Bruising Easily, Unexplained Reasons, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is a bruise? Get insights on the meaning, bruising easily causes and other unexplained reasons that may cause this condition. You will also learn more about the various treatments of a bruise.

What is a Bruise

A bruise is also medically known as a contusion, it is a discoloration of the skin that results from breakage of small blood vessels beneath the soft skin tissues after an injury or any other trauma. A bruise is normally caused by internal bleeding into skin tissues that does not allow a break through the skin.
A blunt trauma results to the damage of soft skin tissues by causing compression and deceleration forces on the affected area. Trauma to the skin may result from a variety of causes such as accidents, surgeries and falls. Your body may also react to some diseases and allergies by causing a bruise. Such diseases includes insufficient platelets, vascular disorders and coagulation deficiencies.
A bruise normally happens in stages. After having a trauma on the skin, the affected area will appear red or purple and tender. The area may become swollen as a result of blood collecting underneath the skin. After a few days, the bruise changes the color to blue or blackish. After one week, it becomes greenish or yellow which may turn to brown from the second week. It will finally starts to lighten as it heals.
Contusion normally goes away after two weeks or even sooner. Those that does not go away easily are associated with serious injuries such as fractures and severe internal bleeding. Lighter skin may show minor bruising easily as compared to dark skin.

Why Do I Bruise Easily

Bruises are commonly caused by broken small blood capillaries beneath your skin. After bumping into a coffee table, you may realize a dark or blue mark on your leg. This happens when the bloods leaks out of the capillaries into the skin tissues. The mark will eventually disappear within a period of two weeks.
A heavy-hitting will cause a larger bruise. However, you may notice small bruises on your body without knowing the cause. They may result from minor injuries on your skin. Bruises may be common to some people while not others. Women are more prone to this condition as compared to men.
As you age, your skin becomes thinner which increases bruising easily. Your skin loses a protective fatty layer that guards it against minor injuries. The chances of developing other body condition like diabetes and blood conditions also increases as you age. Such conditions may also contribute to leakage of blood from the capillaries.
Medications and supplements may also cause easy bruising. Aspirin, anti-plate agents and anticoagulant medication interferes with blood clotting ability. They causes bleeding of the blood capillaries to take longer before stopping since the blood does not clot easily.

Bruising Easily Causes

You may be wondering, why do I bruise easily all of a sudden? In some cases you may notice a bruise on your skin but you can’t recall bumping into anything. You may expect a bruise after knocking yourself against a blunt object or shutting your finger in the door but others may develop mysteriously without noticing the cause. Various factors may result to bruising as follows:

  • The type of your skin

You may develop bruises easily is your skin is thin. This condition is most experienced by children and older people. The collagen on your skin decreases as you age and hence making your skin more susceptible to minor injuries that you may not notice easily. The skin also loses the protective fatty layer that provides protection against injuries

  • Blood disorders

A bruise may also form easily as a result of blood disorders. Hemophilia and leukemia results to unexplained bruising causes due to improper blood clotting.  Frequent bruises may be a symptom of such conditions. It is therefore important to visit your doctors for diagnosis before your condition becomes worse.

  • Purpuric dermatosis

This is a vascular condition that causes leaking of blood out the small capillaries into the skin tissue. It causes many and tiny bruises all over the affected area or even the whole skin. It is a condition that is experienced by elderly people than the youth and the children.

  • Strenuous exercises

You may experience bruising after a rigorous exercise. Athletes normally develops bruising easily on legs, heavy weight lifters may also suffer from this condition. Excessive straining during the exercise causes bursting of small blood capillaries that bleeds internally to form bruise. Exercise can also cause small tears in the muscles to form this condition.

  • Certain types of medications

Taking certain medication may react with your body to form small bruises on the skin. Medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants and anti-platelet reduces the blood clotting ability hence causing bruising’s. There are also other medications that may weaken the walls of the capillaries to cause leakage and bleeding of the blood beneath the skin. Such medicines includes prednisone, oral contraceptive, and aspirin among others.

  • Sun poisoning

Excessive exposure to the sun may cause damage on your skin and result to bruising easily. It may cause excessive dehydration of skin which make the skin to become more prone to minor injuries. It also cause small bruises inside your skin to become more visible. Prolonged exposure to the sun especially between 10am and 2pm is harmful.

  • Family history

Bruises also have a tendency of being genetically inherited from your family members. If your parents or other members of your family has this condition you are also likely to experience the same in case you are not medically treated.

  • vitamin C deficiency

You are also likely to experience bruising easily vitamin deficiency. This condition is mainly experienced by elderly people. Vitamin C plays a big role in production of collagen that is an important component of the skin. A part from bruises, you are also likely to experience other symptoms such as bleeding gums, depression, fatigue, nosebleed and swollen joints.

  • Super pale skin

Having a pale skin does not mean that you are prone to bruises. A pale skin shows any slight discoloration. It becomes more visible as compared to a darker skin therefore, you are likely to notice small bruised caused by minor injuries.

  • Increased body fats

High level of body fats increases the chances of developing bruises. This explains why women are more prone to bruises as compared to men

  • Alcohol consumption

Taking alcohol also increases the chances of developing bruises. A part from the likelihood of getting minor injuries while drunk, the research also shows that excessive consumption of alcohol can act as blood-thinner. It also decreases the absorption of vitamin C into your body.

