Ingrown Toenail Home Treatment

Ingrown toenail home treatment can often be used if the ailment is caught early enough. If left untreated, even at home, an ingrown toenail can quickly turn into a situation that requires the aid of a medical professional. In some cases, if the ingrown toenail has progressed enough, surgery is needed to correct the nail growth.

For ingrown toenail home treatment, you will need:

• Epsom Salt
• Warm Water
• Antibacterial Soap
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Gauze

1. First, ingrown toenail treatment involves not causing the nail to become worse. This is done by wearing the correct footwear. Avoid wearing tight-fitting or high heels. It's best to wear comfortable shoes that don't put pressure on the toes, such as sandals or flip-flops.
2. Use of warm water and Epsom salt. Soak the affected foot four times a day in warm water and Epsom salt to treat and prevent infection. Epsom salt is available at most Pharmacies.
3. Inbetween soaking your foot, wash the affected toe twice per day. Use warm water and antibacterial soap to cleanse the area. After washing your foot, dry it well and keep it clean.
4. To treat an ingrown toenail at home, you can try to remove the nail from the skin. Try to lift the nail from the area of skin it is digging into. Using a small piece of gauze, place it underneath the nail to keep it elevated and from digging into the skin. Never cut or dig the nail out of the skin. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain.

If ingrown toenail home treatment isn't enough, medical intervention will be needed. If the pain becomes persistent, the ingrown nail worsens or an infection develops, it's time to visit the doctor. In most cases, a doctor can remove the nail and treat the infection. However, in severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the toenail.