If you are experiencing pain on one or both sides of your toenail, your nail may be ingrown, says the Mayo Clinic. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing swelling and irritation. The more the toe swells, the more uncomfortable the ingrown toenail may become. In some cases, an infected ingrown toenail may require a doctor's care. Otherwise, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home.
Soaking
Soaking the foot will help soften the toenail, says Frederick Hass, M.D., general practitioner and author of "The Foot Book." Soaking the afflicted area will also help reduce swelling and soothe irritation, says the Mayo Clinic. Fill the bathtub or a clean bowl with warm water, then soak the foot for 15 to 20 minutes. Soak the foot up to three times a day to soothe the area and keep the toenail soft.
Cotton
Place a small piece of cotton in between the ingrown toenail and the irritated side of the toe to help reduce swelling and pain, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Pull away a small piece of a cotton ball or cotton swab, roll the piece into a small tube, then carefully place the piece of cotton underneath the corner of the nail. Placing cotton underneath the nail will train the toenail to grow above the skin and help reduce pain. Change the piece of cotton once a day until the toe heals completely.
Open-Toed Shoes
Wearing open-toed shoes that do not rub or touch the afflicted toenail will allow the nail to heal more quickly, says the Mayo Clinic. Wearing sandals that do not touch or rub the painful area may also help the foot heal. If you must wear shoes that touch the afflicted area, carefully wrap the toe with a sterile bandage to protect it from the shoe.
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling of the foot, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Over-the-counter pain medications, which are available at drugstores and grocery stores, can help minimize the pain temporarily. If the toenail is infected or severely painful, take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce swelling and irritation while waiting to get a doctor's appointment.
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