|
Share this |
The nail on my toe seems to have cut deeply into the skin and is bothering me. I also seem to have the signs of fungus (colored nail). What non-surgical methods exist to cure these?
Regards,
B.
Dear B,
What you describe sounds like an ingrown toenail — when your toenail grows in a way that the edge presses against its adjacent skin, causing pain and discomfort. Ingrown toenails usually occur because of wearing tight shoes or stockings, or incorrect nail clipping. Sometimes there is added pain because an infection can take place after the nail grows inward.
To prevent ingrown toenails in the first place, or their recurrence, cut your toenails straight across (the end of the toe nail should be angled) without trimming too close and cutting into, or damaging the skin at the corners of the nail. Don't tear off the nail; cut it neatly with scissors or nail clippers. Ingrown toenails are likely to recur, so preventative measures are important.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail — non-surgical by any standard, includes the following steps:
- soften the nail by soaking the toe in warm water
- to stop the nail from puncturing the skin, push a few thin lengths of absorbent cotton with an antibiotic ointment on it under the nail
- Using nail clippers, try cuting a V-shape in the center of the ingrown nail. This can alleviate pressure as the toenail begins to grow towards the center instead of the outer edges near the skin.
- wear open or roomy shoes
- if the toe bleeds, excretes pus, or swells up, have it checked by a health care provider. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to treat a toenail infection.
Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to painful infections, so you may want to have it looked at by a health care provider. If you are a student at Columbia, you can make an appointment at Primary Care Medical Services online using Open Communicator or by calling x4-2284.
Ingrown toenails and fungal infections are no fun, so practicing good nail hygiene and taking care of your feet may help you from toeing the line between healthy and painful digits!
