What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of one of the toenails grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. Most often, it affects the big toe, although other toes can also become ingrown.
Causes
Some causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Improperly trimming toenails—cutting them too short, rounding the edges, etc.
- Heredity
- Abnormal nail shape
- Trauma or injury to the toe
- Improperly fitted shoes putting pressure on the toes
Symptoms
Common signs of an ingrown toenail include:
- Redness, swelling, and tenderness along the toenail edge
- Pain when pressure is applied to the toe
- Thickened or discolored nail
- Drainage of fluid or blood from the area
- Difficulty wearing shoes due to discomfort
Treating an Ingrown Toenail at Home
Several home remedies may provide relief from mild ingrown toenail discomfort including:
Soaking the Foot
Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt helps relax the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation.
Using Topical Alcohol
Swabbing the area with rubbing alcohol after soaking helps dry out the skin and toughen it to prevent further nail penetration.
Cotton Pads
Placing a small cotton pad or dental floss under the corner of the nail helps protect the skin and lift the nail away.
Antibiotic Ointment
Applying antibiotic creams or petroleum jelly keeps the area lubricated to prevent skin ripping and infection.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can temporarily relieve associated soreness and swelling.
Using Alcohol for Ingrown Toenails
Applying rubbing alcohol to an ingrown toenail serves a few helpful purposes including:
Disinfecting
Alcohol cleans bacteria from any open sore or cracked skin around the toenail which prevents infection.
Drying
The evaporative effects help thoroughly dry the softened, soaked skin to discourage further nail growth into the skin.
Toughening Skin
It slightly hardens the surrounding skin through protein coagulation creating a protective barrier.
Improving Product Penetration
Alcohol allows better absorption of other medicated ointments simultaneously applied to the area.
Providing Cooling Relief
The chilling sensation of alcohol temporarily numbs discomfort and cools inflammation for several hours.
How to Use Alcohol for an Ingrown Toenail
Follow these steps when using alcohol for at-home ingrown toenail relief:
Soak Foot First
Soak foot in warm salt water for 15-20 minutes to soften skin and allow better alcohol absorption.
Dry Thoroughly
Gently pat entire foot and toes completely dry after soaking using a clean, soft towel.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Use a cotton ball or pad soaked in alcohol to swab skin surrounding affected nail for 30 seconds.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After drying, coat the area with a thin layer of antibacterial ointment using a cotton swab.
Loosen Corner of Nail
Gently insert a thin piece of cotton, floss, or specialized pad just under ingrown corner to lift it.
Bandage Toe
Wrap toe with a small adhesive bandage to protect it between alcohol applications.
Repeat Daily
Apply alcohol soak and ointment treatments daily after showering until nail grows out of skin.
When to See a Podiatrist
Schedule an appointment with a foot doctor promptly if:
Symptoms Worsen
Redness, swelling, pain, or drainage increases despite over 1 week of at-home treatments.
Signs of Infection Develop
You notice spreading redness, yellow/green discharge, foul odor, fever or chills.
Nail Won't Separate From Skin
The ingrown section remains firmly penetrated in skin after 10-14 days of soaks and alcohol.
Growth Impairs Function
It becomes too uncomfortable to walk, wear shoes, or perform normal daily responsibilities.
Medical Treatments for Ingrown Toenails
If home care fails to resolve an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist has specialized techniques to remove problematic nail sections including:
Partial Nail Removal
The ingrown portion is numbed using injections then surgically excised allowing new growth.
Chemical Cauterization
Applying powerful acids kills part of nail matrix to permanently stop recurrent ingrown sections.
Laser Therapy
Heated laser light beams focused on the sides permanently prevent further sideways and downward growth.
Caring for Feet After Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Post-procedure care guidelines may include:
Keep Area Dry
Thoroughly dry feet post-bathing and avoid soaking foot for 1 week to prevent infection risk.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
Continue using daily antibiotic creams or ointments on the healing nail edges for 3-5 days.
Take Oral Antibiotics
Finish any prescribed antibiotics to eliminate underlying bacteria and prevent secondary infections.
Loosen Bandages Between Changes
If initial pressure bandage feels too tight between weekly changes, carefully loosen to maintain comfort and circulation.
Elevate Foot
Post-procedure, keep foot raised above heart level as much as possible for the first 2 days to reduce swelling.
Use Surgical Shoe
Wear specialized post-op open-toed shoe with padding to avoid pressure on tender nail area for 1 week.
Avoid High Impact Exercise
Prevent trauma or damage to the healing nail bed by avoiding sports or high-intensity workouts for 2 weeks.
Preventing Ingrown Toenail Recurrence
Prevent future ingrown toenail issues by:
Trimming Properly
Cut nails straight across leaving ample length and smooth edges after showering when softened.
Filing Edges
Gently file sides and tips of nails monthly during pedicures, tapering to roundness.
Disinfecting Tools
Soak nail clippers in alcohol for 10 minutes between uses to kill microbes.
Applying Petroleum Jelly
Regularly rub petroleum jelly along the sides of nail after trimming to soften skin.
Choosing Good Footwear
Wear properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room to avoid excessive pressure on nails.
Seeing Podiatrist Regularly
Those prone to ingrowns should schedule professional nail care every 6-8 weeks for monitoring and maintenance.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Urgently seek help if:
Infection Spreads
Redness, swelling or red streaking extends beyond toe accompanied by fever.
Loss of Feeling/Function
Toe becomes numb, blue, cold or too painful to walk on, indicating loss of circulation.
Rare complications like infection spreading to bone or blood mean digits may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics or surgical drainage.
Outlook for Ingrown Toenails
While ingrown toenails can be extremely painful in the moment, the outlook is generally positive. Consistently implementing proper foot hygiene and nail care techniques helps prevent recurrence in most cases. However, some people may require periodic medical care forMANAG chronic ingrown nails.
Catching and treating ingrowns early is key before uncontrolled infection sets in leading to potential nail loss or lasting damage. If measures like alcohol and ointment fail to resolve discomfort within 2 weeks, consult a podiatrist promptly for specialized care.
FAQs
Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol on an ingrown toenail?
Yes, when properly diluted and applied to the skin surrounding the nail, rubbing alcohol is generally safe and effective for at-home use. It helps prevent infection in mild cases.
How often should I apply rubbing alcohol?
Plan to apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area once daily after soaking the foot. Use it consistently for up to 2 weeks until swelling and redness subsides.
Does alcohol application hurt?
There may be mild initial stinging when applying alcohol to an open sore. But this quickly subsides. Improved nail lift helps reduce discomfort over time.
What percentage alcohol should I use?
For ingrown toenails, it's best to dilute stronger 91% isopropyl alcohol with equal parts water. This creates an approximate 50% solution less likely to excessively dry out healthy skin.
Can I peel off the ingrown nail?
No. Aggressively tearing off the penetrated nail edge will likely make things worse. Carefully tuck cotton or floss under the corner to protect skin until the nail can grow safely out of the skin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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