An ingrown nail is a painful occurrence that takes place when the edge of a nail pushes into the soft skin portions surrounding the nail. This can occur due to improperly cutting the toenails, injury to the nails or wearing bad shoes. The resulting symptoms include redness, pain or swelling that can be amplified when a person wears shoes that are too tight. While many ingrown nail symptoms will correct themselves as the nail grows out, symptoms can typically be alleviated via over-the-counter methods.
Step 1
Fill a bathtub or foot tub with warm water and add an antibacterial soap or three tablespoons of salt. Soak your feet in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
Dry your feet and apply an antibiotic cream, such as Neosporin. You may wish to apply a bandage to the foot in order to protect it from injury or trauma. Repeat this three to four times a day until your symptoms have subsided.
Step 3
Wear open-toe or other non-binding shoe that keeps the nail from being further pushed into the tissue until symptoms subside. You should select a shoe that keeps the foot dry and free from moisture that can allow fungus to grow. Sandals may be a good option during this time.
Step 4
Insert your fingernail or other thin object under the edge of the ingrown nail and lift it from its position embedded in the nail bed. Place a soft, thin packing material, such as cotton or dental floss underneath the nail to create space and keep the nail from embedding itself into the skin. Not only will this help symptoms to subside, it also will help the nail to grow in a better position.
Step 5
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever in order to reduce painful symptoms related to the toenail.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Foot bath
- Soap or salt
- Comfortable shoes
- Bandages
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