How to Get Rid of Ingrown Toenails

Foot pain is horrible! At one point I suffered from extremely painful ingrown toenails. Here is the method I used to get rid of them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toiletpaper
• Nail tool
• Scissors
• Ability to ignore pain

1. 
    
   Nail tool on Swiss Army knife. It's not sharp. Works well.

   This works best after a shower or bath when the skin around your toes is softer and has been cleaned. You'll need a nail tool, something thin and rigid and preferably WITHOUT sharp edges (no pocket knife blades.) I used the nail file tool on a keychain Swiss Army knife.

2. 
    
   Paper rolled into cylinder and folded in half, approx 1 inch long

   First take a small piece of toilet paper, perhaps half an inch wide and a few inches long. Roll it up into a cylinder and use the nail scissors to cut it into a piece about an inch long. Fold it in half so that it resembles a U or a V

3. 
    
   Using finger to push the inflamed skin down and away from the nail.

   Using your fingers, pull back the skin on the side of the nail. You are trying to pull it away from the nail and expose as much of the nail as possible. It will probably hurt, but try to work through it. If any pus or liquid comes out, clean your toe thoroughly and start over.

4. 
    
   Be gentle and work carefully.

   Keeping the skin pulled away from the nail, use the nail tool to wedge the rolled up paper under the nail.

5. 
    
   Paper is actually under the side of the nail, between the skin and corner of nail.

   Now gently and CAREFULLY use the nail tool to push the paper further to the side and under the nail. The goal is to get the paper to sit under the side of the nail, thereby lifting it up and away from the inflamed nail bed.

6. 
    
   Trimmed paper.

   When you are done, use some scissors to trim the paper away so your socks and shoes don't pull it out.

7. Be sure to remove the paper before you shower. Clean your toe in the shower, allow to dry, and re-insert fresh paper regularly. Do this until the nail has grown out a bit and is no longer digging into the nail bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure tools and area are clean and dry before you begin.
• Toe will hurt afterwards, but the pain will fade and feel better in a few hours.
• Do this until the nail has grown out and away from nail bed.
• It will hurt.
• Be gentle and careful to avoid injuring yourself.
• Remove the paper before you bathe, clean your toes, and reapply fresh paper daily to prevent infection.

[elaineee]

on 7/22/2009 This is absolutely the way to treat ingrowns. Just digging in and cutting them out leads to serious damage that may require 'surgery' in the future. I know first hand about this. Thanks for sharing this with others.

[Rosepedal]

on 7/22/2009 This is somthing that alot of people don't like to admit to. I will say for myself that I needed this information. Well written. Keep the good work. Rate 5

[emmagin]

on 1/18/2009 finally! thank u 4 this article.

[LissaK]

on 1/2/2009 I hope I NEVER have to do this, ouch! But all the same, thanks for the advice.

[almommabear]

on 12/31/2008 Looks like it would work well! Great tips with pictures that really help the reader to understand!