Sophia Delgado
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that usually affects the big toe. They are typically caused by improper nail trimming, tight or narrow shoes, trauma, fungal infections, or psoriasis. While mild cases can be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment, it is important to refrain from cutting an ingrown toenail at home as it may worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection. Healthcare professionals may numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail, and in some cases, part of the underlying nail bed may also be removed.
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What You'll Learn
When to cut at home and when to see a doctor
Ingrown toenails are a common problem, usually affecting the big toe. While they are not usually serious, they can be very painful.
When to cut at home:
You can treat most ingrown toenails at home. However, this is only recommended for nails that are not yet ingrown. Cutting the nail before it grows into the skin can prevent it from becoming ingrown. When cutting toenails, trim them straight across, avoiding making them rounded or pointed, and be careful not to cut them too short.
If you have an ingrown toenail, you can try some simple home treatments to manage the infection and prevent further pain. Soak your foot in warm, salty, soapy, or sudsy water several times a day. You can also add Epsom salt to help with pain and swelling. Dry your foot after soaking and apply an antibacterial or antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. Gently massage the foot and the toenail to improve blood flow, which may help with pain and speed up the healing process. You can also place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and your skin to help the nail grow above the skin edge. Bandage the toe and wear loose-fitting, open-toed shoes until the toenail heals. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help with pain.
When to see a doctor:
If you have an ingrown toenail, healthcare professionals do not recommend cutting it at home, especially if the nail is already very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Cutting an ingrown toenail can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection, especially if the nail is embedded in the skin. If you have diabetes, circulation problems, numbness in the toes, or frequent ingrown toenails with infections, you should also see a healthcare professional.
If home treatments are not helping, a healthcare provider can remove part or all of the toenail surgically through a procedure called nail avulsion. They may also remove part of the underlying nail bed and, in some cases, part of the growth center. These minor surgeries are effective treatments for ingrown nails. Your doctor can also prescribe a topical corticosteroid ointment to apply after each soaking for up to two weeks.
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Soaking and cleaning the toe
Soaking the toe
Soaking your foot in warm water is a recommended home remedy for treating an ingrown toenail. Aim for a temperature that is warm but comfortable, as very hot water may cause discomfort or further irritation. Soak your foot for 10 to 30 minutes, repeating this process 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves.
You can add a disinfectant such as Dettol or vinegar to ensure the area is clean and help prevent infection. You can also add Epsom salt to the footbath to help with pain and softening the nail and skin.
Cleaning the toe
After soaking, dry your foot and toe thoroughly with a soft towel. Then, gently massage the skin around the ingrown toenail to improve blood flow to the area, which may help with pain and speed up the healing process.
Next, gently clean the area with an antibacterial or antibiotic cream to further reduce the risk of infection. You can also try using tea tree oil, which has disinfecting properties.
It is important to note that while these steps can help treat and manage an ingrown toenail, if the problem is severe or recurrent, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional, who may suggest further treatment options.
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Trimming the nail straight across
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is recommended that you seek a healthcare professional for advice on how best to treat the issue. However, if your toenail is only slightly ingrown, you may be able to trim it yourself.
Firstly, soak your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes to soften the nail and skin. You can add Epsom salt, tea tree oil, or other disinfecting essential oils to the footbath. You can also try a vinegar foot soak. After soaking, dry your foot thoroughly with a soft towel.
Next, gently massage the skin at the side of the toenail (the nail fold), pushing it away from the nail. Then, use a nail file or cuticle stick to gently scrape the skin at the sides of the nail and remove any dead skin cells.
Now, you can trim the nail. Cut your toenail straight across with toenail clippers, keeping the nail long enough to get your fingernail under it; at least 1 to 2 millimetres at the white tip. Avoid making the nail rounded or pointed, and do not cut it too short.
After cutting, clean the area with a disinfectant like tea tree oil. Then, wear open-toed shoes or shoes with a wide toe box. Monitor your nail's growth and replace the bit of cotton as needed.
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Placing cotton under the nail
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that usually affects the big toe. They occur when the toenail grows into the soft skin of the toe, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is recommended that you avoid cutting it at home as this can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection. Instead, consult a healthcare professional for advice on treatment options, such as trimming or removing the affected portion of the nail.
One suggested method to treat ingrown toenails at home is to place cotton under the edge of the nail. This technique helps to separate the nail from the overlying skin, relieving pressure and preventing the nail from growing further into the skin. It is important to note that this method may not provide pain relief and could potentially increase the risk of infection if not done properly.
To place cotton under the nail, start by soaking your foot in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, which will help soften the skin. You can also add Epsom salt to the water to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. After soaking, gently dry your foot and massage the skin at the side of the toenail to push it away from the nail.
The next step is to take a cotton swab and remove the cotton from the end. Roll the cotton into a thin, elongated shape. Then, gently lift the edge of the affected toenail and carefully slide the cotton underneath it. Repeat this process after each time you soak your foot, using fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss.
It is important to monitor the condition of your ingrown toenail while using the cotton method. If the pain persists or worsens, or if signs of infection develop, discontinue the treatment and consult a healthcare professional immediately. They may recommend other treatment options, such as trimming or removing part of the toenail, to effectively address the issue.
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Preventing future ingrown toenails
It is also important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks. Avoid shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or too short, as well as shoes that are too large. Ill-fitting shoes can cause trauma to the toe, encouraging the nail to grow into the skin. Tight shoes or socks can also squeeze the toes together, causing the nail to pierce the skin. Thick socks or blankets can create a warm, insulated environment, which is ideal for bacteria to breed and cause infection.
If you have recurrent ingrown toenails, a more extensive nail removal procedure may be needed to prevent the nail from growing back. This procedure is known as a partial nail avulsion and is often performed by a clinician.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to cut an ingrown toenail at home as it can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection. If the nail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, you should consult a healthcare professional. However, if the nail is only slightly ingrown, you can try soaking your foot in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes, gently massaging the skin around the nail, and using a cuticle stick to encourage the nail to unroll. You can then cut the nail straight across, leaving at least 1 to 2 mm of white at the end.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by cutting your toenails correctly. Avoid cutting your nails too short, and cut them straight across or in a shallow oval shape. Avoid V-shaped angles and do not round or point the corners. It is also important to wear properly fitting shoes and socks to avoid putting pressure on your toes.
If you notice redness, infection, swelling, or moderate to severe pain, you should see a doctor or podiatrist for professional treatment. Recurrent ingrown toenails may require a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the toenail.
