Ingrown toenails are not only unattractive but can be very painful as well. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail begins to grow into the skin, which may cause an infection. The most common causes of ingrown toenails are poor nail-cutting technique and improperly fitting shoes. Heredity also makes some people more likely to experience them. The skin around the nail may be red, swollen and filled with pus. You may be able to remove the ingrown toenail by yourself, but should seek medical attention if it becomes infected.
Step 1
Soak your affected foot in a basin of warm water three to four times a day. Dry your foot with a clean towel after soaking.
Step 2
Massage your affected toe gently to bring more blood circulation to the nail and surrounding tissues.
Step 3
Lift the edge of your nail gently out from underneath the skin with dental floss or tweezers.
Step 4
Dampen a small piece of cotton gauze, and place it underneath your nail to maintain its position above the skin.
Step 5
Repeat the previous steps for two to three additional days, changing the gauze at least once daily.
Step 6
Consult a podiatrist or general physician if your home care treatments do not solve the problem or if the nail appears infected. A podiatrist may need to trim away part of the nail bed to allow for proper healing and prescribe antibiotics if your toenail is infected.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear properly fitting shoes, especially during athletic activities. Wear sandals, if possible, while your toe is healing. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to package directions if you are in a lot of pain. Keep your feet clean and dry while your nail is healing. Avoid clipping your nails too short, and clip them straight across, not rounded on the sides.
- Do not try to remove an ingrown toenail by yourself if you have diabetes or circulation disorders.
Things You'll Need
- Toenail clippers
- Basin
- Dental floss or tweezers
- Cotton gauze
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