Unexplained Bruising

You may develop unexplained random bruising easily all over your body but the commonly affected areas includes the arms, legs, fingers, toe, thighs and face. There are various risk factors that causes this condition, they include the following:

  • Bruises are common in elderly people due to their age. As you grow older, your skin becomes thinner and also, the tissues that support the blood capillaries becomes weakened. They may allow leakage of blood into the skin tissues.
  • Individual who perform rigorous exercise such athletes may have bruised toenail and other parts of their body. The direct trauma that is accompanied with underlying hematoma results to bruises among the athletes. Lifting heavy weights may also cause tiny tearing of muscles.
  • Vitamin C deficiency may also cause bruising
  • Unexplained bruising on legs may also be a sign of physical abuse of a child.
  • Minor injuries that results from bumping into objects or objects falling on you may also cause trauma to the skin that results to bruising.
  • Bruises that also occur for no apparent reason may be indicating internal bleeding disorder.

Bruising For No Reason

A bruising that occurs for no reason may be indicating that you are having internal body disorders. Such bruises normally develops without a bump or a fall. The body conditions that may cause this type of bruising includes:

  1. Blood clotting disorders that prevents the blood from clotting normally. They include hemophilia, thrombocytopenia and von willebrands disease.
  2. The cancer of the blood may also cause bruising easily without reason. Diseases such as leukemia and multiple myeloma causes this skin condition.
  3. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis also interferes with the blood clotting process. It may lead to several bruises on different parts of your body.
  4. Inflammation of the pancreas as a result of acute pancreatitis disorder may also cause bruises especially on the abdominal areas.
  5. Various infections such as sepsis releases toxins in your blood that may result to leakage of blood out of the small capillaries.

You are supposed to visit your doctor right away after experiencing large unexplained bruises, bleeding of gums and nose, massive swelling and extreme pains, abnormally heavy menstrual periods and a bruise that fails to heal after a period of two to three weeks.

How to Treat Bruises

There is a possibility that bruises may be indicating serious health problems like blood-clotting conditions, liver diseases, lupus and certain types of cancer. In case your bruise is caused by a heavy trauma, takes more than two weeks to heal, causes a lot of paining or shows bleeding signs on other parts of your body such as gums and nose. It may be the right time to visit your doctor for treatment.
However, minor trauma that causes bruising easily on your skin can be treated by yourself at home. There are various methods you can employ on how to treat bruises and swelling on your skin fast. They include the following:

  • Apply a cool compress, then a warm compress

Although a minor bruise may heal on its own within a duration of 2 weeks, applying a cool and warm compress may help to reduce the healing time as well as alleviating the pain and swelling. Immediately after a heavy-hitting, wrap an ice into a towel and place it over the affected areas. It will help to slow down the flow of blood and prevent swelling.  When the pain and swelling decreases apply a warm compress several times a day. It helps in speeding up the healing process.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers

Take acetaminophen, it is effective on how to get rid of a bruise by reducing the pain and swelling of the affected area. Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen as they are blood-thinners. They may worsen your condition.

  • Take more vitamins

Take more green vegetables and fruits to get enough vitamin K which are also known as clotting vitamins. They are found plenty in cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Take also a lot of citrus fruits that contain vitamin C that helps in production of collagen.

More sources and reference:

How to Treat a Boil, Pop, Lancing, Home Remedies

Get insights on how to treat a boil by using different treatments such as popping, lacing and others. You will also learn how to get rid of this skin condition by using various home remedies.

How do you Treat a Boil?

A boil or furuncle is a painful pus filled bump that develops on the surface of the skin. They are commonly caused by a bacterial infection that may enter your body through small cracks and injuries on the skin.
Other factors such as skin conditions, poor hygiene may also contribute to what causes boils on different parts of your body.
Furuncles can be small in size as a pea or as large as a golf ball and the larger it becomes the more painful it becomes too.
Although a boil may heal on its own especially when it is small in size, the following treatments may help to relieve the pain and reduce the healing time:

  1. Self-care treatment

You may perform self-care treatments while at home to fasten the healing process of a boil. The recommended treatments includes the following:

  • Applying a warm compress to the boil

The earlier you start treating your boil, the less complication it may develop. Once you start noticing the symptoms of a boil such as redness and swelling, start the treatment immediately by applying a hot compress.
Place a clean wash cloth in hot water until it becomes wet, wring it to get rid of excess water and place it over the affected area until it cools. Apply this treatment several times for four day.
This treatment is very effective in speeding up the healing process. It helps in relieving the pain and excessive swelling. It also increases the circulation of blood on the affected area which is important in transporting white blood cells and antibodies that helps in fighting the infection.
The heat causes the dead skin cells, dead bacteria and dead white blood cells to come near the skin surface inform of pus for drainage. The affected areas must be kept clean, you should also wash your hands using antibacterial soap and dispose any dressing carefully to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body or other people.

  • Cleaning the boil using antibacterial soap

Washing the boil using warm water and antibacterial soap is very effective on how to treat a boil especially once it starts draining. It helps in preventing the spread of the boil to other parts of your body, family and friends. The towel used in drying after washing the furuncles should also be washed thoroughly in warm water using antibacterial soaps. Other dressing material should be disposed carefully.

