An ingrown toenail is a painful condition caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or by cutting the nail improperly. It is best to take measures to prevent ingrown toenails, such as cutting the nail straight across and wearing roomy footwear. If you begin to experience a painful sensation on the side of your toe next to the nail, steps can be taken to correct the problem if caught early enough. If at any point your toe begins to swell, turns bright red or begins to leak pus, see a health care provider immediately.
Step 1
Decrease your activity and wear open-toed shoes, if possible. This will reduce or eliminate extra pressure on the toenail.
Step 2
Soak your foot. Fill a basin with warm water, and soak your foot 15 to 20 minutes each time. Soaking your foot three to four times a week will help soften the nail and relieve the pain.
Step 3
Insert a small piece of cotton under the nail. This prevents it from poking into the skin and causing pain. The cotton will also help raise the nail so that it can grow out evenly without causing pain.
Step 4
Cut a notch in the center of the affected toenail with nail clippers in the shape of a V. The Schiffert Health Center at Virginia Tech explains that this notch will alleviate the pressure from the sides of the nail as it grows.
Step 5
Cut the toenail straight across as it begins to grow out. Do not trim the corners at an angle or tear them on the sides.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are diabetic, consult your doctor immediately if you have signs of an ingrown toenail. Diabetic patients with circulatory impairments have delayed healing, which can result in serious wounds that require surgical intervention if not caught early.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Cotton or small piece of gauze
- Nail clippers
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