Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can become infected.

Home Treatment

Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home with simple measures such as:

Soaking your feet in warm water: This helps to soften the skin and reduce swelling. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.

Lifting the edge of the nail: Use a cotton swab or dental floss to gently lift the edge of the nail away from the skin.This will help to promote healing and prevent the nail from growing into the skin again.

Applying antibiotic ointment: If the area is red, swollen, and tender, apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.

Wearing comfortable shoes: Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or that put pressure on the affected toe.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

Medical Treatment

If home treatment is not effective or if the ingrown toenail is infected, your doctor may recommend:

Partial nail avulsion: This is a procedure in which a portion of the ingrown nail is removed.

Matrixectomy: This is a more invasive procedure in which the nail root is removed to prevent the nail from growing back.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent ingrown toenails:

Trim your toenails straight across: Do not trim them too short or curve them into the corners of your toes.

Wear shoes that fit well: Avoid shoes that are too tight or that squeeze your toes.

Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Avoid cutting your cuticles too close: This can increase the risk of infection.

If you have diabetes, check your feet regularly for any signs of ingrown toenails.

When to See a Doctor

If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you pain, redness, swelling, or inflammation, see your doctor. They can help you to determine the best course of treatment.

Additional Tips

Avoid picking at or scratching your ingrown toenail. This can increase the risk of infection.

If you have diabetes, make sure to control your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.

If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you severe pain or that is not responding to home treatment, see your doctor right away.