  • Continue to apply a warm compress after the boil opens

Do not stop applying a warm compress on the boil once it starts to drain. Continue to apply warm compress until it heals completely. It helps in relieving the pain that may occur after drainage. While applying the compress ensure that the affected area is clean. Clean the surrounding areas using antibacterial soap.

  1. Medical treatment

Larger boils may require a medical treatment to heal. You may be required to visit your doctor, the following treatment may be performed to heal your condition:

  • Incision and drainage

Your doctor may cut the boil open to allow it drain. This method works best on how to treat a boil especially when it’s large. However, squeezing, piercing with needle or cutting should not be tempted at home.
It may cause the boil to become re-infected with bacteria or it may result to spread of bacteria that may cause multiple boils on other parts of your body. While at home, you are supposed to allow the boil to drain by itself as you continue to apply a warm compress. According to Wikipedia.

How to Get Rid of a Boil

A boil may heal on its own but large boils may causes a lot of pain and other discomforts that may affect your daily activities. There are various treatments that can help to get rid of a boil fast, they include the following:
Proper care of the boil
Taking good care of your boil especially when it begins to drain is important in helping it to heal faster. Wash the boil, areas around and your hands using antibacterial soap to avoid infecting the other parts of your body. Cover it with a loose bandage that will not interfere with the drainage.
Try a warm compress
Applying a warm compress over the boil is among the effective ways on how to get rid of a boil on your inner thighs and other areas that may be affected. It helps in alleviating the pain as wells as drawing the pus closer to the skin. This remedy is done by wetting a wash cloth with warm water and placing it over the boil for several times a day.
Apply over-the-counter antibacterial cream
Anti-bacterial cream are also effective on how to treat a boil fast. Apply the ointment gently around the boil before covering it with a gauze dressing. Ensure that the dressing is free or loose enough to allow the boil to continue draining. The anti-bacterial creams may help to prevent the spread of infection.
Taking antibiotics
Taking prescribed antibiotics is also effective in healing the boils. Antibiotic therapy is also recommended in case of recurrent boils. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics especially when the boils develop on sensitive areas such as the armpit, breast, near the eye or on the buttocks. The antibiotics are not supposed to be taken for a longer time as you may develop resistance.
Visiting your doctor
A boil may not require an emergency attention, but there are various condition that may require a doctor’s treatment to get rid of a boil. If you are having a weak body immune system as a result of other conditions like diabetes and cancer, you are supposed to visit your doctor right away after noticing symptoms of a boil. You are also supposed to visit a doctor in case of:

  • Severe symptoms such as fever and excessive pain
  • Recurrent of boils on the same area
  • A boil that fails to heal after two weeks
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes
  • Other body conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases

Home Remedies for a Boil

A boil is an infectious skin condition that affects the hair follicles or glands. When this condition is not controlled, it may spread to the surrounding areas to cause a carbuncle.
Therefore, the various treatment that can be done while at home using natural ingredients and other home remedies that includes:

  • Salt water soak

Applying a warm Epsom salt compress on the boil helps to fasten the healing process as well as relieving the pain. It helps to draw the pus closer to the skin surface and also bring the boil to head which is important for drainage. This remedy is effective on how to treat a boil by killing the bacteria.
You simply need ¼ cup of Epsom salt, 2 cups of water and a wash cloth. Dissolve the salt into the water, place the wash cloth into the solution to wet and place it over the boil, leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure three times a day for four days.

  • Apply apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains both anti-microbial and antiseptic properties that is effective in killing the bacteria that causes various skin conditions including the boils. It works best when mixed with equal amount of honey. You simply mix the two and dilute with some water before using a cotton ball to apply on the furuncle.

  • Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil works best in treating the boils due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It helps in speeding up the healing process by fighting the bacteria in the affected area. It also prevents the spread of bacteria on the surrounding areas.
You may apply few drops of diluted tea tree oil directly to the boil. Alternatively, mix lavender oil and tea tree oil. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and dab on the furuncle. Apply this remedy twice or thrice a day until your condition is healed.

  • Turmeric

Turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective on how to treat a boil by speeding up the healing process. It also helps in relieving the pain and other discomforts caused by the boil. To use it, you simply mix two teaspoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste directly on the boil twice or thrice a day until the boil heals.
Turmeric can also be used together with other ingredients for fast results. A mixture of turmeric powder, milk cream and vinegar makes a good combination that helps in speeding the healing process of a boil.

  • Onion

An onion has antiseptic properties that are effective on how to treat a boil on thigh and other parts that are affected. When applied on the boil, it helps in healing the boil by fighting the bacteria, drawing the heat out of the boil and alleviating the pain and other symptoms. According to top 10 home remedies.
To use this remedy, you will require a fresh onion. Cut it into slices and place them over the boil. Use a clean wash cloth to cover them. Change the onion slices after every 4 hours until the boil becomes ready to drain.

  • Garlic

Garlic has strong natural antibacterial properties that is effective in treating a boil fast. It aids in healing the boil by killing the bacteria and fastening the maturity of the boil to drain. You simply crush 3 pieces of garlic and obtain a juice from it. Using a cotton pad, apply the juice directly on the surface of the boil.

  • Neem

A neem was use from traditionally in treating various skin condition. It has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that are effective cure for boils in the armpits and other parts. Wash and grind some neem tree leaves to make a paste and apply directly on the boils.

