How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail: 7 Home Remedies

Ingrown toenails are more than just a minor inconvenience – they can cause significant pain and discomfort, making everyday activities feel like a challenge. When the edge of your toenail starts growing into the surrounding skin, it leads to irritation, swelling, and potentially even infection. While many people turn to home remedies for relief, it’s important to know when these treatments can help and when it’s time to seek professional care.

At Premier Podiatry Group, we believe that understanding your foot health is key to finding the right solution. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some simple, effective home remedies for managing ingrown toenails. But remember, if the problem worsens or becomes persistent, our team of foot care specialists is here to provide the professional treatment you need.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when the side or corner of a toenail grows into the flesh of the toe. This condition can cause a surprising amount of pain, and in some cases, it can even lead to infection. The causes of ingrown toenails vary, but common factors include:

• Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
• Tight or Poor-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that squeeze the toes or put excessive pressure on the toenails can lead to ingrown nails.
• Injury: A stubbed toe, or trauma to the toenail, can cause it to grow in improperly.
• Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails.

Recognizing the Symptoms

If you’ve ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The symptoms usually start with mild discomfort but can quickly escalate. Here’s what to watch for:

• Pain and tenderness along the sides of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• A sensation of pressure or throbbing in the toe
• Signs of infection, including pus or increased warmth in the affected area

Can You Treat Ingrown Toenails at Home?

The good news is that mild cases of ingrown toenails can often be treated at home. However, it’s important to approach home remedies with care. If the ingrown nail shows signs of infection or if the pain becomes unbearable, professional care is the best option.

Here are some home remedies you can try to manage a mild ingrown toenail:

1. Soaking Your Foot

One of the easiest and most effective ways to relieve discomfort from an ingrown toenail is by soaking your foot. This method helps reduce inflammation and softens both the nail and the surrounding skin, making it easier to care for.

• How to do it: Fill a basin with warm water and add a mild soap or Epsom salts. Soak your foot for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the ingrown nail is fully submerged. After soaking, gently dry your foot with a clean towel.
• Why it works: The warm water softens the skin and nail, allowing for easier trimming and reducing the likelihood of infection.

2. Carefully Trimming the Nail

Once your nail and skin have softened after a soak, trimming the ingrown part of the nail can help relieve pressure. However, this step should be done with caution.

• How to do it: After soaking, use clean, sterilized nail clippers. Gently lift the edge of the nail that is growing into the skin and carefully trim the ingrown portion. Avoid cutting too much of the nail, as this can worsen the condition.
• Tip: Never cut the nail too short or round the edges. Doing so may encourage further growth into the skin.

3. Keeping the Area Clean

Maintaining cleanliness is crucial to prevent infection, especially if the skin around the ingrown nail is broken or irritated.

• How to do it: After trimming, wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap. You can also use an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, to clean the area further.
• Why it matters: Keeping the area clean helps ward off bacteria and reduces the risk of infection.

4. Applying an Antibiotic Ointment

Antibiotic ointments can provide an extra layer of protection by keeping bacteria at bay and promoting healing.

• How to do it: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, to the ingrown toenail and the surrounding skin.
• Why it’s important: Regular use of antibiotic ointment helps prevent infection and supports the healing process.

5. Bandaging the Toe for Protection

Covering the affected toe with a clean bandage can help keep it protected from further irritation and infection.

• How to do it: After applying the antibiotic ointment, place a non-stick gauze pad over the toenail and secure it with adhesive tape.
• Why it works: Bandaging the toe keeps it clean, prevents dirt and bacteria from getting into the area, and protects the toenail from rubbing against shoes or socks.

6. Choosing Comfortable Footwear

Wearing the right shoes can make a big difference in preventing and treating ingrown toenails. Tight or narrow shoes only exacerbate the problem.

• What to do: Choose footwear that gives your toes plenty of room to breathe. Avoid shoes that pinch or crowd your toes, and opt for open-toed shoes or sandals when possible.
• Why it’s helpful: Proper footwear reduces pressure on the affected area and can help prevent further irritation.

7. Monitoring for Signs of Infection

Even with careful treatment, it’s essential to watch for signs that the ingrown toenail might be getting worse.

• What to watch for: If you notice increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the affected area, these could be signs of infection.
• When to act: If you see any of these symptoms, or if the condition doesn’t improve after home treatments, it’s time to see a podiatrist. At Premier Podiatry Group, our team is ready to help.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

While home remedies can be effective for managing mild ingrown toenails, there are times when professional care is necessary. If the ingrown nail becomes infected or if the pain is severe, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced podiatrists. We specialize in providing safe, effective treatments tailored to your needs, ensuring you can get back on your feet as quickly and painlessly as possible.

At Premier Podiatry Group, your foot health is our priority. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable – give us a call today at (814) 472-2660 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get back to living pain-free with expert care for your ingrown toenails.