Ingrown toenail

Alternative Names

Treatment

To treat an ingrown nail at home:

1. Soak the foot in warm water.
2. Use a nail file to separate the nail from the inflamed skin.
3. Place a small piece of cotton under the nail. Wet the cotton with water or antiseptic.

Repeat those steps, several times a day if necessary, until the nail begins to grow out and the pain goes away. Also, trim the toenail and apply over-the-counter antibiotics. If this does not work and the ingrown nail gets worse, see a foot specialist (podiatrist) or skin specialist (dermatologist).

The doctor may remove part of the nail or extra skin. If the toe is infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. These may be applied to the skin or taken by mouth.

In recurrent cases, your doctor may permanently reshape your nail with chemicals or lasers.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treatment will generally control the infection and relieve pain. However, the condition is likely to return if measures to prevent it are not taken. Good foot care is important to prevent recurrence.

Possible Complications

In severe cases, the infection may spread through the toe and into the bone.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you are unable to trim an ingrown toenail or have severe pain, redness, swelling, or fever.

If you have diabetes, your risk for complications is higher. See your provider.

References

Information from your family doctor. Ingrown toenails. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(5): 927.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.