How to Cure Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when a nail grows awkwardly into a person's foot. Since it digs into the skin, it can lead to persistent pain and discomfort. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can cause an infection because bacteria are able to get into the skin. To prevent this from happening, you can cure the ingrown toenail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Soak the affected foot in a warm bath. Many people choose to add Epsom salts to their foot bath when treating an ingrown toenail.
2. Leave the foot submerged for some time until it has been softened. It may take up to half an hour or so. Once the skin is softened, start massaging the area around the ingrown nail. The massage helps reduce the inflammation.
3. See a doctor if, after several baths, your ingrown toenail is not cured. It may need a more involved treatment.
4. Take an antibiotic before any additional treatments. If you have an infection, an antibiotic will be given to cure the infection caused by the ingrown toenail.
5. Find out if you need surgery. If pain persists, the doctor may surgically remove the nail. The toe is numb and then a portion of the nail or the entire nail is removed.
6. Allow the doctor to permanently destroy the nail root. This will prevent future outbreaks of ingrown toenails.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent ingrown toenails, you need to practice proper trimming techniques of your toenails. The toenails must not be cut too short or awkwardly angled.
• Don't attempt to remove the ingrown toenail yourself. You can end up worsening the condition.