Ingrown toenails--are usually caused by cutting toenails too short, wearing tight shoes or an injury. In addition, some people may simply have unusually curved toenails that are more prone to becoming ingrown. According to the Mayo Clinic, most ingrown toenails can be treated at home, although if you have diabetes or another medical condition that causes impaired circulation to your extremities, or if you experience severe or continuing discomfort, pus or spreading redness, you should consult a doctor.
Step 1
Fill a large bowl or wide, shallow bucket with warm water. Soak your bare feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this, using fresh water each time, three times a day.
Step 2
Cut small pieces of cotton off a cotton ball or cotton pad and slide the bits of cotton underneath the ingrown edge of your toenail. Do this, using fresh cotton, every time you soak your feet. The cotton will eventually help the nail lift up above the skin. Make sure to remove the cotton before you soak your feet again.
Step 3
Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream or gel to the inflamed areas of skin around the ingrown nail after each soaking.
Step 4
Cover the tender skin around your ingrown nail with either a padded adhesive bandage or gauze held on by a small bandage or medical tape.
Step 5
Wear open-toed shoes or sandals, or at least flat-heeled footwear with plenty of extra room in the toes, until your ingrown nail feels better.
Tips and Warnings
- You may find tweezers to be helpful with both inserting and removing the cotton from beneath your ingrown nail.
- If the above steps do not provide relief within three days, consult a physician.
Things You'll Need
- Large bowl or wide, shallow bucket
- Warm water
- Cotton balls or pads
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Padded adhesive bandage or gauze and medical tape
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