If you ever experienced a case of ingrown toenail, you know that what begins as a nuisance, can quickly become a painful infection that can require medical treatment. According to Podiatrists, more than 5% of the population suffer from ingrown toenails, yet people hold many misconceived notions about treating the condition.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition where the edges of the toenail are bent and grow into the skin of the toe. The result is pressure, itching, swelling and pain. In many cases, the nail breaks the skin, which usually leads to an infection, and in extreme cases it may require surgical intervention.
The main causes of ingrown toenails are:
Myths & Facts:
Myth: Getting a pedicure every 2-4 weeks will effectively treat an ingrown toenail.
Fact: Only a Podiatrist is licensed to treat the pathology of an ingrown toenail.
Myth: Cutting your nails short enough will stop toenails from ingrowing.
Fact: Cutting toenails too short can lead to ingrowing. It’s better to cut them straight across.Myth: “Bathroom Surgery” is an effective way to stop ingrown toenails.
Fact: Many cases of infected toenails are a result of “Bathroom Surgery”.Myth: Getting a podiatrist to treat the ingrown is painful.
Fact: Podiatrists use a local anesthesia and the procedures are painless.
A few suggestions for home treatment:
1. Soak your foot in warm salt water for 15 minutes, twice a day. Be sure to dry your foot completely after the soak.
2. Only wear shoes that don’t put pressure on your toes. The pressure will push the nail into the toe, exacerbating the situation.
3. If your toes are swollen and painful, try pulling the skin gently away from the toe. This may release some pus – if so, wash the area, apply disinfectant and use a cotton swab to apply antibiotic cream.
*In a case of an infected toenail, see a Podiatrist as soon as possible.
The 7 Nutrition Myths That Experts Want You to Forget
These are the most common nutrition and weight loss myths that may be holding you back from attaining your goals ad leading a healthy lifestyle.
Got Pain All Over Your Body? Don't Ignore These Symptoms
Do you suffer from fibromyalgia? This is what you need to know.
10 Natural & Simple Ways to Overcome Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can be quite a hassle, but it's quite easy to prevent them with these 10 simple methods.
Not For the Faint Hearted: Pest Control Myth Busting
15 myths busted about exterminating pests and rodents. Will you learn something new?
9 Myths About Mushrooms BUSTED For Good
Can we eat mushrooms raw or must we cook them first? Do they all have medicinal properties? And how can they help with cancer?
Struggling With Nasal Allergies? Try These Natural Cures
Hay fever season is upon us. To cope with the condition this year, we have some wonderful natural treatments that will help.
Every Senior Must Do These Simple Seated Exercises
Seniors will find this video extremely helpful.
Relieve Pain in the Feet and Heels in Just a Few Minutes!
Do you experience frequent pain at the bottom of the feet? If so, check out these simple exercises for instant relief!
Hemorrhoids: How to Treat Them the Natural Way
In this article you will find out what are the causes of the problem, what are its symptoms, how to alleviate it in natural ways as well as other ways to deal with its symptoms.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
The Secret to Flexible Muscles: How Stretching Works
Discover the actual effects of stretching on your muscles and learn ways to enhance your flexibility.
The Common Cold: Humanity’s Age-Old Nemesis
The common cold has been with humanity since its early history. So why haven’t we found a cure for it yet?
The MAIN Differences Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Both cod liver and fish oils are healthy options. But which one is more suitable for your body?
Feeling Bloated? This Is How to Improve Digestion Quickly
How can you improve your digestion quickly? This guide explains.
For Great Health, Add Goji Berries to Your Shopping List!
From fighting aging to a super-charged immune system, this miracle fruit carries with it so many health benefits it should be in everyone's shopping cart.
Got a Stiff Neck? Give This 90-Second Treatment a Shot!
If you ever wake up and find that you have a stiff neck, this 90-second technique will help relieve it in no time at all.
WARNING: Who Shouldn't Consume Turmeric? Find Out Here
Discover more about who shouldn't consume turmeric or curcumin in this video:
The MOST Important Exercise to Practice For Seniors
This video will walk you through one simple exercise recommended daily for older adults.
9 Effective Ways to Make Your Nausea Go Away
Nausea is that unpleasant feeling of discomfort inside your stomach, oftentimes leading to vomiting. Use one of these natural methods to stop it.
