2023-05-09 13:10:52
We asked medical pedicure Astrid Peperkamp for advice.
How do you recognize an inflamed ingrown toenail?
You can recognize an inflammation around the toenail by a painful, red and swollen skin around the nail, says Astrid Peperkamp. “There are an awful lot of bacteria around and in your skin. If the ingrown nail makes a small hole in the skin, it can become inflamed. Once this is inflamed, nothing should be done about it until the inflammation has subsided. The doctor can prescribe antibiotics, but this is only done in severe cases. It is important to have the nail treated before it becomes inflamed.”
Medical pedicure and soda
You can ease the pain of an ingrown nail by placing the foot in a bowl of warm water with a spoonful of salt or baking soda for a while. When the swelling has subsided, it is important to go to a medical pedicure. “The medical pedicure looks at the shape of the nail, which is different for everyone,” says Astrid. “Some people have a crescent shape, others have a flat nail. Over the years, people often learn how to cut their nails best. Sometimes it is better to keep the nail short, for other people it is better to keep the nail long.”
How do you prevent an ingrown toenail and what can you do yourself?
According to Astrid, there are a number of important things you can do yourself to prevent an ingrown nail. “In any case, it is important to cut the nail on time and not too short, do this about once a month.” She also says that cutting the nail straight is not the best for everyone. “You probably learned that from your mother, but sometimes it’s important to cut the corners, otherwise the nail will continue to grow straight up into your toe.” According to Astrid, it is a matter of common sense and personal experience how best to cut your nails.
Tips from a medical pedicure
What is the best thing to do and absolutely not to do? Astrid says: “My best tip: go to a pedicure with whom you feel comfortable.” Astrid also has a number of absolute no-go’s: “Never pick your nails with dirty hands, and certainly don’t tear the nails off. As irresistible as it sometimes seems, this can cause very annoying problems in the long run. It is also important to wear the right size shoes. If your shoes are too small, you have a greater chance of an (inflamed) ingrown toenail.” Then she has one last tip for pain: betadine ointment. Put this on the nail for a few days, then the inflammation will decrease.
Is an inflamed ingrown toenail dangerous?
A concern many people have: Is an inflamed ingrown toenail dangerous? “For people with a very low resistance, for example older people, an inflamed nail can be a risk,” says Astrid. “Then it is one front door for bacteria to enter the body.” So if the nail is not treated properly, it can be dangerous. This is only in very extreme cases.
Nail expert Michelle Dijkman gives three additional tips in this video to prevent ingrown toenails:
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