Trimming your toenails incorrectly may lead to a nasty condition known as an ingrown toenail, where the nail embeds itself into your skin, potentially causing pain and even infection. Although any of your toes can develop an ingrown toenail, the condition is most prevalent with your big toe. Proper steps prior to trimming and proper trimming technique can help remedy an ingrown toenail and keep it from occurring again.
Step 1
Soak your affected toe in warm water every few hours for one day. Keep the toe dry between soakings.
Step 2
Massage the inflamed skin gently with your fingers to loosen the nail and lessen the swelling. Gently rub back and forth across where the nail is embedded in the skin when your toe is completely dry.
Step 3
Wet a piece of cotton with water or antiseptic fluid and push it up under the affected nail to help create separation from the skin. Keep the cotton in place for 2 to 3 hours.
Step 4
Disinfect a pair of nail clippers that has recently been sharpened. Remove the cotton from underneath the nail.
Step 5
Trim your nail straight across using the nail clippers. Do not try to trim your nail too close. Do not taper the edges of your nail. Do not try to remove the ingrown portion of the toenail.
Step 6
Wear sandals or open-toed shoes for a few days if possible to give your toe breathing room while it heals.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton swab
- Water or antiseptic liquid
- Nail clippers
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