To manage an ingrown toenail, you can start with home care and then seek medical treatment if needed.
Home Care for Ingrown Toenail
- Soak your foot in warm water (with or without Epsom salt or mild soap) for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This softens the skin and reduces pain and swelling
- After soaking, you can gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place a small piece of cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to help the nail grow above the skin edge. Replace this material daily after soaking
- Keep your foot dry the rest of the day and wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on the toe
- Avoid cutting the toenail too short or digging into the nail edges, and do not pick at the nail or skin around it
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease pain
- Apply antibiotic ointment after soaking to prevent infection
When to See a Healthcare Provider
- If the ingrown toenail is very painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection such as pus, redness, warmth, or if you have a fever
- If home treatment does not improve symptoms within a few days
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation, seek medical advice promptly as infections can be more serious
Medical Treatments
- Your provider may lift the nail and place cotton or a splint to separate it from the skin
- Taping the skin away from the nail or placing a gutter splint under the nail may be done to relieve pain and encourage proper nail growth
- For severe cases, partial removal of the ingrown nail edge or complete removal of the nail may be performed under local anesthesia
- In recurrent cases, chemical treatment to prevent regrowth of the problematic nail edge may be used after partial nail removal
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is infection
Prevention Tips
- Cut toenails straight across, not too short, and avoid rounding the edges
- Wear properly fitting shoes that do not crowd your toes
- Keep feet clean and dry
Following these steps can help relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote proper healing of an ingrown toenail. If symptoms persist or worsen, professional medical treatment is recommended.
