection. Even a sterilized needle can cause severe damage when puncturing or draining blisters or infected wounds.
- Avoid touching the wound with anything other than cotton swabs or materials used for bandaging.
Do Not Cut the Toenail into a 'V' Shape. A traditional folk remedy suggests cutting the infected toenail into a 'V' shape to relieve pressure and allow the toenail to heal. However, this method does not help and may only result in jagged edges that worsen the condition.
Do Not Apply Unverified Remedies to the Toenail. Avoid relying on unscientific folk treatments, such as rubbing charcoal on the toenail to treat infection. While some claim this method works, charcoal does not aid in treating an ingrown toenail infection and could actually make the situation worse. In general, do not apply anything to the toenail or infected area except antibiotic cream or a bandage.
Advice
- Do not attempt to drain pus from an infected ingrown toenail as it could worsen the infection.
- Avoid biting your toenails. Biting nails is unsanitary and can negatively affect both your teeth and toenails.
- Soaking your foot in antibacterial soap can kill harmful bacteria and prevent the infection from worsening. Additionally, avoid biting your nails as germs could enter your mouth and make the situation worse.
- Apply Polysporin and wrap the toe with a bandage. Polysporin is an effective antibiotic cream.
- If you experience pain, see redness, or notice the toenail starting to grow inward, take action immediately. Using sterile cotton to lift the nail edge can help in most cases of ingrown toenails, but may not be effective once the condition becomes more severe.
Warnings
- Individuals with immune system issues should seek medical attention if the infection persists.
- Those with diabetes who have an ingrown toenail should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.
- Infections can be life-threatening if they lead to sepsis or blood poisoning. You could also develop necrotizing infections that cause tissue death and decay. If this occurs, hospitalization, surgery, or even amputation may be necessary to prevent the infection and necrosis from spreading.
- Foot ulcers or numbness and tingling could indicate diabetes.
