The two question that people want answered when they find that they have an ingrown toenail is, what are the causes and are there any ingrown toenail remedies? Individuals that find a toenail is growing into the skin that's causing redness, irritation and pain are experiencing an ingrown toenail.
Known as a nail disease the ingrown toenail's medical phrase is onychocryptosis. Uncared for fungus can build underneath the toenail and cause infection. If there is drainage of yellow pus, redness, swelling and the toe is hot to the touch then it is infected and you should see a podiatrist (foot doctor).
So, what does cause ingrown toenail? Shoes and socks that fit poorly is a commonplace cause. Tight footwear can cause the toenail to grow into the skin by forcing it to grow inward. Improper foot care practices can bring about the condition also. You don't want your toenail growing into the skin so don't round the edges, cut them to short or let them grow to long.
Striking the toe against something or a person's gene pool can also bring on the affliction. A good thumping will make the toenail grow into the skin. The downward growth of nails that are curved is something a few folks inherit genetically.
There's a wide range of ingrown toenail remedies from soaking the infected digit to surgery. The impacted toe should be soaked in warm Epsom salts water for 15 days, 2 or 3 times a day and then cut the toenail straight across if this is a minor case. The nail may be able to grow out of the skin if you place small balls of cotton under rim of the nail. See a podiatrist if you have a severe case of ingrown toenail, you might need surgery.
Some folks claim that if you cut a V in the top of your toenail the growth to fill in that V will make the nail grow out of the skin. This isn't going to work and for a little tip if you slit the V too deeply you can injure yourself.
One of the best of all the ingrown toenail remedies is prevention. To protect against things that result in ingrown toenail just do the reverse of the causes. Avoid tight fitting shoes and socks. Pay attention to the treatment of your feet. Don't let those toenails get away from you. A properly cut toenail comes just to the toes tip.
For those of you that already have an ingrown toenail be sure you're getting the proper treatment. There is important information you should know before you go working on that toe.