Ingrown hairs/nails

Question 1

Symptoms of ingrown hair

Answer 1

Raised itchy red bumps, sometimes with visible hair trapped under the skin. They can become infected.

Question 2

Causes of ingrown hairs

Answer 2

Shaving
Removing hair by waxing, plucking or threading

Question 3

How to prevent ingrown hairs

Answer 3

Wet skin with warm water and use shaving gel
Shave in directed of hairs
Don’t use a blunt razor
Rinse razor after each stroke
Hold a cool wet cloth to skin after to reduce irritation.
Use an exfoloating scrub to release any trapped hairs
Use hair removal cream or laser hair removal.

Question 4

Ingrown hair referral

Answer 4

Systemic symptoms
Hot, swollen area around ingrown hair

Question 5

OTC ingrown hair treatment

Answer 5

Products containing salicylic acid to release ingrown hair.
Many also contain aloe vera or chamomile due to soothing properties.

Question 6

Symptoms of ingrown toenail

Answer 6

Red, swollen, painful skin around nail
Visible curling of nail into toe
Infection: pus, systemic symptoms

Question 7

Ingrown toenail referral

Answer 7

GP:
Home treatment isn’t working
Toe appears infected
Systemic symptoms
Diabetes

Podiatrist:
Hone treatment isn’t working
Severe curling of the nail

Question 8

Ingrown toenail lifestyle advice

Answer 8

Soak foot in warm salty water to soften skin around toe and reduce infection risk
Keep foot dry
Wear wide comfortable shoes or sandals, avoid tight pointy shoes
Do not cut the nail or pick at it
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen

Question 9

Ingrown toenail prevention

Answer 9

Don’t cut nails too short
Cut straight across, don’t go down at edges
Keep feet clean and dry

Question 10

OTC ingrown toenail treatment

Answer 10

Analgesics
Antiseptic to reduce infection