bjones
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Ingrown toenails are actually a very common problem but if not treated in the early stages, they can cause a lot of pain and even infection. Most people experience ingrown toenails only intermittently. However, some people suffer from chronic ingrown toenails, which means it happens each time the nail grows.
The best way to treat ingrown toenails is to try and prevent them before they occur. This can be done by avoiding the risk factors for developing ingrown toenails. Some of the people who are at the highest risk of suffering from this problem are those who wear tight, narrow, or otherwise poorly fitting shoes. Always make sure your shoes are comfortable, fit properly and do not squeeze your feet. Another risk factor is simply having poor foot hygiene. Your feet should be cleaned daily, and your nails should be tended to on a weekly basis. If you have a toenail infection or a fungal growth, these can also cause ingrown toenails. A few other risk factors include obesity, arthritis and diabetes.
Even after reducing all of the known risks, you may still develop ingrown toenails. For some people, treating ingrown toenails is a regular hygienic task. When you notice that an ingrown toenail is beginning, you will benefit by soaking your foot in one of several types of solutions. Some soaking solutions work better than others do for particular individuals. Three common solutions include the following:
• Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 4 parts warm water.
• Mix 1/3 teaspoon chlorine bleach in a small tub of water. Be careful not to add more than this because bleach can be caustic in higher concentrations.
• Dissolve a generous portion of epsom salts into warm water.
After the soak, elevate your leg and, using a nail tool, gently peel back the skin that is growing over the nail. Use a strand of dental floss or cotton string to lift the nail up so it is over the skin and not under it. When you trim your toenails, always do so straight across instead of curved in at the sides.
Continue this treatment daily, but if it does not fix the problem after 5 to 10 days, you should see a doctor, preferably a podiatrist or dermatologist, but a general practitioner should be able to help, also. Your ingrown toenail may need to be removed by a minor surgical procedure.
 Posted 4866 day ago
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