How to Heal an Ingrown Toe Nail
Ingrown toenails are a painful condition caused by a curved toenail that has grown into the skin of the toe. It can cause inflammation, become infected and form an abscess if left untreated.
Ingrown toenails most often are found in adults. They are common in the big toe, although any toe can become afflicted. Most ingrown toenail treatments can be done at home.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton swab
- Cotton ball
- Nail clipper
- Nail file
- Epsom salt
- Healing ointment
- Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Instructions
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If your toe is inflamed or swollen but not infected, you may treat the problem at home. Start by soaking your foot in warm water with a tablespoon of Epsom salt thrown in. Soak for a up to 30 minutes until the inflamed area is not as swollen. You may have to do this more than once a day to reduce the swelling and begin the healing.
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Lift the nail gently from where it digs into the soft nail bed of your toe. You can use a cotton swab or piece of cotton ball. Gently slide the piece of cotton under the infected area with great caution. It may hurt, but you need to get the nail out of the nail bed, which will eventually make the area feel better.
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When the nail has been removed from the nail bed, you may feel some relief. If the toenail is long enough, attempt to cut it so that it will not grow back into the nail bed. If it is not long enough, do not worry, it will heal in time and with gentle care.
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Take medicine for the pain in the foot such as aspirin or acetaminophen. If the pain persists, you may need to schedule an appointment with a doctor.
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Apply a moisturizing and/or healing ointment to the affected area around the toenail. Also apply a bandage to the toe so that it is protected from additional bruising and swelling.
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Check your foot at least twice a day, treating the toe with more healing ointment until the swelling has completely gone down. Keep soaking your foot in Epsom salt at least once a day.
If you can, wear open-toe shoes such as sandals until the toenail is completely healed. If this is not an option, wear a double bandage on the toe, comfortable socks and shoes with space in the toe area to prevent further bruising and swelling.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid ingrown toenails, keep the bed of the toe nail clean and the nail cut short. Moisturize the toenail daily until it heals completely and keep the area as dry as possible.
Do not leave cotton under the toenail as it will cause the toenail to become infected.
