Proof The Bible Is True

•Improperly nail-cutting technique — For example, when the toenail is cut too short or rounded, it will eventually embed into the flesh.

•Tight footwear — Certain shoes, such as high heels, or any shoe that’s too tight for you, will eventually affect the shape of your nail.⁴

•Physical trauma — Getting stepped on or stubbing your toe increases the likelihood of ingrown toenails.

•Physical imbalances — Sometimes, the way your body grows affects your risk, like when the toenail is larger than your toe.

•Liquid or pus in the affected toe

•Pain in the toe

•Swelling

•Inflamed toe that feels warm

1.Soak your feet in warm water mixed with either Epsom salt or Castile soap for about 20 minutes to help soften the toenails and skin and reduce any swelling.

2.Using clean fingers, push back the swollen skin carefully. This will likely be uncomfortable. Don’t force it back more than the swollen skin allows.

3.Cut the nail straight across. Start with the edges of the toenail, cutting the nail from the sides, not from the middle.

4.Place a small piece of cotton between the ingrown nail and skin. This helps the ingrown toenail from coming back, allowing it to grow correctly.

5.Apply ointment (check out The Hearty Soul’s homemade ointment recipe⁷) to the affected area and bandage it carefully.

6.To help with healing, avoid wearing socks and shoes while at home. Wear shoes that avoid dirt but allow open air.

7.It’s important to prevent infection by changing the cotton daily, maybe even twice a day.

•Soak your foot — Dip the affected foot in warm soapy water to keep the skin clear from bacteria. Do this four times a day to reduce the risk of infections. For improved results, add Epsom salt to the water often. This allows the skin to soften, allowing you to draw out the toenail from the flesh.

•Wash with castile soap — If you’re not able to find some downtime to soak your foot several times a day, try washing it in soap and water twice a day. Consider using castile soap because it uses natural and pure ingredients.

•Apple cider vinegar wash — Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water for a foot soak. Alternatively, apply a diluted mix by combining vinegar with purified water to your affected foot. This will help clean the area and help relieve symptoms while your toe heals.

•Essential oil solution — Essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties include tea tree, lavender, or clove oil — mix these with a carrier oil, like coconut oil and massage this to the affected area. This helps create a clean environment to help provide relief.

•The cotton wick (packing) method — This involves lifting the lateral edge of the affected toenail and placing a small cotton wick under the edge, preventing the toenail from burrowing into the tissue.

It is generally performed without the use of an anesthetic, but a silver nitrate is used to cauterize any surrounding granulation tissue. Once the procedure is complete, the operation is taught to the patient, allowing them to repeat it as necessary. In addition, it’s recommended that the wick is only used for one week because the risk for a fungal infection under the nail bed develops.

•Dental floss technique — This procedure is similar to the cotton wick method but using dental floss instead. The floss is inserted in an oblique direction under the corner of the ingrown toenail and pushed inward.

Again, the procedure is done without an anesthetic, and relief is already experienced. The floss is usually left in place until it reaches near the edge of the nail plate, also known as the hyponychium. If the floss becomes dislodged or dirty, you’ll need to repeat the procedure to avoid infections.

•The gutter splint technique — A small plastic tube, usually from an IV line, is split lengthwise and placed under the lateral edge of the nail. Then, a diagonal cut is made on one end of the tube to facilitate smooth insertion, and the nail corner and lateral edge are lifted so the tube can be inserted between the nail and soft tissue. A local anesthetic is needed for this.

The splint is secured with an adhesive, sutures or acrylic resin. Then, it is covered properly to prevent it from catching onto clothing or beddings. According to BPAC New Zealand, this procedure is highly effective.

•Taping method — For this technique, an elastic tape, such as strapping tape, is used to pull the lateral nail fold away from the affected toenail. Specifically, one end of the tape is placed on the toenail then wrapped around the toe, creating an overlap without covering the toenail. While this is the least invasive method, it’s recommended that the tape be reapplied every three to seven days for two months to ensure proper recovery.

•Orthonyxia — Also called the brace technique, this procedure involves using a metal brace to pull the edge of the affected toenail away from the soft tissue after removing the spicule. According to reviewed literature by BCAP New Zealand, orthonyxia led to complete healing after six to 10 months of treatment.

•Angle correction technique — A podiatrist will file the entire surface of the ingrown toenail, reducing the thickness by 50% to 75%. This helps reduce the pressure on the nail fold and is repeated every two months. A different file is used to reshape the edge of the nail.

•How the BS brace works — The brace is applied on the ingrown toenail, which pulls on the ingrown side until the nail returns to a normal shape. Since it is not applied anywhere else except the toenail, the brace is virtually allergy-free. According to AAA’s patients who tried this procedure, noted that relief is felt within 30 minutes. But those who suffer from severe cases will feel the results in three days.

•Diabetics will benefit from the BS brace — The BS brace is a helpful tool for diabetics, as it does not require any procedure that will lead to bleeding, which is a common issue for this condition.

•No interruption in your daily activities — Once the brace is applied and pain relief occurs, you’re able to resume your routine.

•Additional braces will need to be reapplied — Depending on your ingrown toenail’s condition, you may need to return to your podiatrist for repeat applications of the BS brace. AAA estimates that it could take anywhere from one to four braces to completely resolve the issue.

•Protect the feet from trauma — Wear appropriate protective shoes when working around heavy equipment or moving heavy items.

•Choose well-fitting footwear — Take time to shop for shoes and socks that provide adequate room for the toes.

•Trim your toenails properly — Cut toenails straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without tapering or rounding the corners. Lastly, cut the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe.

•Always keep your feet clean and dry — Except when you’re bathing, swimming, or doing other activities in the water, clean, dry feet will help lower your risk of ingrown toenails.