Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can cause pain, swelling, and infection. They occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, causing it to become irritated and inflamed. If you have an ingrown toenail, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of it at home.
First, try soaking your foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help to soften the nail and make it easier to trim. You can also try applying a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. If the pain is severe, you may need to take over-the-counter pain relievers.
If home remedies do not help, you may need to see a doctor. The doctor may need to trim the nail or remove it surgically. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Toenail
Follow these steps to get rid of an ingrown toenail:
- Soak foot in warm water.
- Apply topical antibiotic.
- Trim nail straight across.
- Apply cotton wisp under nail.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep foot clean and dry.
- Change socks frequently.
- See a doctor if condition worsens.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to take care of it right away to prevent infection. If home remedies do not work, see a doctor for treatment.
Soak foot in warm water.
Soaking your foot in warm water can help to soften the nail and make it easier to trim. It can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Fill a basin with warm water.
The water should be warm, but not too hot.
- Add Epsom salt.
Epsom salt can help to draw out infection and reduce inflammation. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the water.
- Soak your foot for 15-20 minutes.
Soak your foot in the warm water for 15-20 minutes, or until the water cools down.
- Dry your foot thoroughly.
After soaking your foot, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
You can soak your foot in warm water several times a day, or as needed. Soaking your foot can help to relieve pain and inflammation, and it can also help to soften the nail so that it is easier to trim.
Apply topical antibiotic.
After soaking your foot and trimming the nail, you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This can help to prevent infection and promote healing.
To apply a topical antibiotic ointment:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean the affected area with soap and water. Rinse well and pat dry.
- Apply a small amount of topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
- Cover the area with a bandage.
You can apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area several times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Change the bandage daily, or as needed.
If you have an ingrown toenail that is severe or infected, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. The doctor may need to trim the nail or remove it surgically. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Trim nail straight across.
Once you have soaked your foot and applied a topical antibiotic, you can trim the nail. It is important to trim the nail straight across, rather than rounding the corners. Rounding the corners can make the nail more likely to grow into the skin.
- Use a sharp toenail clipper.
A sharp toenail clipper will make it easier to trim the nail straight across.
- Trim the nail straight across.
Hold the toenail clipper perpendicular to the nail and trim the nail straight across. Do not round the corners.
- Do not cut the nail too short.
Leave a small amount of white nail showing. Cutting the nail too short can make it more likely to grow into the skin.
- File the edges of the nail.
Use a fine-grit nail file to file the edges of the nail. This will help to prevent the nail from catching on the skin.
It is important to trim your toenails regularly, especially if you have a history of ingrown toenails. Trimming your toenails straight across can help to prevent them from growing into the skin.
Apply cotton wisp under nail.
After trimming the nail, you can apply a small piece of cotton wisp under the nail. This can help to prevent the nail from growing into the skin.
To apply a cotton wisp under the nail:
- Cut a small piece of cotton wisp. The piece should be about the size of a grain of rice.
- Gently lift the edge of the nail. You can use a toothpick or a cuticle pusher to do this.
- Place the cotton wisp under the nail. Push it all the way under the nail, until it reaches the base of the nail.
- Trim the excess cotton wisp. Use a pair of scissors to trim the excess cotton wisp, so that it is flush with the edge of the nail.
You can apply a cotton wisp under the nail several times a day, or as needed. It is important to keep the cotton wisp clean and dry. Change the cotton wisp daily, or as needed.
Applying a cotton wisp under the nail can help to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. It can also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Wearing comfortable shoes is important for preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight or too narrow can put pressure on the toes, which can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
When choosing shoes, look for shoes that:
- Fit well and do not pinch or rub the toes.
- Have a wide toe box that allows the toes to move freely.
- Have a low heel.
- Are made of breathable materials, such as leather or canvas.
It is also important to avoid wearing shoes that are too pointed or too high-heeled. These types of shoes can put pressure on the toes and make it more likely for the nail to grow into the skin.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is especially important to wear comfortable shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow can make the ingrown toenail worse and can make it more difficult to treat.
Keep foot clean and dry.
Keeping your foot clean and dry is important for preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Moisture can soften the skin and make it more likely for the nail to grow into the skin. Bacteria can also grow in moist environments, which can lead to infection.
