Often you can deal with an ingrown toenail on your own. Contact your physician primarily when the pain is severe or the ingrown toenail doesn't heal within a few days after home treatment. Commonly occurring with the big toe, ingrown toenails develop when your nail grows into your toe's skin. Wearing tight shoes, toenail injuries, curved toenails and toenails cut too short all cause ingrown toenails, according to MayoClinic.com. To avoid future ingrown toenails wear well-fitted shoes and socks, keep toenails longer and trim your toenails in a straight instead of curved line.
Step 1
Soak the affected foot for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day in warm water only to reduce swelling and ease tenderness.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the ingrown toenail.
Step 3
Place a bandage over the ingrown toenail while it heals.
Step 4
Wear comfortable open-toed shoes such as sandals if possible until the ingrown toenail heals to prevent causing further irritation. If you are unable to wear sandals, wear comfortable shoes with plenty of room so you don't constrict the healing toenail.
Things You'll Need
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage
Member Comments