An Ingrown Toenail is surprisingly painful and can affect everything from walking to shoe wearing. Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail edge (usually on the big toe), grows into the skin surrounding it, causing swelling, inflammation, and infection. Untreated, this condition can become more serious, especially in people with diabetes and poor circulation.
In order to avoid recurrence of an ingrown nail in Perth and relieve the pain, it is important to find a fast and effective treatment. What's the fastest way to cure it?
1. Proper Home Care and Early Detection
You may be able to treat your ingrown toenail at home if it is still in its early stages. This means that it is slightly red, tender, and not infected. Here's how:
Soak your Foot: Soak for 15-20 minutes in warm, salted water (use Epsom Salt) 2-3 times per day. This will soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
Keep it Dry & Clean: After soaking your foot, dry the area thoroughly and apply antiseptic solution or cream.
Lifting the Nail Gently: You can use dental floss or a small piece of cotton to lift the edge of the nail away from the skin. Replace the dressing every day.
Avoid High Heels or Shoes with Tight Toes: Wear shoes that are loose or have an open toe.
Do not cut the nails too short: Cut your nails straight across, and do not go into the corners.
Home remedies are only effective for mild cases. When swelling, pain, or redness worsens, you should seek medical help.
2. Professional Podiatry Treatment
If you have an advanced or infected toenail that is in Perth, then visiting a foot doctor will be the most effective and fastest way to treat it. A podiatrist can assess your condition to determine the best treatment.
Conservative Nail Management
Professionally trimming and reshaping your nail.
Remove the nail edge in sterile conditions.
Antiseptic dressings and antibiotic ointments can be applied.
This method can provide immediate relief, and even prevent the condition from getting worse.
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
Your podiatrist might recommend a partial nail avulsion if your ingrown toenail is infected or keeps coming back. This minor procedure involves
Local anaesthetic can be used to numb the toe.
Remove the ingrown part of the nail.
The application of a chemical, such as phenol, to stop the regrowth.
This procedure is fast, painless, and successful. Recovery usually takes a few days with minimal pain.
3. Aftercare Matters
It is important to take the right aftercare measures in order to recover quickly and avoid recurrence. You should:
Please follow your podiatrist’s instructions.
Keep the area dry and clean.
Comfortable, breathable shoes are recommended.
If advised, return for a follow-up visit.
Many people experience significant relief 24 to 48 hrs after treatment.
4. Why Should you seek help for an ingrown toenail?
Foot Focus Podiatry, a clinic in Perth that offers both conservative and surgical options for an ingrown toenail, provides world-class care to Perth residents. Their podiatrists are experienced and tailor treatment to the individual patient, ensuring a quick recovery.
Perth's humid weather and active outdoor lifestyle make it important to treat foot problems early in order to avoid complications.
Final Thoughts
Ingrown toenails can be treated at home depending on their severity. Professional intervention is safest for infected or persistent nails. Do not wait if you are suffering from a toenail that has ingrown in Perth. See a podiatrist to get you back on your feet, pain-free and confident.
