Ingrown nails are another inelegant but typical nail problem. Often they are the result of cutting the nail too deeply or filing the nail too much, setting the scene for abnormal growth. Pain, swelling, infection, and discharge can result when the nail edge then grows into the surrounding skin. Many women love to wear shoes that crunch their toes into unnatural positions, and this, too, can interfere with nail growth and impair a normal healing process.
How can you prevent ingrown nails? Give your toenails plenty of room. That means wearing shoe styles that do not force the foot into an unnatural shape. Also, when you trim your fingernails and toenails, it is essential to avoid radically changing the natural shape of the nail by overfiling or by cutting the nail below the tip of the finger or toe. Also, do not cut or push the cuticles; damage there can significantly affect the nail’s growth.
If an ingrown nail does become infected, thoroughly clean the area and try to minimally trim away the portion of the nail that is digging into the skin. Overcutting can simply recreate the problem, so be cautious. Disinfect the area with an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment like Polysporin, Neosporin, or Bacitracin. If the problem does not improve, it may require medical care.