How To Treat An Infected Ingrown Toenail: What You Need To Know

This article was reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska on August 15th, 2018. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Introduction

Redness. Swelling. Pain.

Living with an infected ingrown toenail can be extremely painful. You may find it difficult to stand on your feet, walk around, or even wear shoes.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat an infected toenail at home.

Let’s talk a look at some of the most ways to treat an infected ingrown toenail, so you can start living free of pain and discomfort.

Important Note About Infected Toenails

Only mild cases of ingrown toenails can safely be treated at home.

Symptoms of a mild case of an ingrown toenail include mild pain, a stinging sensation in the area around the toenail and, even when these symptoms are not present, but the side of the toenail is starting to grow in the surrounding skin.

If there is pain, swelling, or severe redness, the toe is warm to the touch or pus is present, than that is a case that needs immediate medical attention.

The infection can be treated with an antifungal ointment only if the nail or surrounding tissue is infected by fungus, otherwise, the treatment will have no effect.

Aside from fungi, an ingrown toenail can be infected with a bacteria, in which case the treatment will have to be with antibiotics.

Furthermore, if an infected toenail is manipulated in such a way, the infection can spread and have severe complications.

The 3 Step Process Of Treating Infected Ingrown Toenails

Treating an infected ingrown toenail can be broken down into three steps. These include:

  1. Treating the infection with an antifungal ointment
  2. Treating the nail with an ingrown toenail kit
  3. Preventing future ingrown toenails and infections

Below we will go into detail about exactly what you should do for each step, along with many commonly asked questions and concerns.

Best Treatment For An Infected Ingrown Toenail – EmuaidMAX

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EmuaidMAX is one of the best selling over-the-counter ointments in the world.

It can be used to treat over 75 types of skin and nail conditions, such as nail fungus, athletes foot, acne, psoriasis, and of course, infected ingrown toenails.

The solution is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it a phenomenal addition to your medicine cabinet, and a powerful aid against fighting the underlying cause of your infection.

The EmuaidMAX solution contains a variety of powerful, medical grade ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil, Bacillus Ferment, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, and more.

Additionally, the solution is free from many of the unnatural chemicals in other topical treatments – there is no alcohol, fragrances, or petrochemicals involved.

We highly recommend utilizing EmuaidMAX to destroy the infection in your toenail and the surrounding area.

Click here to view EmuaidMAX on Amazon.com

Best Ingrown Toenail Kit – BEEHOME Professional Ingrown Toenail Kit

The BEEHOME Professional Ingrown Toenail Kit is one of the best pedicure sets on the market today. The kit includes a nail lifter, a high-end nail clipper, file, corrector, and portable case.

The entire kit is made of premium stainless steel and includes everything you need to successfully treat your ingrown toenails.

You utilize the nail lifter to slowly lift the infected nail slightly every ten minutes or so. Eventually, the nail will be reshaped and can be easily clipped or filed and cleaned.

Make sure you place a cotton ball to prevent the nail from growing inwards again.

By combining the power of an antifungal solution and a professional ingrown toenail kit, your ingrown toenail will quickly be eradicated.

Click here to view BEEHOME Professional Ingrown Toenail Kit on Amazon.com

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

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In order to prevent ingrown toenails in the future, there are certain steps you need to take to lower the chances of ingrown toenails and toenail infections.

People provide conducive environments for ingrown toenails, sometimes without their knowledge. Nevertheless, conscious efforts can be made to prevent ingrown toenails from forming and thriving.

Nails should be trimmed in a square shape using professional nail clippers.

These can found in an ingrown toenail kit – if you do not want to purchase one of this kits, we recommend using the BONWORL Precision Nail Clippers.

Avoid cutting your nails at an angle because as they grow back, they will find their way into the skin. And when you have an ingrown toenail, avoid using tweezers, scissors, and scalpels dig into the skin and give yourself relief.

They may work fast to give you temporary relief, but have a higher risk of making the problem worse in the future.

The choice of shoes worn matters; they should not be too high-heeled or too tight.

Make it a habit to change shoes day after day because they fit differently. When at home, remain barefoot or wear flip-flops or open shoes to give your toenails room to breathe.

