Add Epsom salts to the water. Epsom salts are widely recognized for their ability to reduce pain and swelling. These will also help soften the toenail. Try adding 3 tbsp (75 g) of Epsom salt to about 2 US qt (1. 9 l) of warm water. [2] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. If you don’t have Epsom salts, you can use plain salt. Salt water will help reduce the growth of bacteria in the area. Gently massage the affected area. This will help water soak into the ingrown toenail, which will help clear out bacteria and may relieve swelling and pain.

Try this approach after every foot soak. Use a clean length of floss each time. Depending on the extent of your ingrown toenail, this might be a little painful. Try taking a pain reliever to ease your discomfort. Don’t dig too much into your toenail. You can cause more infection, which may require medical intervention. Also, if you cut your toenail, don’t rip at it or cause any bleeding, as that will cause more swelling in the area. [3] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.

If you cannot take NSAIDs, try acetaminophen instead.

Antibiotic creams also can have topical anesthetic such as lidocaine. This will temporarily relieve the pain in the area. Follow application instructions on the cream’s package. Please be aware that topical antibiotics are difficult to accurately dose and there is also the possibility of local negative skin reactions. occurring[4] X Research source

Tightly fitting shoes can cause or exacerbate an ingrown toenail.

Silicea Terra, Teucrium, Nitric Acid, Graphites, Magnetis Polus Australis, Phosphoric Acid, Thuja, Causticum, Natrum Mur, Alumina, or Kali Carb. [7] X Research source

Make sure to disinfect the file with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide before you use it.

Be sure to change the gauze daily to ensure that bacteria is not introduced into the toenail area.

If you notice red streaks coming from the toe, you need to see a doctor immediately. This is a sign of a major infection. You should also see a doctor if there is pus present near the toenail.

Your general practitioner is usually able to treat an ingrown toenail. But for more complicated cases or recurrent conditions, you might choose to see a podiatrist (foot specialist). [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Your doctor will give you instructions for replacing the gauze every day. Follow these instructions to make sure your toenail heals.

Your toenail will regrow in 2-4 months. Some patients worry about the look of the toenail after this procedure. But if your toenail has been growing into your skin, chances are it will look better after this partial removal. Toenail removal may sound drastic, but it actually relieves the pressure, irritation, and pain of an ingrown nail.

This procedure is administered by laser, chemical, electrical current or other surgery. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Use sanitized nail clippers. Don’t cut your toenails too short. You can also opt to leave the toenail a little longer. This will ensure that the toenail won’t grow into the skin.

You should also see your podiatrist regularly if you have diabetes or another condition that causes nerve damage.

An ingrown toenail might also have a small amount of pus.

If you have nerve damage or poor blood circulation in your leg or foot, your doctor will want to check out your ingrown toenail right away. [22] X Research source

If the condition is particularly bad, your physician may recommend seeing a podiatrist, or foot specialist.

If you have symptoms for more than 2-3 days, you should see a doctor. [23] X Research source