How to Pop a Boil

Popping or squeezing a boil is not recommended to be done at home. It may be tempting to pop but you should allow the boil to drain by itself. Popping may spread the infection to the areas around to cause carbuncle.
Piercing or pinching may also leave a scar. However, there is a recommended procedure that you are supposed to use to help in draining the boil.
Apply a warm compress over the boil. It helps to soften the boil and draw the pus closer to the skin surface for drainage. Warm compress is among the best methods on how to treat a boil. It also helps is minimizing the pain during the drainage process.
When it starts to drain, apply a little pressure on the areas around by pulling the skin away from the boil rather than squeezing. Use a gauze to catch pus. Wash your hand and the affected areas using warm water and antibacterial soap. You may apply an ointment and cover the area using a bandage. Continue to apply a warm compress until the boil heals.

Lancing a Boil

In some cases, the boil may not show any improvement even after applying a heat on it. You may consider lancing if you are experience the following symptoms; fever, severe pain and body weakness. It is recommended to seek a health care provider for lancing. You may also perform the procedure by yourself. You will require the following equipment’s:
Cleansing supplies, numbing agent, a sterile scalpel and a gauze. Prepare the boil and yourself by washing your hand and the affected area using antibacterial soap, put on the gloves, checking the head of the boil, disinfecting the area with iodine and applying the numbing agent.
Stab the skin above the boil with a scalpel and allow it to drain. Wipe away the pus using the gauze and clean the area using warm water and antibacterial soap. Cover the wound with a loose bandage. Lancing is effective on how to treat a boil when other treatments have failed.

What Causes Boils on Face, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is a boil? Get insights on the meaning and about what causes boils on different parts of your body such as face, buttocks, thighs and other parts. You will also learn more on the symptoms of this skin condition.

What is a Boil – Meaning

A boil is also known as furuncle, is a painful and pus filled bump that develops deep into the skin. It results from an infection of the hair follicle by bacterium staphylococcus aureus. Two or more hair follicles can get infected resulting to a cluster of boils within the same area known as carbuncles. This skin condition can affect any part of your body but it is common on the face, thighs, buttocks, legs and back.
Furuncles usually starts as a small red and tender bump on your skin. It becomes filled up with pus and dead skin tissues to form a painful swollen area on your skin. The more it swells the more it becomes painful. It may take several days to grow before bursting to ooze. Generally, a boil may take one to two weeks to heal completely. Small boils by heal without leaving a scar while bigger boil may cause scarring.
Carbuncles usually affects men more than women, it usually starts like a single boil and eventually spreads to the surrounding areas to form several boils. It may form on big swelling that has several drainage openings. This skin condition is contagious and it can easily spread to other parts of your body or other family members and friends if you fail to take good care of it.
A lot of care is needed when taking care of a boil at home. You may be tempted to get rid of it fast by squeezing but it is not advisable to do so. Pricking or squeezing may spread the infections to other parts of your body and delay the healing process.
You may be required to visit your doctor if the boil is extremely painful, takes longer than two weeks to heal or when it causes severe symptom like fever according to mayoclinic.   The doctor has enough skin on how to treat a boil. You may be given some medication that relieves the pain. You may also be given other treatments that avoids this skin condition from recurring.
Individuals who are suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes or those who are taking immunosuppressive medication are supposed to visit their doctors right away in case they are infected with boils. Weak immune system that results from various diseases and medication may be a risk factor for the formation of boils and carbuncles.

Boil Symptoms

A boil may form on any part of your skin. It normally starts as a hard, swollen and painful bump that may form on the face, neck, buttocks, armpits or other hair-bearing areas on your body. It increases in size over the next 4-5 day, becomes softer and more painful. It becomes filled up with pus and other dead tissues of the skin.
A yellow or white pointed tip forms at the center or on the top of the boil when it is nearing to burst and drain. Furuncles may vary in size ranging from as small as a pie-sized to as big as golf ball depending on what causes boils. The more the bigger it becomes the more the pain it causes. In a severe infection, you are likely to experience the following symptoms:

  • Fever develops
  • The skin around the boil becomes red, swollen and painful
  • Formation of other boils around the original one
  • The lymph nodes near the affected areas becomes swollen
  • A painful red pea-size pump that increases in size over a few days develops
  • Development of a white or yellow tip on the raised bump that eventually raptures to allow the pus drain

A boil normally heals on its own or with little treatment within two weeks. This skin condition may take less or longer time to heal depending with the cause.  You may take care of a single boil while at home. You may be required to visit your doctor under the following conditions:

  • when more than one boil forms in the same area
  • severe symptoms such as extreme pain and excessive swelling
  • when it causes fever
  • when it has taken more than two weeks without healing
  • when it form on the face especially near the eye
  • Recurs on the same or different parts of your body

What Causes Boils

Boils and carbuncles are caused by the following:

  1. Bacteria

Most of the boils on your skin are caused by a germ known as staphylococcal bacteria. This germ is harmlessly present on your skin and nose lining. It may infect one or more hair follicles which results to development of boils. Your body immune system responds to the bacteria by releasing the white blood cells to fight the infection. Over the next few days, the dead blood cells, dead skin tissues and dead bacteria accumulates inside the boil to form a pus.
A carbuncle develops when the infection spreads to the neighboring hair follicles. They normally develop deeper into the skin tissues.  There are various factors that may result to a bacterial infection that may cause boils. They include the following:

  • Cuts and small injuries

Boils may tend to occur when the bacteria enters your body through small cuts on the skin surface. The areas that experiences friction such as the buttocks, groin and armpits may develop small cracks that allows the bacteria to get through. Such areas are more prone to boils and carbuncles. According to live strong.

