Ingrown toenails can be very painful, swollen and red. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or AAOS, ingrown toenails are common, especially among teenagers. Toenails can become ingrown for a variety of reasons including clipping them too short, wearing poor-fitting shoes, due to injury or it can be a condition to which you are predisposed. When you have an ingrown toenail, there are some things you can do at home to help it heal quicker.
Step 1
Soak your feet in warm water three to four times per day for 20 minutes each time. Soaking reduces swelling and helps relieve the tenderness. The AAOS notes that it is important for you to keep your feet dry for the rest of the day.
Step 2
Insert cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin. According to MayoClinic.com, this a common recommendation from doctors to help the nail eventually grow above the skin. Every time you soak your foot, you should change the cotton or floss.
Step 3
Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage the injury to keep germs away and to help prevent infection. The AAOS advises that you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.
Step 4
Wear open-toed shoes or sandals until the toe feels better. If the problem persists, visit your doctor as some ingrown nails may have to be surgically cut out or even removed.
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