3 Tips For Caring For Ingrown Nails

Many people suffer from ingrown toenails or fingernails. Getting an ingrown nail can be very painful, and can even require medical attention if is left untreated. This is why it is important that you understand what to do for ingrown nails. Here are 3 tips for caring for your nails.

1. Clip Straight Across

 One of the biggest mistakes you can make when clipping your fingers is doing it in a rounded manner. If your nails are really long, the way you clip them may not affect you, but those who have shorter nails should only clip the nails straight across. When you do this it prevents getting ingrown nails.

Those who have shorter nails and clip them in a rounded form risk having the nail grow into the skin when it grows out. This can be very subtle. You might not even notice that you have an ingrown nail, until it has become painful. This is why you should try to manicure your nails in a way that will prevent the ingrown nail. If you don't know how to do this, you can have it done at a nail studio.

2. Soak The Nail

If you already have an ingrown nail, you are probably looking for a way to treat it without medical attention. The best thing that you can do is soak the nail in water and Epsom salts. You should try and keep the affected area in the water at least a couple times a day. You should soak the area until the skin around the nail becomes soft.

Once the skin is soft you can start to pull back the area around the nail so that it will expose the nail. It should be noted that this process may be a little painful, this is because you will be irritating already infected skin. However, this is the best way to get rid of the ingrown nail.

3. Seek Medical Attention

If you have an ingrown nail that becomes red, inflamed and painful, you might need medical attention. The doctor may cut out part of the nail so that it won't keep growing into the skin. You might even have to have the entire nail removed. Then after a certain amount of time, the nail should grow back.

Obviously it is best to avoid medical intervention. This is why you should try clipping your nails correctly, and soaking the nail as a preventative measure. This will protect your skin from ingrown nails. 


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