Because it is winter and you are constantly wearing socks and warm boots, your focus may not be on the health of your feet. However, it is important that you take the time to make sure your feet are well taken care of at all times throughout the year.
Ingrown toenails occur when the side edge of your toenail grows into the skin. It’s no surprise that this causes pain and irritation. Bacteria can also enter the skin and make ingrown toenails even more painful, causing an infection.
Causes
Heredity is a major cause of ingrown toenails; if one or both of your parents have experiences ingrown toenails, your chances of getting one increase. Ill-fitting footwear is another cause of ingrown toenails, because if you wear socks or shoes that are too tight, ingrown toenails may develop. Trauma such as stubbing or jamming your toe may cause ingrown toenails to develop as well.
Improper maintenance, such as cutting your nails too short, may result in ingrown toenails. Short nails encourage the skin on the side of the nails to fold over it. To avoid this, make sure to leave some length when you are cutting and always cut straight across.
If You are in Pain
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, try soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to help minimize bacteria. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment and apply a bandage to the area.
Visit a Podiatrist
If you are suffering from ingrown toenail pain, don’t hesitate to visit our podiatrists to see how we can help!