ferguson recommends supportive, proper-fitting footwear like a running shoe, for example, that is snug, but not tight. and socks are fine, too, for some of the time.
the effects of ill-fitting shoes are exacerbated by the “micro-trauma” to the feet that often comes with sports like football and soccer.
in fact, ferguson has seen more than his share of teens, particularly males, with infected ingrown toenails. “usually a parent notices blood on a sock, sees the toe in horrible condition and gets them to the doctor,” he says. “if you’re 15 and playing ball hockey and rugby in that gear, you can get an infection. they tend to ignore it, even if you can smell it down the corridor at school.”
be careful, too, with salon pedicures that can lead to fungal infections that cause unusual nail growth and possible ingrown toenails, he warns. tools should be sterilized between clients and foot baths or bowls should be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant.
the best remedy for an ingrown toenail is early treatment
for healthy patients, he says start with soaking your feet in warm saltwater or water with epsom salts that calms inflammation and helps to draw out infection. if there’s a sharp point at the edge, gently lift the edge of the nail and file the nail. then, apply a topical antibiotic to help prevent infection.
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