How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Nail

Ingrown nails occur when a nail grows into the skin. The most common causes of ingrown nails are cutting the nails too short and wearing tight shoes. An ingrown nail can occur on any finger or toe, but the big toe is the most susceptible. Ingrown nails can develop infections and sometimes get so bad that they require surgery. When caught in the early stages, ingrown nails can almost always be successfully treated at home.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Salt
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak the ingrown nail in warm water and a teaspoon of salt for 20 minutes. This loosens the skin and softens the nail, which makes it easier to work with.

• 2

  Tear a small piece of cotton off a cotton ball. A piece the size of your pinky nail is plenty.

• 3

  Roll the small piece of cotton into a cylindrical shape so it is firm.

• 4

  Wedge the cotton underneath the ingrown portion of the nail. This forces the nail to rise up out of the skin. Leave the cotton in for an entire day.

• 5

  Remove the cotton after a 24 hours. Repeat the steps for three weeks, or until the nail is grown out.