Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can cause pain, discomfort, and even infection. They occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail bed, instead of growing straight out. This can happen for a number of reasons, including improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, and trauma to the toe.
While ingrown toenails can be painful, they can usually be treated at home with simple remedies. In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix ingrown toenails using effective home remedies. We'll also discuss when it's necessary to seek professional help.
Before we get into the specifics of how to fix ingrown toenails, let's first understand what causes them in the first place.
how to fix ingrown toenail
Follow these steps to fix ingrown toenails at home:
- Soak the toenail
- Trim the toenail straight
- Apply dental floss
- Use cotton balls
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Protect the toenail
- Wear properly fitting shoes
- Keep the toenail clean and dry
If the ingrown toenail is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to seek professional help. A podiatrist or dermatologist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include removing the ingrown portion of the nail, prescribing antibiotics, or performing surgery if necessary.
Soak the toenail
Soaking the ingrown toenail is an effective way to soften the nail and make it easier to trim and manipulate. It also helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
To soak the toenail, follow these steps:
- Prepare a foot bath. Fill a basin or bathtub with warm water and add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the water for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Soak the affected toe. Place your foot in the foot bath and soak the affected toe for 15-20 minutes. This will help to soften the nail and make it more pliable.
- Gently clean the area around the toenail. Use a cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to gently clean the area around the ingrown toenail. Be careful not to cause any further irritation or damage to the skin.
- Pat the toe dry. After soaking, pat the toe dry with a clean towel.
Soaking the toenail should be done regularly, ideally twice a day, until the ingrown toenail is resolved. It can help to reduce pain and inflammation, soften the nail, and make it easier to trim and manipulate.
Once you have soaked the toenail, you can proceed to the next step, which is trimming the toenail straight. Trimming the toenail properly is crucial in preventing further ingrowth and promoting healing.
Trim the toenail straight
Trimming the ingrown toenail straight is crucial in preventing further ingrowth and promoting healing. Here's how to do it properly:
- Use sharp toenail clippers. Dull clippers can crush the nail and cause further ingrowth. Make sure to use sharp toenail clippers that are specifically designed for toenails.
- Trim the toenail straight across. Do not cut the toenail into a curved or rounded shape, as this can encourage the nail to grow into the skin again. Instead, trim the toenail straight across, following the natural shape of the toe.
- Avoid cutting the toenail too short. Cutting the toenail too short can put pressure on the nail bed and cause further ingrowth. Leave a small amount of white nail beyond the skin.
- File the edges of the toenail. After trimming the toenail, use a fine-grit nail file to smooth and round off the edges of the nail. This will help to prevent the nail from digging into the skin.
It's important to be patient and gentle when trimming an ingrown toenail. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can seek help from a podiatrist or nail technician.
Once you have trimmed the toenail straight, you can proceed to the next step, which is applying dental floss. Dental floss can be used to gently lift the ingrown portion of the nail away from the skin, allowing it to grow out properly.
Apply dental floss
Once you have trimmed the ingrown toenail straight, you can apply dental floss to gently lift the ingrown portion of the nail away from the skin. This will help to relieve pain and pressure, and allow the nail to grow out properly.
- Insert dental floss under the ingrown toenail.
Take a piece of unwaxed dental floss and slide it gently under the ingrown portion of the toenail. Be careful not to push the floss too far under the nail, as this can cause pain and damage to the nail bed.
- Wrap the floss around the ingrown toenail.
Once you have inserted the floss under the toenail, wrap it around the ingrown portion of the nail. Make sure that the floss is snug but not too tight.
- Secure the floss in place.
Tie the ends of the floss together to secure it in place. You can also use a small piece of tape to hold the floss in place.
- Leave the floss in place for several days.
Leave the floss in place for several days, or until the ingrown toenail has grown out enough to be trimmed properly. You may need to replace the floss every few days if it becomes loose or dirty.