See Your Doctor If You Believe You Have An Infection

how to treat an infected ingrown toenail

We recommend you need to visit a doctor if you believe you have a toenail infection. At the doctor’s office, the physician will treat an ingrown toenail by lifting the nail and gently placing a splint beneath it.

In so doing, the brace will make the nail grow away from the skin. If the doctor is not successful in putting a splint, he can remove the nail in whole or just the affected bit.

If it contains pus, the doctor will also have to drain it.

Please keep in mind that this website does not provide any medical advice.

Always talk to your doctor before introducing your body to any new treatment, or trying to treat your ingrown toenail at home.

What About Using Home Remedies For The Infection?

how to treat an infected ingrown toenail

In certain instances, if the infected toenail is mild, it may not warrant a visit to the doctor’s office. Simple home remedies include:

  • Soaking the feet in a bathtub or bucket with warm salty water, three to four times daily. The feet should then be dried properly. The salt has some healing effect, and with time changes will be evident, both in the ingrown toenail and around the infected skin. In the place of salt, you could use vinegar.
  • Waxed dental floss can work just as well as a medicated ointment. Gently lift the corner of the nail and place dental floss below it. It will keep the nail away from the skin while also providing a soothing effect.
  • Vicks Vaporub or Tiger Balm Ultra can be utilized to treat an infection because of its antifungal properties.
  • Utilize the power of olive oil; it has healing and soothing properties that will help you deal with the discomfort.
  • Remember to wrap the affected toe in a clean bandage after applying a medicated ointment.

We only recommend using home remedies as a stopgap solution while you wait for your more powerful topical solution, such as EmuaidMAX, to arrive.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

how to treat an infected ingrown toenail

Whereas ingrown toenails are common in both men and women, according to a report by the National Health Services, the problem is more prevalent among people with sweaty feet.

In older people, the risk is higher because toenails become thicker with age. Some of the common causes of ingrown toenails include:

  • Injury to the toenail. This can be caused by hitting the toe against a hard surface, kicking a ball repeatedly, or dropping something heavy on the toe.
  • Poor feet hygiene. For example, not drying the feet properly after a bath or after coming into contact with water.
  • Footwear that is too tight. Shoes, socks, and stockings that are too tight can be a contributing factor to ingrown nails because they continually press against your toes.
  • Not cutting your nails correctly. The proper way to cut nails is across. Cutting from an angle encourages the nail to find its way into the skin.
  • Some sports, when engaged in extensively, can make the toes prone to getting ingrown nails. Activities like football, ballet, soccer, and kickboxing put the feet at a higher risk.
  • And obviously genetic factors. If your ancestors suffered from ingrown toes, chances are that you will inherit the same problem genetically.

If not treated quickly, an ingrown toenail can become painful, infected, and can cause more complications, requiring specialized medical treatment.

The risk of complication is higher in people who have health conditions that interfere with proper blood circulation such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

What If I Have Diabetes And An Infected Ingrown Toenail?

If you have diabetes, you might not detect the infection right away.

The best thing is to check the feet every day for swelling, redness, pus, and other signs of infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Will My Nail Have To Be Removed?

If all the said remedies do not work, it may be necessary for the nail to be removed, either in part or whole.

The procedure should be done by a qualified physician who will also follow up on the healing process of the affected toe.

But before the situation gets to this point, it is only more natural that you take preventative measures in advance to prevent the formation of an ingrown nail.

Where Should I Purchase An Infected Ingrown Toenail Treatment?

Many of our readers have asked us where they should purchase an infected ingrown toenail treatment.

They have inquired about CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, or even eBay. We recommend purchasing a topical solution and ingrown toenail kit on Amazon.com.

Click here to view our recommend antifungal ointment, EmuaidMAX, on Amazon.com.

Conclusion

Infected ingrown toenails can be a major source of discomfort and pain in your life.

Fortunately, with this guide, you will be able to clear up your infection and start living infection-free. Please keep in mind that this website does not provide medical advice.

If you believe you have an infected ingrown toenail, consult your doctor immediately.

Do you have any experience with infected toenails? If so, leave a comment below.

1 thought on “How To Treat An Infected Ingrown Toenail: What You Need To Know”

  1. I like that you suggest seeing your doctor about ingrown toenails. My brother has had this problem for a couple of weeks now and we want him to be able to get rid of the pain. I will send him this information so he can start looking for ingrown toenail treatment options.

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