  • poor hygiene

Poor body hygiene may also cause the formation of boils according to the research done by Mount Sinai medical center. When dead skin cells and dirty accumulates on the skin surface, they give the bacteria an ample condition to multiply. The combination of bacteria, dead skin cells and dirty may invade through the hair follicle to form a boil.

  • Skin conditions

Certain skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis that is a chronic form of eczema causes inflammation of the skin. This condition causes the skin to become defenseless against bacterial infections. It causes the skin to lack a protective layer of oil that provides a barrier on the skin. Scratching the skin due to an itchy feeling may also create cracks that allows the bacteria to get through into the skin.

  1. Family history

Family history of boils is also believed to be among what causes boils on the body. If you are taking antibiotic or you have been hospitalized for various conditions like anemia or diabetes, you are therefore likely to develop boils and carbuncles. Individuals with such chronic conditions are likely to develop various skin lesions according to Wikipedia.

  1. Ingrown hairs

Some of the boils that forms on hair bearing areas like the neck, face, armpit and thighs are likely to be caused by an ingrown hair. The hair that grows under the skin may block the hair follicles. Sebum and dead skin cells may accumulate behind the clogged pores and may develop into a boil when they get infected with a bacteria.
Although anyone can get boils, but there are various factors that may increase the chances of developing this skin condition. Some of the factors includes the following:

  • Chronic diseases like diabetes make it difficult for your body to fight bacterial infections that causes boils and other infections. Recurring boils may also be one of the symptoms of diabetes.
  • Weak immune system. Weakened immune systems as a result of diseases like HIV and Aids, cancer among other and long term use of corticosteroids drugs increases the risk of developing boils and carbuncles.
  • Other skin conditions. There are various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis that increases the chances of developing boils. Scratching your body due to irritation caused by such conditions results to breakage of the skin that allows the bacteria to get through into the skin.
  • Direct body contact with an infected person. You are likely to develop boils when you become in contact with a person suffering from this skin condition.
  • Tight clothing. Wearing tight clothing is also among the possible risk factors that results to what causes boils on inner thighs and other parts. They causes friction with the skin that may cause breakage of the skin to allow a bacterial infection.

Boils on Face Causes

Although you can get a boil on any parts of your body but a boil on the face is very visible and it may even change the appearance of your face. The face is a very sensitive part of your body and the formation of a boil on this part may be very painful. You may employ some of the boils on face home remedy to relieve the pain or by visiting a doctor for treatment.
Boils are commonly caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria known as staphylococcal that is found on the skin may cause this condition when it enters into the skin. People may not know that they are caring this germ as is harmless under the normal skin condition. A tiny break in the skin that results from insect bites, shaving, excessive friction from exfoliation and ingrown hairs can allow the bacteria to enter the skin of your face.
All the boils may not result from a bacteria entering your skin, an infection that develops beneath your skin may also cause this condition. Dead skin cells, dead bacteria, dead white blood cells and dirty may accumulate beneath the skin on the face to form a boil.

Boils on Inner Thigh and Legs

Boils is among the skin condition that has affected almost everyone. They may develop on any part of your body including the thigh and legs. Formation of boils on this two parts causes a lot of discomfort. It may cause difficulties in movements especially the lymph nodes becomes swollen.
Bacterial infection is the major reason to what causes boils on inner thighs and legs among other parts of your body. Tiny breaks that results from the friction of the skin and clothing, shaving and ingrown hair allows the germ to enter into the skin on your thighs and legs to cause an infection.
This condition can be treated by visiting a health care provider especially when it is severe. A single boil can be treated at home by applying a hot compress over the boil. It helps in relieving the pain and the discomfort. However, it is advisable to prevent the boil by applying the following methods:

  • Keeping the wounds, cuts, and grazes disinfected and covered
  • Practicing good hygiene by bathing and showering regularly
  • Washing hands regularly using antibacterial soap
  • Taking a balanced diet and exercising regularly
  • Taking good care of cuts and scratches on your skin

How to Fix an Ingrown Toenail, Surgery Cost Aftercare, Recovery and Pain

Explore more on how to fix an ingrown toenail painlessly using a dental floss and other treatments by yourself. You will also learn more about ingrown toenail surgery including the cost, pain, recovery and aftercare.

