How to Correct an Ingrown Toenail With Cotton Pledgets

Ingrown toenails are a common problem that may occur as a result of wearing shoes that are too narrow. Other causes include injuries to the nail bed and improper pedicure technique. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can become abscessed and create granulation tissue. In especially severe cases, gangrene and loss of the toe may eventually result. If caught early, ingrown toenails can be successfully treated at home using cotton pledgets. More severe cases should be treated by a podiatrist.

Things You'll Need

• Large bowl or tub
• Epsom salts (optional)
• 100 percent cotton T-shirt
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the large bowl or tub with hot (but not scalding) water. If desired, add 1/2 cup Epsom salts. Soak the affected foot or feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the toenails and make them easier to manipulate.

• 2

  Cut a small rectangle from the T-shirt, about 1" long and 1/4" wide, for each pledget. Roll the cloth rectangle so that it resembles a short strand of spaghetti. You will need one pledget for each side of each affected toenail.

• 3

  Carefully pry back the affected corner of the toenail until you find the very edge. If the toenail is abscessed, pus will drain out once you have lifted the tip. Gently wipe away any fluid that drains, but do not let go of the corner of the nail. Finding and lifting the tip of the corner may be quite painful and difficult, especially if the toe is abscessed or very swollen.

• 4

  Tuck the cotton pledget between the corner of the nail and the skin beneath it, then let go of the nail and allow it to rest on the cotton. The pain should be reduced almost immediately, as the tip of the toenail is no longer digging into the surrounding flesh.

• 5

  Repeat this process for each corner of each affected nail, two to three times daily until the toenail has grown out and is no longer embedded in the flesh of the toe. Depending on the length of the toenail before beginning treatment, this will usually take 1 to 3 weeks.