An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it. This causes pain, redness, and swelling. You can often treat it at home if there is no infection. The safest way to remove an ingrown toenail at home is to gently lift the nail edge and place a small piece of clean cotton under it to guide the nail above the skin as it grows. Do not cut the nail down the side, and do not dig into the skin with sharp tools.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails usually happen on the big toe. The most common cause is cutting the nail too short or rounding the corners. When you cut the nail in a curve, the skin can grow over the sharp edge. Wearing tight shoes or socks that press the toes together can also push the nail into the skin.
Some people are more likely to get ingrown toenails because of the shape of their nails. Nails that naturally curve downward at the edges are more prone to this problem. Injury to the toe, like stubbing it, can also cause the nail to grow incorrectly.
Sweaty feet can make the skin soft and easier for the nail to pierce. Athletes and people who stand for long hours may have a higher risk. Poor foot hygiene is not usually the cause, but keeping feet clean can help prevent infection.
How To Take Out Ingrown Toenail? Step by Step
Before you start, check for signs of infection. If the area is warm, has pus, or shows red streaks, do not treat it at home. See a doctor instead. For a mild ingrown toenail with no infection, you can try this method.
First, soak your foot in warm water with plain Epsom salt for 15 to 20 minutes. This softens the skin and the nail. Do this twice a day if possible. The warm water also helps reduce swelling and makes the nail easier to lift.
After soaking, dry your foot completely with a clean towel. Use a clean cotton swab to gently push the skin away from the nail edge. Do not force it. The goal is to expose the corner of the nail that is pressing into the skin.
Next, take a small piece of clean cotton or dental floss. Roll the cotton into a tiny wick. Use a clean, blunt tool like a cuticle pusher to gently lift the nail edge. Slide the cotton wick between the nail and the skin. This separates the nail from the skin and helps it grow straight.
Change the cotton wick every day. Soak your foot first to soften the area, then remove the old cotton. Replace it with a fresh piece. Continue this for one to two weeks until the nail grows past the skin edge.
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area after each soak. Cover it with a small bandage to keep it clean. This is not a cure, but it helps prevent bacteria from entering the open area.
What Not To Do When Removing an Ingrown Toenail
Do not cut a notch or V-shape into the nail. Many people believe this relieves pressure, but it does not. The nail will grow back the same way and may still become ingrown.
Do not rip or tear the nail off. This can damage the nail bed and cause the nail to grow back deformed. It also creates a large open wound that can easily become infected.
Do not use sharp instruments to dig under the nail. Scissors, razor blades, or nail clippers used aggressively can cut the skin and introduce bacteria. This can turn a minor problem into a serious infection.
Avoid wearing tight shoes during treatment. Wear open-toed shoes or sandals when possible. This reduces pressure on the toe and allows the area to heal.
When To See a Doctor
Home treatment works for mild cases. Some situations require medical care. See a doctor if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. These conditions increase the risk of serious complications from a foot infection.
Seek medical attention if the pain is severe or does not improve after a few days of home care. If you see pus, notice red streaks on the toe or foot, or develop a fever, these are signs of infection that need treatment.
Doctors can treat ingrown toenails in several ways. They may lift the nail and place medication under it. In more serious cases, they can remove part of the nail or the entire nail. A procedure called partial nail avulsion removes the ingrown edge and applies a chemical to prevent it from growing back.
People with diabetes should never attempt home removal. Even a small cut on the foot can lead to a serious infection that is difficult to treat. If you have diabetes and develop an ingrown toenail, contact your doctor right away.
How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is easier than treatment. Cut your toenails straight across. Do not round the corners to match the shape of your toe. Use nail clippers designed for toenails, which are larger and have a straight edge.
Keep the nails at a moderate length. Do not cut them too short. The edge of the nail should extend slightly past the skin at the tip of the toe. This prevents the skin from folding over the nail.
Wear shoes that fit properly. Your toes should have room to move without being squeezed. Shoes that are too tight in the toe box are a common cause of ingrown toenails. Check your shoe size regularly, as feet can change size with age.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Moisture softens the skin and makes it easier for the nail to pierce it. Change socks daily and choose socks made of breathable materials like cotton or wool.
If you play sports or run frequently, pay extra attention to foot care. The repeated pressure and impact can increase your risk. Trim nails regularly and inspect your feet for early signs of problems.
Are Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails Effective?
Soaking and cotton wicking are the most commonly recommended home methods. Some research suggests these can help mild cases. The evidence is not strong, but these methods are low-risk when done carefully.
Other home remedies have less support. Applying tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide is sometimes suggested, but no clinical evidence confirms these are effective. Hydrogen peroxide can actually irritate the skin and slow healing. Plain warm water soaks are safer.
Some people try soaking in apple cider vinegar or using over-the-counter pain creams. These have not been proven to treat ingrown toenails. They may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying problem of the nail pressing into the skin.
The most reliable home approach is the cotton wick method combined with proper nail care. If this does not work within a week, or if pain worsens, stop home treatment and see a doctor.
What Happens If You Leave an Ingrown Toenail Untreated?
An untreated ingrown toenail can become infected. The skin around the nail may become more swollen and painful. Pus may form, and the area can become warm to the touch.
In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bone of the toe. This is called osteomyelitis and requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected bone tissue.
For most healthy people, an ingrown toenail will not lead to such serious complications. But the longer it is left untreated, the more painful it becomes. Early treatment is simpler and less invasive.
People with diabetes or peripheral artery disease face higher risks. Poor blood flow means infections do not heal well. What starts as a minor ingrown toenail can progress quickly in these populations. Medical evaluation is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to heal at home?
Mild cases usually improve within one to two weeks of daily soaking and cotton wicking. If you see no improvement after a week, see a doctor.
Can I cut out an ingrown toenail myself?
You should never cut or dig out an ingrown toenail with sharp tools. This increases the risk of infection and can damage the nail bed permanently.
Does soaking in Epsom salt help an ingrown toenail?
Soaking in warm water with Epsom salt softens the skin and nail, which makes lifting the nail easier. It also helps reduce swelling, but it does not cure the ingrown nail by itself.
Is it safe to remove an ingrown toenail if I have diabetes?
No. People with diabetes should never attempt home removal because of the high risk of serious infection. Contact a doctor for professional treatment.