Applying dental floss to an ingrown toenail can be a bit tricky at first, but it is an effective way to relieve pain and promote healing. If you are having difficulty applying the floss, you can seek help from a podiatrist or nail technician.
Use cotton balls
Cotton balls can be used to protect the ingrown toenail from pressure and irritation. They can also be used to apply antibiotic ointment or other topical treatments to the affected area.
To use cotton balls for an ingrown toenail:
- Cut a small piece of cotton ball. Cut a small piece of cotton ball that is just large enough to cover the ingrown toenail.
- Place the cotton ball under the ingrown toenail. Gently slide the cotton ball under the ingrown portion of the toenail. Be careful not to push the cotton ball too far under the nail, as this can cause pain and damage to the nail bed.
- Secure the cotton ball in place. You can use a small piece of tape to hold the cotton ball in place. You can also wear a bandage or toe cover over the cotton ball to keep it in place.
- Replace the cotton ball daily. Replace the cotton ball daily, or more often if it becomes dirty or wet.
Using cotton balls can help to relieve pain and pressure from an ingrown toenail. It can also help to keep the area clean and free from infection.
In addition to using cotton balls, there are a number of other things you can do to treat an ingrown toenail at home. These include applying antibiotic ointment, protecting the toenail from pressure and irritation, and wearing properly fitting shoes.
Apply antibiotic ointment
Applying antibiotic ointment to an ingrown toenail can help to prevent and treat infection. It is important to use an antibiotic ointment that is specifically designed for use on the skin, such as Neosporin or Bacitracin.
- Clean the affected area.
Before applying antibiotic ointment, clean the affected area with soap and water. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris from around the ingrown toenail.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
Use a cotton swab or a clean finger to apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the ingrown toenail and the surrounding skin.
- Cover the area with a bandage.
Cover the affected area with a bandage to keep the antibiotic ointment in place. You can also wear a toe cover over the bandage to protect the area from further irritation.
- Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.
Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area twice a day, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Applying antibiotic ointment to an ingrown toenail can help to prevent and treat infection. It is important to use antibiotic ointment as directed and to keep the area clean and dry.
Protect the toenail
Protecting the ingrown toenail from pressure and irritation is important to promote healing and prevent further infection. Here are some tips for protecting the toenail:
- Wear properly fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can put pressure on the ingrown toenail and cause further pain and irritation. Make sure to wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support.
- Use a toe protector. A toe protector can help to shield the ingrown toenail from pressure and irritation. Toe protectors are available at most drugstores and pharmacies.
- Keep the area clean and dry. It is important to keep the ingrown toenail and the surrounding area clean and dry. Wash the area gently with soap and water daily, and pat it dry thoroughly.
- Avoid activities that put pressure on the toenail. Avoid activities that put pressure on the ingrown toenail, such as running or jumping. If you must participate in activities that put pressure on the toenail, wear a toe protector or bandage to protect the area.
Protecting the ingrown toenail from pressure and irritation can help to promote healing and prevent further infection. If you are having difficulty protecting the toenail, you can seek help from a podiatrist or nail technician.
In addition to protecting the toenail, it is also important to keep the area clean and dry. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing.
Wear properly fitting shoes
Wearing properly fitting shoes is essential for preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can put pressure on the toenails and cause them to grow inward. Here are some tips for choosing and wearing properly fitting shoes:
- Choose shoes that fit well. Shoes should fit snugly but not too tightly. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes comfortably.
- Make sure the shoes have a wide toe box. A wide toe box will give your toes plenty of room to move and prevent them from being squeezed together.
- Avoid shoes with high heels. High heels can put pressure on the toes and cause them to grow inward. If you must wear high heels, choose a pair with a low heel and a wide toe box.
- Break in new shoes gradually. When you buy new shoes, wear them for short periods of time at first to break them in. This will help to prevent blisters and other foot problems.
- Replace your shoes regularly. Shoes should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or more often if they show signs of wear and tear.
Wearing properly fitting shoes can help to prevent and treat ingrown toenails. If you are having difficulty finding shoes that fit well, you can seek help from a podiatrist or shoe salesperson.
