Ameen M, Lear JT, Madan V et al. British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the management of onychomycosis 2014. Br J Dermatol 2014;171(5):937­–58. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13358 Salicylic acid preparations are available in a range of treatments, including gels, paints, plasters, solutions and ointments, and they often also include lactic acid. Gel treatments may also contain colophony, which may cause an allergic reaction in some patients [30] Scher RK, Tavakkol A, Sigurgeirsson B et al. Onychomycosis: diagnosis and definition of cure. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007;56(6):939–944. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.12.019 Make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Not sure where you are in the world, but a lot of private pods can see you within a day. They can 'nip' out the spur of nail that's causing that infection, dress it up and it'll be good in no time. Visit a foot doctor (podiatrist). Infected ingrown toenails should not be treated at home, which is true for most infected wounds. Visit a podiatrist (more commonly known as a foot doctor) to get treatment for your infection. If the infection and nail are bad enough, minor surgery may be required. For the most part, however, a simple surgical procedure involves numbing the nail bed and then your doctor removing part of the ingrown nail with clippers or scissors.

At the initial signs of an ingrown toenail, before the nail pierces the skin, patients can use a nail clip and spray that helps to train the nail to grow straight. However, once the nail has pierced the skin, effective treatment can involve either partial or total nail removal and, if the condition is recurrent, either ablation or excision of the nail bed may be required. When to referFeet should be dried well, especially interdigitally, and any footwear used during sports activity or exercise should be allowed to fully dry out between each wear. When to refer Trim toenails regularly (at least every two weeks). Cut them straight across, not on a curve, and file down sharp edges using an emery board; Ingrown fingernails are not usually serious, and a person can treat them at home. Home remedies include soaking the nail, using cotton or gauze, or lifting the nail with dental floss.

Treatment is recommended to lessen symptoms (which may include pain), decrease duration and reduce transmission [27] If the nail is infected, this may also help to soak up any moisture that is trapped under the nail. Ingrown toenails usually heal without causing permanent damage. But, sometimes, they can lead to serious complications. See your doctor if you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk for complications, such as diabetes.A poultice is a moist concoction – usually heated – spread on an injury, ache or wound, and held in place with a cloth. It was sometimes known as a “plaster” when the poultice was smeared on a bandage before application. Exercises, such as calf stretches to counteract the shortening of the calf, can help to keep feet supple. Nails and skin, when healthy and intact, are barriers to infection. However, when either skin or nails are weakened, they become more vulnerable to infection. Trauma to the toe nails is a threat to nail integrity, while also making them more vulnerable to fungal infection [10]