Things You'll Need:
- Epsom salts
- Towel
- Antiseptic
- Antibiotic cream
- Toenail clippers
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Step 1
Soak the foot in a bath of Epsom salts and warm water for about 20 minutes. Dry the foot thoroughly to help prevent bacterial growth.
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Step 2
Apply medication as needed. If an infection is present, use antibiotic cream. Otherwise, treat the area with antiseptic.
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Step 3
Trim the toenail straight across once the inflammation recedes. The nails should be trimmed short, but with the corner of the nail still present. Nails should extend to just beyond the tip of the toe.
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Step 4
Check shoes, socks and hosiery to ensure that your toes have enough room to move and breathe without excessive wear, or without fabric becoming wedged into the nail bed. Trade high heels which may push the body weight toward the toes for lower-heeled or flat shoes in a greater width, or with a more expansive toe box.
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Step 5
See a podiatrist or physician if the pain and problems persist. A professional can cut the nail in a way which may allow it to heal. The doctor may remove the edge or the entire nail if the problem is still not relieved or is congenital and unlikely to resolve.