In addition to wearing properly fitting shoes, it is also important to keep the toenails trimmed straight across and to avoid cutting them too short. This will help to prevent the toenails from growing inward.
Keep the toenail clean and dry
Keeping the ingrown toenail and the surrounding area clean and dry is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. Here are some tips for keeping the toenail clean and dry:
- Wash the area gently with soap and water. Wash the ingrown toenail and the surrounding area gently with soap and water daily. Be careful not to scrub the area too hard, as this can irritate the skin and cause further pain.
- Pat the area dry thoroughly. After washing the area, pat it dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Do not rub the area, as this can irritate the skin.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the ingrown toenail and the surrounding skin. This will help to prevent infection.
- Cover the area with a bandage. Cover the affected area with a bandage to keep it clean and dry. You can also wear a toe cover over the bandage to protect the area from further irritation.
- Change the bandage daily. Change the bandage daily, or more often if it becomes wet or dirty.
Keeping the ingrown toenail and the surrounding area clean and dry is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. If you are having difficulty keeping the area clean and dry, you can seek help from a podiatrist or nail technician.
In addition to keeping the area clean and dry, it is also important to protect the toenail from pressure and irritation. This can be done by wearing properly fitting shoes and using a toe protector.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to fix ingrown toenails:
Question 1: How do I know if I have an ingrown toenail?
Answer: Ingrown toenails can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, redness, swelling, and drainage. You may also notice that the toenail is growing into the skin.
Question 2: What causes ingrown toenails?
Answer: Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, and trauma to the toe. They are also more common in people with wide or curved toenails.
Question 3: How can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to treat an ingrown toenail at home, including soaking the toenail, trimming the toenail straight, applying dental floss, using cotton balls, applying antibiotic ointment, protecting the toenail, and wearing properly fitting shoes.
Question 4: When should I see a doctor about an ingrown toenail?
Answer: You should see a doctor if the ingrown toenail is severe, if it is not improving with home treatment, or if you have diabetes or another condition that affects your immune system.
Question 5: What are some tips for preventing ingrown toenails?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails, including trimming your toenails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short, wearing properly fitting shoes, and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Question 6: How can I tell if an ingrown toenail is infected?
Answer: Signs of an infected ingrown toenail include increased pain, redness, swelling, and drainage. You may also have a fever or chills.
If you have any questions or concerns about ingrown toenails, please speak to your doctor.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for fixing ingrown toenails:
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for fixing ingrown toenails:
Tip 1: Use a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to treat an infected ingrown toenail. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area. Leave it in place for 15-20 minutes, then rinse the area with water.
Tip 2: Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that can help to treat ingrown toenails. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a drop or two of tea tree oil to the affected area twice a day.
Tip 3: Use a turmeric paste. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce pain and swelling. Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a little water. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it in place for 15-20 minutes, then rinse the area with water.
Tip 4: Elevate your foot. Elevating your foot can help to reduce pain and swelling. Prop your foot up on a pillow or cushion when you are sitting or lying down.
If you are having difficulty fixing an ingrown toenail at home, you should see a podiatrist or nail technician. They can provide professional treatment and advice.
Ingrown toenails can be painful and frustrating, but they can usually be fixed with home treatment. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help to relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote healing.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can cause pain, discomfort, and infection. Fortunately, they can usually be fixed with home treatment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help to relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote healing.
The most important thing to do when you have an ingrown toenail is to keep the area clean and dry. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing. You should also soak the toenail in warm water, trim it straight across, and apply antibiotic ointment. If the ingrown toenail is severe or does not improve with home treatment, you should see a podiatrist or nail technician.
Here are some final tips for preventing and treating ingrown toenails:
- Trim your toenails straight across, and avoid cutting them too short.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that give your toes plenty of room to move.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your immune system, be sure to inspect your toenails regularly for signs of infection.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your toenails healthy and prevent ingrown toenails.