How to Treat Ingrown Toenails

When the skin surrounding your toenail turns red and swollen and starts causing you a lot of discomfort, it is probable that your toenail has grown into your toe. Chronic ingrown toenails require the services of a podiatrist.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Children's Sandals
• Men's Sandals
• Women's Sandals
• Isopropyl Alcohols
• Adhesive Bandages
• Antibiotic Creams
• Cotton Balls And Swabs
• Cuticle Creams
• Exfoliating Cleanser
• Gauze Pads Of Paper
• Nail Brushes
• Nail Buffers
• Nail Cleaners
• Nail Clippers
• Nail Files
• Pedicure Kits
• Toe Separators
• Adhesive Bandages

1. Wipe your instruments off with alcohol or betadine. Be sure to get the undersides of your nail clippers, as that is the cutting surface that will be against your skin.

2. Put 2 capfuls of povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution, into 1/2 gal. warm water. Put your foot in the water and soak for 10 minutes.

3. Dry foot thoroughly and then insert nail clippers under the nail border.

4. Clip out the ingrown toenail at a slight angle. Try not to cut your skin - keep the bottom of the clipper as close to the bottom of the nail plate as possible.

5. Grasp the corner and gently pull it out, once the nail is cut.

6. Wipe the area gently with an alcohol or a betadine-soaked gauze pad or cotton swab.

7. Soak your toe for 20 minutes each day in the Betadine solution for three days, or until soreness is gone. After soaking, dry gently and apply an adhesive bandage and some antibiotic cream.

8. Insert a sliver of cotton between the nail and the skin, for a few days. This will keep pressure off the toe. Remove the cotton as soon as the nail begins to grow out and away from the toe.

9. Wear loose shoes or go barefoot as much as possible, while your toenail is healing. Your goal is to eliminate any pressure from pushing against your toe.

10. See your podiatrist for chronic ingrown toenails. He may manipulate and elevate the end of your nail to prevent pressure on soft toe tissue, or correct the problem surgically.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to leave nail fragments, as they'll probably become ingrown again.
• If there is bleeding, elevate the foot and apply an ice pack for 10 minutes with light pressure.
• If bleeding is excessive, consult a podiatrist.
• If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, consult a physician before self-treating foot problems.
• If severe swelling, redness, heat and pain persist for two days or if you see a break in the skin and feel feverish, consult a physician.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

[elvedin]

on 3/9/2009 SRY MY SPELLING IS REALLY BADhi i have this probelem for at least 6 years first time it hapend was when i was in the 4 th grade on my right foot this hapend in Bosnia my birth place. IT hapend on my right foot and i went to the doctor and they take the whole nail out. one year pased and it was all good when all of the suden it come back i tryd to treat it my self but it did not work and it spred to my left big toe so i went to the doctor secoond time and they cut the sides on bouth of my toes and after 6 months to one year it come back agen but only on my left foot and i have went to the doctor 4 times to have my nail cut only on my left foot the right foot thank god hase not hade any problems. i tryd everything and last time i hade surgery was about 2 years ago but it showd up about one year after my last surgery and i bine hiding the pain from my parants trying to save them mo

[ChiakiTypeO]

on 12/3/2008 This advice is WRONG and DANGEROUS. Bathroom surgery carries a high risk for infection. Do NOT attempt to treat ingrown toenails at home. See a medical professional.

[jwilkinson06]

on 7/22/2008 I have had several ingrown toenails. They seem to keep coming back as soon as the nail grows back. Each time I go to the doctor they have to surgically remove it and that is PAINFUL! So I'm looking for something that will actually take care of this problem. Any suggestions?

[jojo2007]

on 1/28/2007 Did anyone here try those nail salon? I hava had an ingrown toenail few years ago nad got it fixed by an experienced lady who work at walmart's nail salon. It's much less painful than surgery imo.

on 8/8/2006 I am a teenager and I have had an ingrown toenail once. I got it again 2 years ago and I still have it. My mom started cutting it and soon the nail got more swollen and red. Believe me the doctor knows best.

1. Soak your foot in water that has 2 teaspoons of salt inside and two tablespoons of vinegar.

2. Soak your foot for 30 minutes.

3. After you're done soaking your foot, clean the toe and nail with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.

4. After you're done cleaning the toe and nail, apply Polysporin with a Q-tip all around the nail.

5. Soak your foot every day until it is cured. If it doesn't help; consider surgery!