Ingrown Nail refers to the condition where the edge of the fingernail or toenail grows into the surrounding skin tissue, commonly seen as one of the clinical nail diseases. This condition often occurs on the big toe and can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling for the patient, subsequently affecting the affected foot’s weight-bearing capacity and normal walking. In severe cases, it may even interfere with the quality of everyday life.
For patients with mild symptoms, without skin breaks and secretions, the following measures may provide relief:
- Place a small amount of cotton roll or dental floss under the nail that is embedded into the surrounding tissue to alleviate local pressure.
- Soak the affected foot in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, for 1-2 weeks.
- When the pain is more intense, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to help ease the discomfort; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Correctly trim fingernails and toenails, ensuring that the edges of the nails have a certain length when trimmed to avoid cutting too short and too deep, which may lead to the new nail growth pressing into the nail groove or surrounding skin, resulting in an ingrown nail.
If the redness and swelling of the affected area worsen or if there is purulent discharge, the patient should immediately seek a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment to prevent further infection, such as paronychia.
