Without proper ingrown toenail treatment, the nail can become inflamed, making the area highly susceptible to toenail fungus. Though the big toe is most prone to the nail growing into the skin, it can happen to the other toes as well and result in mild discomfort to intense pain and infection.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment
If you’re unable to prevent an ingrown toenail, you need to treat it accordingly to prevent serious issues from arising. A minor ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. It will take a few days to see real improvement from home care. However, if the toenail problem becomes worse, it may be time to see a doctor.

• Gently soak, wash and dry your feet, particularly the ingrown toenail, in warm water at least two times a day. The foot soak helps soften the skin around the toenail, alleviating pain and keeps the area clean and less prone to infection. 

• Never wear binding shoes when you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail. Not only will the tight shoes make the problem worse, it will increase the general pain. Also make sure to wear socks with your shoes to help keep the ingrown area clean and dry.

• Use a very thin roll of cotton to help lift the nail away from the skin. Slide the thin cotton roll under the ingrown nail area and very gently lift the nail away from the skin. Do this lifting after soaking and washing your feet, when the skin in softer. This can help slowly move the nail out of the skin, reducing the ingrown nature of the nail.

If your ingrown toenail problem is painful or serious enough to need the help of a doctor, you may have to have part or the entire toenail removed. This removal should only be done by a doctor and never attempted at home.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails
There are a few easy precautions you can take to help prevent an ingrown toenail. These are everyday choices that should become a part of your normal routine, especially if you’re prone to ingrown toenails.

• Always wear comfortable shoes that never squeeze or compress your toes. Tight shoes that squeeze the toes can force your toenail to become ingrown. 

• Regularly trim your toenails to the proper length. Always cut the toenail straight across, not in a curve. A curved shape will make it more likely that the toenail will become ingrown.

• Treat any toenail or toe fungus you may have. If the fungus is left to fester, it can make your toenails grown thick and lumpy, increasing the chances of an ingrown toenail.

• Maintain proper care after a toenail injury. Injuries to the nail can cause bruising and swelling, which can then develop into an ingrown toenail. If your nail has sustained an injury, make sure to care for it properly until it has fully healed.