When you trim your toenails too short, you put yourself at risk for an ingrown toenail. Instead of growing outward, the sides of the toenail grow into the skin surrounding the nail bed. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness and swelling at the site. If an infection is present, you may notice a small amount of pus around the toenail. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends first treating the ingrown toenail at home. If you do not improve, contact a doctor about treatment options.
Step 1
Soak your feet three times daily. Place your feet in a tub of warm water. Soak for approximately 20 minutes. This softens the skin in order to relieve tenderness around the toenail. Dry the foot completely and keep the feet dry over the course of the day.
Step 2
Lift up the edge of the toenail. Slide a small piece of a cotton ball under the edge where the nail is growing into the skin to change the growth pattern. Replace the cotton each day. You may use waxed dental floss in place of cotton.
Step 3
Dab on a small amount of antibiotic ointment. Cover with gauze and medical tape. Wear loose socks or sandals to keep your feet comfortable during treatment. Wearing ill-fitting shoes and socks also puts you at risk for a recurrence of an ingrown toenail.
Step 4
Trim the nails correctly. Use a sharp nail clipper to cut the toenails in a straight line without any rounded edges. The nails should not be any shorter than the edge of the toenail.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may remove part or the entire nail if you suffer from an ingrown toenail. This is typically recommended if an infection is present or you experience recurrent episodes. If you experience any pain from the ingrown toenail, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen as needed.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton ball
- Nail clippers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Warm water
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