To keep your foot clean and dry:
- Wash your feet with soap and water every day.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them.
- Change your socks frequently, especially if your feet sweat a lot.
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow.
- If your feet sweat a lot, you can use a foot powder to help keep them dry.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is especially important to keep your foot clean and dry. Moisture and bacteria can make the ingrown toenail worse and can make it more difficult to treat.
Change socks frequently.
Changing your socks frequently is important for preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Socks that are damp or sweaty can create a moist environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria. This can lead to infection, which can make an ingrown toenail worse.
To prevent and treat ingrown toenails, you should change your socks at least once a day, or more often if your feet sweat a lot. You should also change your socks after exercising or any other activity that makes your feet sweat.
When choosing socks, look for socks that are made of natural materials, such as cotton. Cotton socks are breathable and help to keep your feet dry. You should also avoid wearing socks that are too tight or too narrow, as this can put pressure on your toes and make it more likely for the nail to grow into the skin.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is especially important to change your socks frequently. Changing your socks frequently will help to keep your foot clean and dry, which can help to prevent infection and promote healing.
See a doctor if condition worsens.
If you have an ingrown toenail that is severe or does not respond to home treatment, you should see a doctor. The doctor may need to trim the nail or remove it surgically. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infection.
You should see a doctor if you have an ingrown toenail that:
- Is causing severe pain or swelling.
- Is infected (you may see pus or redness around the nail).
- Does not respond to home treatment.
- Is getting worse.
The doctor may need to trim the nail or remove it surgically. Trimming the nail involves cutting away the part of the nail that is growing into the skin. Surgery may be necessary if the ingrown toenail is severe or if it is infected. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infection.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to see a doctor if the condition worsens. Early treatment can help to prevent complications, such as infection and permanent damage to the nail.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails:
Question 1: What causes an ingrown toenail?
Answer 1: Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow, and trauma to the toe.
Question 2: What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
Answer 2: Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include pain, swelling, redness, and infection.
Question 3: How can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Answer 3: There are a number of things you can do to treat an ingrown toenail at home, including soaking your foot in warm water, applying a topical antibiotic, trimming the nail straight across, and applying a cotton wisp under the nail.
Question 4: When should I see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
Answer 4: You should see a doctor if your ingrown toenail is severe, if it is not responding to home treatment, or if it is infected.
Question 5: How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Answer 5: You can help to prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your toenails straight across, wearing shoes that fit well, and avoiding trauma to your toes.
Question 6: What are the long-term consequences of an ingrown toenail?
Answer 6: If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to infection, permanent damage to the nail, and even bone loss.
If you have any other questions about ingrown toenails, please talk to your doctor.
In addition to the information above, here are some additional tips for preventing and treating ingrown toenails:
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and treating ingrown toenails:
Tip 1: Trim your toenails straight across.
Do not round the corners of your toenails, as this can make them more likely to grow into the skin.
Tip 2: Wear shoes that fit well.
Shoes that are too tight or too narrow can put pressure on your toes and make it more likely for the nail to grow into the skin.
Tip 3: Change your socks frequently.
Damp or sweaty socks can create a moist environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria. This can lead to infection, which can make an ingrown toenail worse.
Tip 4: Keep your feet clean and dry.
Wash your feet with soap and water every day and dry them thoroughly. You can also use a foot powder to help keep your feet dry.
Following these tips can help to prevent and treat ingrown toenails. If you have an ingrown toenail that is severe or does not respond to home treatment, see a doctor.
If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, don't despair. There are a number of things you can do to get rid of it. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent and treat ingrown toenails and keep your feet healthy.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails are a common problem, but they can be prevented and treated. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your toenails healthy and free of pain.
The main points of this article are:
- Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow, and trauma to the toe.
- Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include pain, swelling, redness, and infection.
- There are a number of things you can do to treat an ingrown toenail at home, including soaking your foot in warm water, applying a topical antibiotic, trimming the nail straight across, and applying a cotton wisp under the nail.
- You should see a doctor if your ingrown toenail is severe, if it is not responding to home treatment, or if it is infected.
- You can help to prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your toenails straight across, wearing shoes that fit well, and avoiding trauma to your toes.
If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, don't despair. There are a number of things you can do to get rid of it. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent and treat ingrown toenails and keep your feet healthy.