What causes infections in ingrown toenails?
Bacteria and fungi can easily infect the skin of the feet and nails. The foot’s warm and moist environment is a great breeding ground for many kinds of infections including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Candida, and Trichophyton. It is important to treat any secondary infections resulting from or following ingrown toenails. What are possible complications of ingrown toenails? Ingrown toenails may cause deeper bacterial tissue infection (cellulitis), localized infection of the nail fold (paronychia), and scarring of the nail fold and skin. How do I treat an ingrown toenail at home? • Use warm soaks for 10 minutes two to three times a day during the flare. Helpful soaks options include: 1. dilute white vinegar (roughly 1 part household vinegar to 4 parts water) 2. Epsom salts 3. very dilute Clorox bleach footbath (approximately 1/3 teaspoon Clorox in one medium bucket of water or one capful of Clorox in one bathtub full of water) • Elevate the foot and leg. • Gently roll back the piece of
