An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail grows into the fleshy skin surrounding the toenail, causing redness, swelling and pain. Ingrown toenails most frequently occur on the big toe. According to the article, "Ingrown Toenail Removal" in the June 15, 2002 issue of American Family Physician, poorly fitting shoes and improperly trimmed toenails are the most common causes of ingrown toenails. Some ingrown toenails require a doctor's care and even surgery, but many ingrown toenails are treatable with home remedies.
Step 1
Soak your feet in a tub of warm water for twenty minutes several times per day. This will make your toe feel less tender and reduce some of the swelling.
Step 2
Insert a small amount of clean cotton under the edge of the ingrown nail after you soak the area. The cotton helps to encourage the nail to grow above the edge of the skin. Change this cotton after each soaking.
Step 3
Apply antibiotic ointment on the skin surrounding the ingrown toenail and cover the area with a bandage.
Step 4
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
Step 5
Wear comfortable shoes, preferably open-toed sandals or shoes, until the ingrown toenail heals.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen pain reliever
- Open-toe shoes
