Ingrown toenails can often be managed at home if they are mild and not infected, but severe or recurrent cases require medical treatment. Here are effective steps and options to get rid of an ingrown toenail:
- Soak your foot: Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, 2 to 4 times daily to reduce swelling and tenderness[5][6]. After each soak, keep the foot dry for the rest of the day[5].
- Gently lift the toenail: With mild cases, after soaking, you can gently insert a small piece of sterile cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown nail edge to help it grow above the skin[1][3][5][6]. Change the cotton daily and use alcohol to disinfect the material before use to reduce infection risk[4].
- Topical treatment: Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin) or a corticosteroid cream after each soak to help prevent or treat infection[3][4]. Cover the toe with a clean bandage until it heals[6].
- Wear proper footwear: Use comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes, or, ideally, open-toe shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on the toenail while it heals[5][6].
- Pain management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain as needed[5][6].
If the toenail does not improve after a few days, becomes more painful, shows signs of infection (increased redness, pus, swelling, or a foul odor), or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, see a healthcare provider promptly[5][4].
Medical treatments for ingrown toenails include:
- Lifting or splinting the nail: Healthcare providers may place cotton, dental floss, or a small splint under the nail edge to separate it from the skin as it grows out[1][3].
- Taping the nail: Tape may be used to pull the skin away from the nail, reducing pressure and encouraging proper nail growth[1][7].
- Partial nail removal (avulsion): For severe ingrown nails, the doctor may numb the toe and remove the ingrown nail edge. In some cases, a chemical or laser is used to destroy part of the nail root to prevent recurrence[1][2][5][6].
- Complete nail removal: This is rarely needed and carries a risk of nail deformity when it regrows. It is usually reserved for chronic, recurrent cases[2][5].
- Oral antibiotics: If infection is present and does not improve with topical treatments, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics[4].
References
- [1] Ingrown toenails – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
- [2] Podiatric Treatments for an Ingrown Toenail – Clover Podiatry
- [3] Management of the Ingrown Toenail – American Family Physician
- [4] 9 Ingrown Toenail Remedies: Natural, Medication, and More – Healthline
- [5] Ingrown Toenail – OrthoInfo from the AAOS
- [6] Ingrown Toenails – AAFP (Patient Information)
- [7] Ingrown Toenail Management – American Family Physician
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