Noah Sinclair
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails usually aren't serious and can be treated at home, it is important to note that cutting an already ingrown nail at home is not recommended by healthcare professionals as it can make the condition worse. Home treatments for ingrown toenails include soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water with Epsom salt, placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, applying petroleum jelly or medicated ointment, and bandaging the toe. If the ingrown toenail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, it is advised to seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soak the toe | Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water with Epsom salt to keep bacteria at bay and soften the skin. Soak 3-4 times daily for 10-20 minutes until the toe improves. |
| Use dental floss | Place fresh bits of waxed dental floss or cotton under the ingrown edge to help shift the nail into the correct growth direction and prevent it from growing back into the skin. |
| Apply medication | Apply petroleum jelly or a medicated ingrown toenail ointment to the tender area. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream. |
| Bandage the toe | Apply a bandage to the infected toenail. |
| Cut the nail | Cut the toenail straight across, starting at the toenail edges, using toenail clippers. Do not cut the toenail from the middle or cut it too short. |
| Tape the nail | Pull the skin away from the ingrown nail with tape. |
| Insert a gutter splint | Numb the toe and slip a tiny slit tube underneath the embedded nail to ease the pain. |
| Partially remove the nail | For more severe cases, numb the toe and trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak the toe in warm, soapy water
Soaking the toe in warm, soapy water is an important step in treating an ingrown toenail at home. This is because soaking the toe in warm water can help to keep bacteria at bay. The warm water can also soften the skin, making it easier to treat the ingrown toenail.
To soak the toe, fill a basin or tub with warm water and add a mild soap. Soak the affected foot for 10 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day, until the toe improves. It is important to ensure that the water is not too hot, as this could further irritate the skin. After soaking, gently dry the foot, especially the area around the ingrown toenail, with a clean towel.
It is also recommended to add Epsom salt to the warm soapy water. Epsom salt can help to further soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Additionally, a gentle foot massage while soaking can improve circulation and further reduce inflammation.
Soaking the toe in warm, soapy water is an effective way to keep the affected area clean and help prevent infection. It is important to combine this with other steps, such as placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, to help the nail grow above the skin edge. Healthcare professionals do not recommend cutting toenails that have already ingrown at home, as it can increase the risk of infection.
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Use dental floss to lift the nail
Ingrown toenails are a common, painful nail condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the toenails grow into the skin beside the nail. Although ingrown toenails do not go away without intervention, they can usually be treated at home.
One way to treat an ingrown toenail at home is by using dental floss to lift the nail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Soak Your Foot
Start by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help to soften the toenail and make it easier to work with. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves.
Lift the Nail with Dental Floss
After soaking your foot, gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail using a piece of clean, waxed dental floss. Be careful not to break the skin or cause further irritation. The dental floss will act as a separator between the nail and the skin, helping the nail to grow above the skin edge.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment and Bandage
Once the dental floss is in place, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the sensitive area and then cover it with a clean bandage. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing.
Wear Sensible Footwear
While your toe is healing, it is important to wear sensible footwear that will not put pressure on the affected area. Choose open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better.
Repeat the Process
After each soaking, be sure to put a fresh piece of waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge of the nail. This will help to maintain separation between the nail and the skin, encouraging the nail to grow above the skin edge.
While this method can be effective for less severe ingrown toenails, it is important to note that professional treatment is often faster, safer, and more reliable. If your ingrown toenail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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Apply a corticosteroid cream
Ingrown toenails are a common, painful condition that usually affects the big toe. They are caused by cutting toenails improperly, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injuring the nail bed. While ingrown toenails can sometimes correct themselves as they grow out, they often require surgery to be effectively treated.
If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, it is important to refrain from attempting to cut or remove the nail at home, as this can make the condition worse. Instead, you should try the following home remedies to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation:
- Soak your foot in warm water with antibacterial soap or a few tablespoons of salt for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- Dry your foot thoroughly.
- Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing or bandage for one to two weeks.
- Repeat this process daily until the toe improves.
If the nail is not deeply ingrown, you may also try lifting the edge of the nail from the skin with dental floss and placing cotton or waxed dental floss under the nail to keep it from growing into the skin. Additionally, you can apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and choose sensible, open-toed footwear until the pain subsides.
If your symptoms do not improve or you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment. They may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid ointment or perform a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the ingrown toenail.
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Place cotton under the nail
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenails grow into the skin beside the nail. They usually affect the big toe, but they can affect any toe. The condition often happens when people cut their toenails by rounding the corner of their nails. If the toenail curves with the shape of your toe, it can grow into your skin.
Placing cotton under the ingrown nail is a recommended home remedy for treating ingrown toenails. This method helps separate the nail from the overlying skin and encourages the nail to grow above the skin edge.
- Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day. This will help soften the skin and nail, making it easier to lift the nail edge.
- After soaking, gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail with a sterile tool such as an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Do not use sharp objects as they can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
- Take a small piece of cotton, such as a cotton swab or ball, and roll it into a thin shape. You can also use waxed dental floss.
- Slide the cotton or floss under the lifted edge of the nail, ensuring it is placed between the nail and the skin.
- Repeat this process after each soaking, using fresh pieces of cotton or floss.
- Apply petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the tender area and bandage the toe.
- Change the cotton or floss daily to maintain cleanliness and effectiveness.
It is important to note that attempting to cut an ingrown nail at home is not recommended by healthcare professionals. If the nail is very painful, showing signs of infection, or getting worse, it is advised to seek professional medical advice.
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Use sharp toenail clippers
While it is recommended to seek professional help for ingrown toenails, there are some cases where you can use sharp toenail clippers to prevent and treat the condition at home.
Firstly, it is important to invest in a pair of sharp toenail clippers. Toenail clippers are specifically designed to cut straight across your nail, reducing the risk of the nail penetrating the skin. Keeping your toenail clippers clean is also essential to prevent infection.
If your ingrown toenail is very painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, it is recommended to seek professional advice. However, if the condition is mild, you can try the following steps at home:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
- Push the skin back from the nail border. Avoid forcing the skin back further than it will go, as this can be painful and cause further damage.
- Using your sharp toenail clippers, cut the toenail straight across, starting at the edges. Do not cut from the middle, as this can increase the risk of the nail penetrating the skin.
- Place a piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.
- Apply a medicated ingrown toenail ointment to the affected area. These ointments are readily available at pharmacies and online.
- Bandage the toe to keep it clean and protected.
It is important to note that attempting to cut an ingrown nail can be extremely painful and may increase the risk of infection, especially if the toenail is deeply embedded in the skin. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail after each soaking. Apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and bandage the toe.
Do not cut your toenails too short or taper the edges of the toenail. Avoid attempting "bathroom surgery" by treating the irritated skin with sharp objects, as this can make the ingrown nail worse.
If your toe is painful, getting worse, or showing signs of infection, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pus.
