How to Get Rid of a Hang Toenail

Painful hang toenails can make wearing shoes difficult.

Hang toenails occur when a piece of excessive skin or nail becomes detached from your nail bed. This can lead to pain and inflammation. Hang toenails are prone to infection due to possible cuts and openings in the skin surrounding your nails. Hang toenails can be treated at home. However, if they do not clear after two to three days of home treatment or show signs of infection -- drainage containing pus -- you should consider paying a visit to a podiatrist.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-bacterial soap
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Topical gel
• Epsom salt
• Bandage

Instructions

1. Clean the affected toenail regularly. Wash your toes with anti-bacterial soap and water two to three times a day. This can help prevent infection.

2. Soak your affected foot. Soak your foot in Epsom salt and warm water. Soak for 20 minutes, three to four times per day.

3. Apply a topical gel. After soaking your foot, apply a topical antibiotic gel. This can help reduce your risk of infection and soften the affected nail or skin. Apply a bandage to keep the affected toe sterile.

4. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Medication can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by your hang toenail.

5. Visit with a podiatrist. If you are in severe pain or home care has failed, visit a foot doctor. A doctor will examine your foot and take a medical history. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to reduce infection. She may also recommend surgery to remove the affected nail -- this is a minor procedure normally performed in your physician's office.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a diabetic and experience a hang toenail, always visit with a podiatrist. Diabetes can have an affect on the circulation of your feet. Even the smallest of cuts and infections can lead to major foot problems and complications.

References

• Kenyon College Health and Counseling Center; Ingrown Nail/Hang Nail