10 Great Uses For Your Leftover Stale Bread
Sometimes bread gets stale, but next time don't throw it away - you can still put it to good use!
Liver Cirrhosis: What You Need to Watch Out for
One major complication that can occur in the liver is cirrhosis, and this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to deal with it.
This Little Piece of Plastic Does Wonders For Your Feet
As we age, our toes tend to cram together. Spacing them promotes blood flow and prevents pain!
What is a Normal Heartbeat, and and Why Does it Change?
What is a normal heartbeat? And do we get the same speed over all our life time? This video is about to give you those answers, and more...
Doctor Tip: How to Prevent Ingrown Hair
In this insightful video, Dr. Adedeji shares her expertise on preventing ingrown hairs.
These Exercises Bring Relief to Sciatica and Nerve Pain
A pinched nerve in the back can be a bothersome chronic condition with frequent flareups. Here's how to bring instant relief to this type of back and leg pain.
The Amazing Anti-Diabetic Tea You Never Knew About
Looking for a natural way to lower your blood sugar levels? Try this wonderful tea recipe.
Five Habits that Secretly Cause Heartburn
Learn everyday habits that may seem harmless and insignificant but could actually exacerbate the condition and make heartburn unbearable.
Sit Like This at the Computer to Avoid Backache
This brilliant video shows you how you can avoid back pain when sitting at your computer.
Soothe Your Sciatic Pain with These 8 Natural Remedies
You don’t need to suffer from pain caused by sciatica. These 8 remedies are natural and effective at reducing unnecessary pain.
Sciatica Back and Leg Pain - 5 Pain Relieving Exercises
Flareups are common for sciatica, but they can be managed and reduced with the help of specific exercises and stretches.
9 Misleading Myths About High Blood Pressure
In this article, we dispel 9 misleading hypertension myths, so that we’re able to understand it more and take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Reduce Intestinal Inflammation with This Amazing Drink
Watch this video to know about a potent juice that can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
This 92-Year-Old Fitness Instructor Enlivens our Spirits!
She is 92, but fitness is her life!
This 10-Minute Brain Exercise Will Recharge Your Brain
Suffer from headaches, migraines, or brain fog? This 10-minute exercise can really help.
Prevent Alzheimer’s by Using These Expert Techniques
Listen to this expert's views on techniques that the elderly can use to enhance their brain's health.
3 Ways to Get Rid of Heartburn WITHOUT Using Antacids
Struggling with acidity and heartburn issues? These tips will help.
What Happens When We Eat Oatmeal Every Day?
Why is eating oatmeal every day so healthy, and what happens to our body when we stick to it?
Do You Really Need to Walk 10K Steps Every Day?
The 10,000 steps a day myth is ingrained in our minds. In this post, Harvard professor Dan Lieberman explains why it's not as black-and-white as it seems.
Doctors Explain: 2 Powerful Tools in Dealing With Anxiety
A renowned doctor equips you with not one, but two phenomenal tools to effectively manage and control your stress.
Does Our Stomach SHRINK When We Eat Less? Our Answer
Eat less, and your stomach will shrink over time.. is that the truth?
WARNING: Why You Should Stay Away From Star Fruit
Hear more about the star fruit, and why you too should avoid it to prevent the risk of brain damage.
10 Recipes for Health Boosting, Natural Smoothies
Learn easy recipes for super-healthy smoothies you can whip out in no time.
I Never Knew That Cassia Cinnamon Is Poisonous!
Not all cinnamon is good for you. Shockingly, most of the cheap cinnamon, cassia, can cause liver damage. Here's how to avoid it.
Don’t Believe These Lies: 12 Popular Egg Myths Busted
For the sake of french toast and sunny side up eggs for breakfast, we decided to bust 12 harmful and simply untrue beliefs about eggs
Here’s Why You Should NEVER Snooze the Morning Alarm
A surprising reason why you feel groggy every morning lies in your habit of snoozing the alarm button. To learn why, watch this short video.
4 Simple Exercises to Reduce Vertigo and Dizziness
If you are suffering from vertigo or unexplained dizziness, try these simple exercises to relieve the annoying and unbearable spinning sensation.
The Best Natural Remedy for Enlarged Prostate
This simple natural drink can be helpful for shrinking an enlarged prostate.