How to Fix an Ingrown Toenail – With Dental Floss, Yourself, Painlessly

An ingrown toenail is a condition whereby the corners of the nail curls downwards and digs into the soft skin tissues that are adjacent to it. This condition usually affects the big toe although it can affect the other toes. It cause pain, swelling and redness of the affected toe.
You can easily fix this condition while at home by using various remedies for ingrown toenail. Home treatments are effective in relieving the pain as well as promoting the healing process. Excessive pain, swelling, redness and presence of discharge are indications of infected ingrown toenail and therefore you need to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
However, you can fix your ingrown toenail painlessly using a dental floss. When the procedure is done properly, it is among the effective treatments of this condition. The procedure below will guide you in performing this treatment:
First of all, you need to soak your foot in warm salt water. Use a bowl or bathtub to soak your foot for at least 15 minutes. This will help to soften the toenail as well as reducing the pain and swelling. Dry the foot using a clean towel.
Secondly, use a piece of floss to lift the edge of the nail slightly above the skin. This should be done with a lot of gentleness to avoid damaging the affected areas. This treatment helps to prevent further ingrowth of the nail into the soft skin tissues of the toe.
This procedure is supposed to be repeated daily after every foot soak. You should also use clean piece of floss each time. While performing this treatment, ensure that your hands are clean and the dental floss should also be disinfected to prevent infection that may require doctor’s intervention.
Alternatively, you may also use a cotton wool instead of a floss. This procedure can be painless when performed gently. The pain is also determined by extend of your ingrown toenail and some time it might be quite painful. Consider taking over-the-counter pain killers that helps in relieving the pain and other discomfort caused by this procedure.
While using a dental floss, there is other treatments and measures you can take to fasten the healing process as well as alleviating the pain. They are also considered to be effective on how to fix an ingrown toenail. They include:

  • Use of topical antibiotic cream

Applying topical antibiotic creams on your sore toe helps to guard it against bacterial and fungal infections. Other creams that contain topical anesthetic also helps in relieving the pain temporarily. Such creams includes lidocaine, they are found in chemist and other pharmaceutical stores.

  • Wear sandals or open-toe shoe until your condition improves

Keep your toes aerated by choosing shoes that are open or which provides spacious room for the toes. Sandals and other loose fitting shoes can do better. Tight fitting shoes exacerbate your ingrown toenail which may delay the healing process by worsening the condition.

  • Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your toe

Disinfecting your toe using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or other disinfectants helps in preventing bacterial and fungal infection on the affected area. After a slight elevation of your nail using a dental floss, apply a small amount of disinfectant on the area to keep it protected.

  • Cover the toe using a bandage

After applying antibiotic cream on your toe, wrap the bandage around it. It helps in preventing dust and other contaminations from coming into contact with your affected toe. It will also help to separate the affected toe from the others according to wikihow.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers

Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen can also be used on how to treat ingrown toenail. They help in relieving pain and discomfort caused by this condition. Such medicines are taken without doctor’s prescription and are found in drug stores. Take them according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery – Cost, Aftercare, Recovery, Pain, Game

  1. Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?

This is the question you may be asking yourself when your podiatrist has recommended a surgery as the only treatment on how to fix an ingrown toenail. Like any other type of surgery, there is some pain you will experience after the anesthetic has worn off. In most cases such pain usually happens after the surgical process is through.
From the research done on various victims, online forums and discussion indicates that the most painful part is when an anesthesia needle is injected. It is the most painful in the whole process since the podiatrist has to inject the needle directly into the soft skin tissues that forms an under bed of the nail.
However, the pain varies from person to the other. Each person has a different experience after the surgical procedure. Some people may say that the pain is not that much as compared to the initial pain that is caused by an ingrown toenail. You will have nothing to regret after the whole agonizing pain of this condition will have gone.
The pain is not a big issue when it comes to ingrown toenail surgery. It can be controlled by the use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Such medicines are taken without doctor’s prescription but you should ensure that they are taken according to manufacturers instructions.
Your podiatrist will also give you some prescribed medicines that are used to alleviate the pain. Other simple measures such as avoiding wearing tight-fitting shoes can help to prevent exerting pressure on the affected toe that may result to paining. Wearing sandals is recommended during the recovery stage of this treatment.

  1. Ingrown toenail surgery aftercare

After the surgery, it is important to take good care of your toe and the whole foot. Poor aftercare practices may lead to an infection that may delay the healing process. You may also be required to waste your time and resources in treating such infection that might have been controlled using simple measure as stated below according to surgery info.

  • Keep the healing wound clean and dry until the following day when you will soak and remove the bandages as directed by the doctor.
  • Elevate your foot slightly from the ground for 2 days after the surgery. This helps to avoid contaminations that may be present on the ground.
  • Wash your hands well using antibacterial soap before touching the wound.
  • Do not wear a tight-fitting shoe that may exert pressure on the healing wound. Use sandals and other open-toe shoes while working out on how to fix an ingrown toenail.
  • Apply gently any antibiotic cream or ointment as directed by your doctor. It should be applied in the morning after cleaning the affected area.
  • Avoid activities that may cause damage on the toe before healing. Such activities includes strenuous exercises and sports.
  • Follow doctors instructions well. Such instruction may include when to change the bandages and taking of medicines.
  • Watch for any sign of an infection and report to your doctor. Redness, swelling and excretion of discharge may be normal during the healing process but when they are excessive you should consider re-visiting your podiatrist.
  1. Ingrown toenail surgery recovery

Ingrown toenail surgery is done in a medical Centre under the use local anesthesia. You will be allowed to go home immediately after the procedure is through. However, the recovery period will depend on the type of surgery done and extend of an ingrown toenail. The surgery may be done to remove the whole nail or part of it.
Surgical treatment that causes little disturbance on the nail matrix usually takes less recovery time as compared to when the surgery had to go through the nail matrix. You will start to notice healing improvements a day from the surgery.
Your foot is likely to get sore and tender when the numbing agents wear off. It will be normal to experience redness, swelling and pain but taking pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help to reduce such discomforts. It is advisable to minimize movements during this time.
For faster recovery, ensure that your foot is kept free from any kind of pressure that may cause damage. Following the doctor’s instructions on post-surgery guidelines will also help to fasten the healing process. The guidelines may include how to take medicines and aftercare instruction.

