Ingrown toenails are a relatively common ailment that occurs when the outer edge of a toenail grows into the toe's skin. Common signs include swelling, sensitivity, pain and redness around the toenail. Medically referred to as Onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails may be caused by poor-fitting shoes, improperly trimmed toenails, toe injury or even curved toenails, says Drexel University College of Medicine. In many cases, removing -- or dissolving -- an ingrown toenail does not require a doctor's assistance.
Step 1
Fill a large basin or bowl with warm water. Alternatively, you can fill a bathtub with four to five inches of water. There should be enough water to cover your entire foot.
Step 2
Soak your affected foot in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. After the time has elapsed, remove your foot and dry it off with a clean, dry towel.
Step 3
Tear off a small piece of cotton from a cotton ball for later use.
Step 4
Use a clean nail file or tweezers to separate the ingrown toenail from the swollen skin. This may cause some pain or discomfort.
Step 5
Place the piece of cotton underneath the extracted ingrown toenail. Either weight the cotton or spray with an antiseptic.
Step 6
Repeat these steps at least once per day until the nail grows out, and the pain subsides, says Drexel University College of Medicine.
Step 7
Cut a V-shape in the center of the ingrown toenail with a pair of nail clippers to alleviate pressure, advises the website "Go Ask Alice!" at Columbia University. Refrain from clipping the ingrown toenail completely, as it will likely grow back.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear comfortable, roomy shoes while nursing an ingrown toenail.
- If the ingrown toenail gets worse, shows signs of infection or does not go away after two weeks, consult a health care provider, who can prescribe oral antibiotics or suggest surgery, says "Go Ask Alice!".
Things You'll Need
- Warm water
- Towel
- Cottonball
- Nail file
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic
- Nail clippers
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