Home treatment for an ingrown toenail
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Home treatment for an ingrown toenail
Try home treatment if you have an ingrown toenail.
- Soak your foot in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften the nail.
- Wedge a small piece of wet cotton
under the corner of the nail to cushion the nail and lift it slightly. This keeps it from cutting the skin. - Repeat daily until the nail has grown out and can be trimmed.
To prevent ingrown nails:
- Cut toenails straight across and leave your nails a little longer at the corners so that the sharp ends don't cut into your skin.
- Check with your health professional before trimming your own toenails if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
- Wear roomy, comfortable shoes.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | November 13, 2008 |
| Last updated: | November 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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