Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling. Home remedies and medical treatments can help relieve symptoms and prevent future infections.
An ingrown toenail can cause pain and swelling. It can also increase the risk of an infection.
Depending on the severity and any contributing factors, treatments for ingrown toenails can range from home remedies to surgery.
Keep reading to learn what to do about an ingrown toenail, when it needs medical attention, and how to prevent it from happening.
An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of your toenail curves, grows into the surrounding skin and often affects the big toe. An ingrown toenail may cause:
- pain
- redness or other color changes
- swelling
- pus, if infected
- fever, if infected
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- toenail trauma, such as stubbing your toe
- wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose
- cutting toenails too short or at an angle
- not practicing regular nail care
- excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- certain medications, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors
Treating ingrown toenails as soon as they occur can help prevent infection, especially in people with other health conditions, such as diabetes, that make foot problems more likely.
Mild ingrown toenails may require minor treatment with home remedies, while more serious cases may need medical treatment or surgical intervention.
The following home remedies can help relieve pain and promote the healing of an ingrown toenail.
Soaking the affected foot in warm or room-temperature soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time may help reduce swelling and ease the pain.
Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggests massaging the side where your skin meets the nail. This can help reduce inflammation.
Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for many ailments, including ingrown toenails. It
But it isn’t likely to cause harm if you properly dilute the vinegar.
To try this remedy, prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly.
Using OTC antiseptic ointment or cream may help reduce the risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the affected toenail up to three times daily or as directed on the packaging.
These ointments can include:
- neomycin (Neosporin)
- bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)
- mupirocin (Bactroban)
Some people may develop allergic reactions to these ointments. If you experience itching, hives, or any other symptom of an allergy, stop using the product and contact a medical professional.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve ingrown toenail pain. Side effects are unusual unless you take more than the daily recommended amount of two 325-milligram (mg) tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours, and avoid using alcohol, as using both at the same time can cause liver damage.
If swelling is present, ibuprofen (Advil) may be a better option because it relieves both pain and swelling. Some common side effects of ibuprofen include:
- abdominal pain
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
Take all OTC pain relievers as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor.
Shoes and socks that are too tight can crowd your toes and lead to ingrown nails. Wearing footwear that’s too big for you can also cause your toes to hit the edge of the toe bed, especially when running or doing physical activity.
To help prevent an ingrown toenail from developing or worsening, wear shoes and socks that fit but leave enough space in the toe bed. Avoid shoes or wear sandals as much as possible during the healing process to limit pressure on your toenails.
A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe.
Some brands of toe protectors come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails for easy trimming. Use the treatment as directed until the ingrown toenail is gone.
Some experts recommend
But not every medical group agrees.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing cotton under your nail may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application may help reduce this risk.
Some ingrown toenails may require medical intervention. Consider getting medical treatment if:
- you have a health condition that causes poor circulation, such as diabetes, as this can increase your risk of severe complications
- your ingrown toenail appears infected, or you have concerning symptoms, such as pus
- your ingrown toenail doesn’t resolve on its own
- you’re in pain or have difficulty walking
A doctor may prescribe
Symptoms of infection may include:
- increased redness or color changes
- throbbing pain
- increased swelling
- pus
- warmth in the affected toe and its surrounding area
- foul odor
Some antibiotics used to treat infected ingrown toenails include:
- ampicillin (Omnipen)
- amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag)
- vancomycin (Vancocin)
If an ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home remedies, partial or total nail removal may be necessary. Using a local anesthetic, a doctor
In severe, recurring cases, the doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail. This is the last resort and a potentially painful solution that may increase the risk of infection and a misshapen toenail when it grows back.
Ingrown toenails can be painful but are usually easy to treat at home. Wearing proper-fitting shoes, trimming your nails straight across, and soaking your feet can help prevent them.
Ingrown toenails usually heal without causing permanent damage. But, sometimes, they can lead to severe complications. Talk with a doctor if you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk for complications, such as diabetes.
