Treat ingrown toenails as soon as they develop
Infected ingrown nails should be treated as soon as they develop. In many cases, treatment by your podiatrist may simply involve clearing the side of the nail with a sterile instrument, draining any pus and applying a sterile dressing. Antibiotics are almost never required. Once your podiatrist has cleared the nail from pushing into the skin, the infection will settle rapidly with the pain, swelling and discharge resolving within days, much like removing a splinter from the skin.
Toenail care
If you have an ingrown toenail follow these simple First Aid for Ingrown Toenails instructions until you visit your Podiatrist:Â
- Bathe the toe in warm, salty water twice daily;
- Apply betadine antiseptic solution to the toe and cover with a clean dressing. We recommend Cutiplast Sterile dressings.
- Wear an open toe shoe or sandal so there is no pressure on the nail.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails in the future?
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent the development of ingrown toenails:
- Cut nails straight across without tapering down into the corners. This is probably the most important factor in preventing ingrown toenails. Avoid cutting the nails too short, leave them a little longer than usual.
- Avoid wearing shoes or socks that are too tight or narrow.
- Keep feet clean to prevent the ingrown nail from becoming infected.
Our podiatrists in Brisbane Northside offers a range of solutions for the treatment of ingrown toenails, from advice on correct nail cutting techniques to nail bracing and ingrown toenail surgery.
If you have ingrown toenails, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional care, gentle treatment and expert advice.