How to Correct Ingrown Toe Nails

A toenail is ingrown when the nail curves down and into the skin, most often at the side of the nail. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the nail can cause irritation, redness, swelling and pain in the toe, and infection. An ingrown toenail can develop for a number of reasons, including genetic tendency. Most commonly, it is because of improper trimming, wearing poorly-fitted shoes or traumas such as stubbing your toe (Ref. 2).

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Oral antibiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak your feet. If you discover your ingrown toenail before it is infected, soak your feet in warm water three to four times a day. (Ref. 1) Be sure to keep your feet dry the rest of the day.

• 2

  Reduce inflammation in the toe. Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• 3

  Give your toes some room. Wear comfortable shoes that are not tight; when you can, go without shoes or wear open-toed sandals.

• 4

  See a doctor. After two or three days, call your doctor if the ingrown toenail worsens. Medical treatment is important especially if you have developed an infection. If treatment is necessary, you may be referred to a foot and ankle surgeon.

• 5

  Take oral antibiotics, if prescribed. The medication will get rid of any bacteria that is causing the infection. Be sure to take the entire course, even if the toe seems to be healed.

• 6

  Consider surgery. Surgery may be necessary remove the infected nail. The doctor may numb the toe, and remove a part of the nail or the entire nail. (Ref. 2)