To remove an ingrown toenail, if home remedies do not work, a healthcare provider can perform medical treatments that include:
- Lifting the ingrown nail edge and placing cotton, dental floss, or a splint underneath it to separate the nail from the skin, allowing it to grow above the skin edge over 2-12 weeks.
- Taping the skin away from the nail edge or placing a gutter splint under the nail to relieve pain and promote proper nail growth.
- Partially removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia if there is significant inflammation, pain, or pus.
- In severe or recurrent cases, removing a portion of the nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed) to prevent regrowth of that nail part.
The procedure involves numbing the toe and careful removal or lifting of the nail part causing the problem. It usually requires medical expertise and sterile conditions to avoid infection and ensure proper healing. Recovery may take weeks to months depending on the extent of nail removal. Home care such as soaking the toe, applying antibiotic ointment, and keeping the foot dry is advised during healing. If the ingrown toenail is not infected and mild, soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salts several times a day and placing cotton or dental floss under the nail edge at home may help promote healing and prevent worsening. It is important not to attempt cutting or removing the ingrown toenail at home as it can worsen the condition or cause infection. A medical professional should evaluate and treat severe or infected ingrown toenails.