  1. Ingrown toenail surgery cost

The cost should be first considered when planning for surgery as a method on how to fix an ingrown toenail. However the cost varies depending with the type of surgery to be performed, the experience of the podiatrist and your location.
You may be required to pay depending with whether you are intending to have full or partial ingrown toenail removal. You are likely to pay more for full nail avulsion than partial since the procedure may take more time and requires experienced podiatrist.
The location also affects the cost of this procedure. If you are living in rural areas, you may be required to spend more on travelling in search of a hospital that can perform surgery. Therefore, from the intensive research done basing on some of the factors, the cost of surgery ranges between 150 dollars to 550 dollars in most of the regions

  1. Ingrown toenail surgery game

There are various games on the Google play, App Store and amazon apps that shows clear videos on the ingrown surgical procedures. You learn the various stages that are involved in the surgery although the material found there may not be good for your eye.

Ingrown Toenail Simulator

The procedure below describes ingrown toenail simulator. It lets you know many thing on the entire spectrum on how to fix an ingrown toenail according to buzz feed.

  • Cleaning the toe with iodine.
  • Numbing the toe by injecting anesthetic.
  • Cutting on the sides of infected nail using a scalpel.
  • Using tweezers to drag out the infected nail
  • Squeezing on the sides or the toenail to get out the accumulated pus.
  • Application of phenol acid on to the nail bed.
  • Appling an ointment on the nail bed
  • Covering the toe using a bandage
  • Cleaning the areas around the affected toe using a disinfectant

More Sources and References:
Wikihow.
Surgery info.
Buzz feed.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenail, Removal, Cure, Fix and Prevent

How can you fix an ingrown toenail? This article contain insights on the various measures and remedies that explains how to treat ingrown toenail effectively. You will also learn more on how to remove and prevent this condition.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail which is also known as unguis incarnates is a condition whereby the sharp corners of the toenail digs into the soft tissues of the skin that is adjacent to it. It is a painful condition that may cause inflammation, swelling, redness and presence of discharge on the affected areas.
This condition can affect any toe but it commonly affects the big toenails. An ingrown toenail can lead to an infection if left untreated. This condition may progress into an abscess that may require serious surgical treatments. Therefore, it is advisable to treat this condition before it may reach such critical conditions. The following are the various treatments that you may use:

  • Lifting the nail

Raising your toenail slightly above the soft skin tissues may help to prevent this condition from happening or coming back. This treatment is recommended by doctors and it helps the nail from coming into contact with the soft tissues that are adjacent to the nail.
Using tweezers, take a small pierce of cotton and hold it between the edge of the toenail and the soft skin tissues under the nail. Using pointed tweezers, push the cotton under the corners of the nail. Don’t push hard as it may damage the affected tissues.
Remove and replace the cotton on daily basis after cleaning since it helps in reducing the chances of infection on the affected area. You may also dip the cotton in an antiseptic solution, it helps in killing the bacteria that may cause an infection according to mayoclinic.

  • Removing the nail partially

In case of a severe infected ingrown toenail symptoms, you may be required to trim some portion of the nail. This can be done by yourself but it may cause some pain and therefore it is recommended to visit your doctor for removal. Your doctor may reduce the pain by numbing the affected toe using anesthetic before performing this procedure.
When this procedure is performed by yourself, ensure that the nail is trimmed straight without leaving a pointed part on the edges. Pointed edge increases the risk of this condition by growing toward the skin tissues.

  • Removing the nail and some tissues

Your doctor may recommend the removal of the whole nail and some tissues if this condition re-occurs on the same toe for several times even after performing other treatments. Removing the nail will prevent it from growing back. He or she may use a chemical or laser method in performing this procedure. The doctor will also recommend other treatment on how to treat ingrown toenail after removal of the nail.

Ingrown Toenail Home Treatment

There are various toenail home treatments that you can use in curing this conditions. They are simple treatment that are performed while at home using various resources that are found within your home or from natural stores that are available within your locality. They include:

  1. Soak the affected foot in warm salt water

 Soak your sore foot in warm salt water for 10 minutes three times a day. You may use Povidone-iodine instead of Epsom salts. Povidone-iodine has antimicrobial properties that helps in guarding the affected foot against bacterial and fungal infections.
It also helps in relieving pain, redness and swellings on the affected toenail. After soaking, dry your foot well using a clean cotton towel. The affected foot should be kept dry all the time except when soaking. Avoiding walking barefooted in dumpy areas that may contain different types of fungi and other bacteria that may cause an infection.

  1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers

This are medicines that are taken without doctor’s prescription. They help to ease the pain, swelling and redness on the affected toe. They includes acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They are found in a chemist that is near your location. Take such medicines as directed by the manufactures instructions.

  1. Choose sensible footwear that are easy on your toes

Choose shoes that are made from soft fabrics and which has a big room for the toes. Consider wearing sandals or open-toed shoes until your condition improves. Wearing shoes that squeezes the toes together may place pressure on your ingrown toenail and hence worsening the condition.

