An ingrown toenail develops when the corner of your toenail grows into the soft skin of the toe. This causes redness, swelling and pain. Untreated, the ingrown toenail can lead to infection. While you can often treat an ingrown toenail on your own with home remedies, people with diabetes or other conditions that affect the circulation in the feet should take special precautions, as they are at an increased risk of complications from ingrown toenails.
Step 1
Soak feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day. This eases the pain of an ingrown toenail and reduces swelling.
Step 2
Slip a small piece of cotton under the edge of the ingrown toenail. Doing this encourages the nail to grow above the skin.
Step 3
Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area to reduce your risk of developing an infection.
Step 4
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary to relieve discomfort from the ingrown toenail.
Step 5
Wear comfortable shoes or sandals until your toe heals.
Step 6
Visit your doctor if the redness appears to be spreading, pus is visible or your toe is sore enough to interfere with daily life.
Tips and Warnings
- Reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails by cutting toenails straight across and wearing properly fitted shoes that do not crowd the toes.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton
- Topical antibiotic
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Comfortable shoes
