How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

You see pus or drainage

Redness is spreading

You have a fever

You have diabetes or compromised circulation

Step-by-Step Guide to Treating an Ingrown Toenail at Home
Step 1: Soak Your Foot

Soaking helps reduce swelling, soften the skin, and relieve pain.

How to do it:

Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water

Add Epsom salt if available (optional but helpful)

Soak your foot for 15–20 minutes

Repeat 2–3 times daily

This step alone can significantly ease discomfort and make the next steps easier.

Step 2: Clean the Area Thoroughly

After soaking, gently wash your foot with mild soap and warm water.

Dry the foot completely

Avoid harsh scrubbing

Make sure the toe is clean before touching it further

Keeping the area clean helps prevent infection.

Step 3: Gently Lift the Ingrown Nail Edge

This is one of the most important—and delicate—steps.

What you’ll need:

Clean tweezers or dental floss

Cotton or gauze

Clean hands

How to do it:

Gently lift the edge of the nail that’s pressing into the skin

Do not force it or dig deeply

Place a small piece of clean cotton or dental floss under the nail edge

This helps guide the nail to grow above the skin

Change the cotton daily, especially after soaking.

⚠️ Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain or bleeding.

Step 4: Apply an Antibiotic Ointment

Once the nail is lifted:

Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment

This helps prevent infection

Cover the toe with a clean bandage

Reapply daily or as needed, especially after soaking.

Step 5: Wear Open or Loose-Fitting Footwear

Pressure from tight shoes can worsen the problem.

For the next several days:

Wear sandals or open-toed shoes if possible

Choose soft, wide-toe shoes

Avoid high heels and narrow footwear

Reducing pressure allows the toe to heal faster.

Step 6: Manage Pain and Inflammation

Pain can be managed with:

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Cold compresses (10 minutes at a time)

Continued soaking

Avoid numbing sprays or harsh chemicals—they can irritate the skin.

Step 7: Monitor for Signs of Infection

Check your toe daily for:

Increasing redness

Swelling that worsens

Warmth or throbbing pain

Pus or foul odor

If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after several days, stop home treatment and consult a healthcare provider.

What NOT to Do

Certain common “home remedies” can actually make ingrown toenails worse.

Avoid:

Digging deeply into the skin with sharp tools

Cutting the nail too short or into a curve

Using hydrogen peroxide repeatedly (it can slow healing)

Ignoring worsening symptoms

Attempting “DIY surgery” at home

If the nail is deeply embedded, professional treatment is safer and more effective.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

With proper home care:

Pain often improves within 2–3 days

Swelling decreases over one week

Full healing may take 1–2 weeks

Healing time varies depending on severity and how early treatment begins.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails

Once you’ve had an ingrown toenail, prevention becomes especially important.

Trim Your Nails Correctly

Cut nails straight across

Avoid rounding corners

Don’t cut nails too short

Choose Proper Footwear

Shoes should have enough toe room

Avoid tight socks and shoes

Consider wider shoes if you’re prone to toe issues

Maintain Foot Hygiene

Wash feet daily

Dry thoroughly, especially between toes

Change socks regularly

Protect Your Toes

Wear protective footwear when needed

Avoid repetitive toe injuries

Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals

If you have:

Diabetes

Poor circulation

Nerve damage

A weakened immune system

Do not attempt home treatment. Even minor foot injuries can become serious quickly. Seek professional care at the first sign of an ingrown toenail.

When Professional Treatment Is Needed

If home care doesn’t work, a healthcare provider or podiatrist may:

Remove part of the nail

Drain infection

Prescribe antibiotics

Perform a minor procedure to prevent recurrence

These treatments are typically quick and performed under local anesthesia.

Final Thoughts

An ingrown toenail may be small, but it deserves attention. When caught early, at-home treatment can be effective, affordable, and safe. The key is gentle care, good hygiene, and knowing when to stop and seek help.

Listen to your body. If pain worsens or signs of infection appear, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and get you back on your feet—comfortably.