Foot Care: How to Properly Use an Ingrown Toenail Lifter

Before an ingrown toenail becomes a major problem, there are warning signs. The outside of the toe next to the nail becomes puffy, red and irritated. You may even feel the edge of the toenail pressing into the flesh. All of these symptoms point to the fact that you are on the threshold of an ingrown toenail. If treated properly, the inflammation will go down and you will be footloose once more. If left untreated, however, your ingrown toenail could become infected and may even require surgery.

How do you treat/prevent an ingrown toenail? The first thing that you should do is make sure that all of your toenails are squared or filed straight across. If they are not, use a file to make them so. If you need to clip, always use toenail clippers; fingernail clippers are curved and will trim the nail in a rounded or curved shape.

If your ingrown toenail is impacted into the flesh, do the following:

• Use an ingrown toenail lifter to pull the toenail up and away from the flesh.
• Trim or file the point of the nail that is digging into your toe.
• Try to shape your toenail properly if it needs it.
• Cleanse the infection with hydrogen peroxide.
• Repeat all necessary steps 2 to 3 times daily until tenderness subsides.

After your toe shows signs of mending, you should continue to use the ingrown toenail lifter to keep the nail from becoming embedded in the swollen flesh once more. Check your toe at least once a day and make sure that the nail is not connected to the flesh with the ingrown toenail lifter.

Ingrown toenails can be very painful. If you are unable to pull the ingrown toenail out with the lifter because of the pain, you might need to go to the doctor. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable for you.

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