Ingrown nails- How to prevent them
May 31, 2009
JOHN'S big toenail was swollen, red and throbbing. In a couple of days, an oozy-white liquid formed around the upper-left corner of his nail. The pain became so bad that he could not run, let alone wear shoes.<br>
By Anthony Olwoch
JOHN'S big toenail was swollen, red and throbbing. In a couple of days, an oozy-white liquid formed around the upper-left corner of his nail. The pain became so bad that he could not run, let alone wear shoes.
He was unable to figure out the root cause since he had not injured his toe. A visit to the doctor confirmed that he had an ingrown toenail.
Dr. Samuel Mubiru a general practitioner at General Clinic, says an ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end or side of the toe.
This can result in irritation and infection because of bacteria that may be present in and around the feet.
Causes
Poor trimming of nails
Nails cut too short allow the skin to cover nail, consequently causing the nail to grow into the skin.
When nails are ripped off instead of cut.
Wearing tight shoes
Injury to the toe
Repeated activity, for instances kicking a ball can also lead to ingrown toenails.
Disorders such as fungal infections
Symptoms include pain and swelling around the ingrown edge, a pink-red colouring, liquid or pus discharge, a warm feeling on and around the swollen area, foul odor or a fever.
Prevention tips
Your shoes should fit, both in length and width.
Cut toenails in a straight line across and avoid cutting as far down as possible.
Avoid injuring your toenails.
Wash the foot, including the affected area twice a day
Soak the affected foot in warm salty water two to three times a day.
Keep the foot clean and dry during the day.
Wearing sandals until the conditions clears up.
Try to lift the corner of the nail that is digging into the skin. Take a small piece of cotton or gauze and place it between the nail and skin to keep it elevated.
Take a pain killer.
Use an antibiotic cream on the irritated area to prevent infection.
If there is no improvement within three days see a doctor.
JOHN'S big toenail was swollen, red and throbbing. In a couple of days, an oozy-white liquid formed around the upper-left corner of his nail. The pain became so bad that he could not run, let alone wear shoes.
He was unable to figure out the root cause since he had not injured his toe. A visit to the doctor confirmed that he had an ingrown toenail.
Dr. Samuel Mubiru a general practitioner at General Clinic, says an ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end or side of the toe.
This can result in irritation and infection because of bacteria that may be present in and around the feet.
Causes
Poor trimming of nails
Nails cut too short allow the skin to cover nail, consequently causing the nail to grow into the skin.
When nails are ripped off instead of cut.
Wearing tight shoes
Injury to the toe
Repeated activity, for instances kicking a ball can also lead to ingrown toenails.
Disorders such as fungal infections
Symptoms include pain and swelling around the ingrown edge, a pink-red colouring, liquid or pus discharge, a warm feeling on and around the swollen area, foul odor or a fever.
Prevention tips
Your shoes should fit, both in length and width.
Cut toenails in a straight line across and avoid cutting as far down as possible.
Avoid injuring your toenails.
Wash the foot, including the affected area twice a day
Soak the affected foot in warm salty water two to three times a day.
Keep the foot clean and dry during the day.
Wearing sandals until the conditions clears up.
Try to lift the corner of the nail that is digging into the skin. Take a small piece of cotton or gauze and place it between the nail and skin to keep it elevated.
Take a pain killer.
Use an antibiotic cream on the irritated area to prevent infection.
If there is no improvement within three days see a doctor.