  1. Apply antibiotic ointment on the affected toe

Applying an antibiotic ointment on the sore toe is an effective remedy on how to treat ingrown toenail infection. Apply on the tender parts of your toe before covering it with a bandage to prevent re-infections. According to everyday health.

  1. Place a cotton wool or dental floss under your toenail

After cleaning or soaking your foot, place a cotton wool under the edge off your nail. This remedy helps in lifting the nail slightly above the skin tissues. It prevents the nail from digging into the soft tissues of the skin around the nail. Replace the cotton or dental floss daily until your condition improves.

  1. Pull the skin against the nail

Use a nail file or other blunt object to gently move the soft tissues that may be growing over the nail. Do it with a lot of care to avoid damaging or cutting the skin.

  1. Cover the affected toe with a bandage

Covering the affected toe with a bandage helps in protecting the area against infections. It also provides an ample condition for the healing process. Replace the bandage every time you clean the toe.

  1. Inspect your ingrown toenail for any symptom of an infection

Detecting the signs of an infection will help you to perform the right treatment. Such symptoms includes: increased pain, swelling, redness and presence of yellow or green discharge from the area. Visit your doctor right away in case of an infection.

  1. Apply tea tree oil

Applying oil on the affected toe helps to soften skin tissues and hence relieving pressure especially when wearing a shoe. Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that helps in guarding the areas against infections.

  1. soak the foot in potassium permanganate

This remedy is effective on how to treat ingrown toenail at home especially when it is infected. It helps in treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Soaking the affected foot in water that contains 0.04% of potassium permanganate helps in treating this condition within 2 weeks according to wikihow.

How to Get Rid Of an Ingrown Toenail

There are various treatments that you can use to get rid of ingrown toenail. They varies from simple treatments that are performed at home to more complex treatments that requires a doctors examinations. They include:

  • Doctors examination and tests

Visiting your doctor for examination and treatment helps in treating this condition fast. Your doctor will examine your sore toe carefully to determine if there is any form of an infection. The doctor will evaluate your condition by asking you several question such as: how your condition developed, the duration it has taken, types of treatment performed before and any other medical problem that you may be having.
The other physical examinations and blood tests includes checking your blood pressure and sugar level, body temperature, examination of your ingrown toenail and if necessary, performing an x-ray of your toe. The doctor will therefore perform the various treatment depending with the severity of your condition.
He or she will also prescribe you some medicines to use. He or she may also recommend some checkups until the condition improves. You are supposed to take the medicines as directed by your doctors. You will also be free to ask any question before taking the medicines.

  • Medical treatments

There are various medical treatments that are recommended if your ingrown toenail is not infected. Such treatments helps to get rid of this condition fast. They include elevating the affected toenail slightly above the soft skin tissues. It helps in preventing the nail from growing towards the skin.
Other treatments that includes proper cleaning of the affected area and choosing a shoe that provide spacious room for your toes may be recommended until when you recover from this condition. According to home remedy shop.

  • Self-care at home treatments

Home remedy treatments are also effective on how to fix an ingrown toenail especially when in its early stages. They include soaking the foot in warm salt water for some time, keeping the affected area clean all the time and avoiding shoes that exert pressure on the affected toe among others.

  • Surgery

You may also need a surgery when this condition does not improve. This method is effective on how to treat ingrown toenail especially when the symptoms are too severe as a result of an infection or when this condition re-occurs after a short time. This procedure is performed in hospital by a Podiatrist.

How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail

This condition may cause a lot of discomfort especially when it is infected. You may start experiencing excessive pain and discharge when wearing a shoe. This condition may cause an urge to remove part of the nail or the whole nail. Therefore a surgery is recommended to perform this procedure.
The tetanus status of your body will be required and you may be given some boosters to raise it. This is done to prevent the wound from developing tetanus. The doctor will then inject a local anaesthetic in the joint of your toe to make it numb.
The doctor will now start the procedure of removing the potion of ingrown toenail or the whole nail. The discharge will be drained from the end of the toe. The nail is removed to prevent this condition from re-occurring again.
The doctor may remove some of the nail bed tissues or apply a chemical that will prevent this condition from happening again. He or she will finalize this procedure by applying some medications and covering the toe in a bandage to heal. You may also be recommended to take some antibiotics.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenail

There are various measures you can take to prevent this condition. This measures save your time and resources of finding the various methods on how to treat ingrown toenail. They include the following:

  • Wear shoes that fits you properly. It helps to ensure that your foot remains healthy all the time. You are also supposed to wear cotton socks rather than synthetic and change them daily.
  • Keep your feet clean by washing them every day. Dry them thoroughly using a clean towel and apply a moisturizer.
  • Avoid cutting your nails too short or too low especially on the sides. You are supposed to cut the nails straight across making the corners visible above the skin tissues. Cut the nails when they are soft especially after taking a warm shower.
  • Take extra care of your nails if you have conditions like diabetes. A gentle file on the edges of the nail and visiting your podiatrist for nail trimming is recommended.
  • Visit your podiatrist right away you start developing symptoms of infected ingrown toenails such as redness, excessive pain, swelling and presence of discharge from the affected toe.

More Sources and References:
Mayoclinic.
Everyday health.
Wikihow.