An ingrown toenail is a nail that curves inward so that the edge of the nail grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails can cause swelling, pain and a warm sensation in the toe. In severe cases, the nail may break the skin, causing bleeding and infection, per the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Ingrown toenails may be hereditary, but injury, ill-fitting shoes and improper grooming can also contribute to the problem, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Severe ingrown toenails may require surgery, but in less severe cases, a simple home remedy may get the nail out.
Step 1
Pour 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into the dish tub. Add enough warm water to fill the tub half way. Swirl the water to dissolve the Epsom salt.
Step 2
Soak the affected foot in the tub for at least 20 minutes, or until the water cools.
Step 3
Dry your foot with the towel. Take care not to irritate the ingrown nail.
Step 4
Gently massage the fold over the ingrown nail. Use your fingers to gently push the skin away from the nail.
Step 5
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes or sandals, and take over-the-counter pain killers to bring down the swelling.
Step 6
Consult your doctor if the toe becomes infected or if there is no improvement within three days.
Tips and Warnings
- Soak and massage your foot up to four times a day. To prevent ingrown nails, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends wearing well-fitting shoes and keeping the toenails properly trimmed.
- The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends against putting a piece of gauze or cotton beneath the embedded end of the nail. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, however, states that you may need to lift the embedded end of the nail and insert cotton. If you choose to insert cotton, apply an antibacterial ointment and change the packing every day. Do not attempt to cut out the embedded nail edge. Additionally, cutting notches in the nail, or repeatedly cutting the nail border, will not train the nail to grow differently, per the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic dish tub
- Epsom salt
- Warm water
- Towel
- Comfortable shoes
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