How to treat a split toenail?

We’ve all been there. You’re walking down the street, minding your own business in your fabulous shoes when boom! Your toe catches on something and your beautiful pedicure is marred by a nasty split toenail that just won’t quit. Fear not my friend, for I am here to save the day with my expert guide on how to treat a split toenail.

First things first – Assessing the Damage

Before you dive headfirst into treating your poor little piggy, it’s important to assess the damage of your split toenail. Here are some telltale signs that you have indeed dealt with a damaged digit:

  • Pain around or under the affected area
  • Blood pooling underneath nail – Spoiler alert: It doesn’t paint a pretty picture.
  • Jagged edges surrounding splitting nail – Ugh…
  • Your favorite pair of closed-toe shoes suddenly seems like they were designed by Satan himself – The agony!

If any of these symptoms sound familiar…well, we hate to break it to you but it’s time for an intervention.

Step 1 – Soak up those Piggies

I’m sure this next idea has crossed zero minds before in terms of relaxation and possibly normalization from what most come across everyday. It may seem like common sense but seriously, soaking helps prevent future problems as well as relieves current pain when dealing with compromised toes. By filling up warm water/grabbing Epsom salts (bonus points if its scented), prop an egg timer at 20 minutes preferably away from foot-wetting distance while spacing out elsewhere.

After you are done looking up intensely interesting facts about dinosaurs during said time, dry off foot using designated towel so other family members/roommates would not be traumatized/confused.

Materials
Warm Water
Epsom Salts
Timer
Towel

Step 2 – Attacking that Rascal

Once dry, it’s time to take some definitive action towards the path of healing. When you have a trusty pair of clippers and nail file tucked away somewhere in your home (we will not direct guests AT ALL to their exact locations no matter how blindingly obvious), amass both items before starting.

A)Clip in a straight line
– Avoid curved cutting.Might remove excess area or surrounding toe.
B)File Down Jagged Edges
– Essentially hacking at overgrown areas won’t help with pains already associated!
C)Clean Area Thoroughly
– Dabbin is NOT cool, instead grab disinfectant/wiping materials for an overall better experience.

Materials
Nail Clippers
Nail File
Disinfectants/Wipes

Step 3 – Band-Aid Bombshell

This may sound strange but hear me out: Covering the affected area might seem like committing cruel punishment on the injury in terms od pain and mobility, however sometimes covering up breathing space helps create ideal conditions for quick recovery as well. Call us tinfoil hat wearing adventurous toe enthusiasts but it wouldn’t hurt to try aiding repair sooner since skin regenerates lost cells faster this way! Slip on breathable socks and shoes after finishing just like Dorothy taking her gingham covered heels across Oz.

So prepare yourselves my dear trap-phobic friends we’re going into:

The Territory of Tape Method

Instructions:
– Grab two squares/one long piece of medical tape (use your own discretion/guesswork).
– Create Crisscross design by placing one strip horizontal/in short lines along split section.
– Follow through connecting by crossing next vertical tape strip perpendicular once again until accomplished!

Firm pressure downward can be applied in terms of feel, just not TOO firm or there may be unfortunate implications

Materials
Medical tape

Step 4- What to Avoid

Oh no! It looks like you made a cardinal mistake and forgot to avoid certain things when dealing with split toenails ! Here are some things to put on the naughty list:

  • Direct contact with sharp objects (duh!)
  • Neglecting Desperate Cry for Treatment which could easily worsen over time
  • Footwear that might apply undue pressure like cowboy boots or oddly shaped sneakers.
    -Painting this problem away especially if details such as bacteria exposure before pain and infection are apparent.

Re-think these habits first before facing the aftermath!

Wrapping it Up!

There you have it – our expert guide on how to treat a split toenail. Hopefully, after following these simple steps your toe will be feeling much better as well as looking dainty once again. Remember folks Prevention is better than cure so don’t forget to protect piggies fiercely from harm’s way-wear sock sand shoes that actually fit.-get into the habit of trimming/filing down stressorsin nail splitting cases

Have any other funny tips? Share them below in comment section!

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