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• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cut an ingrown toenail
• Method 2 of 3: Caring for an ingrown toenail
• Method 3 of 3: Preventing an ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail can be painful and trimming it incorrectly can make the problem worse. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can become infected or may even need to be surgically removed. If your toenail has grown heavily, don't try to cut it yourself. Visit a podiatrist to get help with this. If your toenail is just starting to grow into your skin, there are some simple things you can do to cut it off and keep the problem from getting worse.

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Method 1 of 3: Cut an ingrown toenail

1. Check how long your toenail is. Clipping your toenail too short can make your ingrown toenail worse, so you may have to wait a few days before clipping it. If your toenail is already short, wait a few days before trying to cut it. You can relieve the pain by soaking your feet and using a topical pain reliever.
   • Remember that your toenail should be above the skin under your toenail.
2. Soak your feet in warm water. Soaking your feet in warm water will soften the nail and make it easier to cut. Soaking your feet can also help relieve some of the pain caused by your ingrown toenail.
   • Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to the warm water. Epsom salts can help relieve some of the pain caused by your ingrown toenail.
3. File the nail if it is already short. In some cases it is not necessary to cut the nail because it is already quite short. If your toenail isn't sticking out above the skin on the tip of your toe, you may just need to file it.
   • Make sure to file your nail straight. Filing your nail round or at an angle can make the problem with your ingrown toenail worse.
4. Cut a long nail straight. If the nail is sticking out over the edge of your toe, you probably need to cut it. Make sure to cut your nail straight. Cutting your nails round or diagonally is one of the causes of ingrown toenails, so it is important to trim your nails straight.
   • Do not cut the nail too short, as this can also cause an ingrown toenail.
   • Also, don't cut the corners of your nail or try to pull them out of the skin. This can make the problem with your ingrown nail worse.
5. Store your tweezers and other tools. Never try to pull and loosen an ingrown toenail with tweezers, scissors, or any other tool. These tools can destroy the skin, which can lead to an infection.

Method 2 of 3: Caring for an ingrown toenail

1. Apply a topical pain reliever to partially relieve the pain. If your ingrown toenail hurts, consider buying an analgesic cream to apply to the area. Keep in mind that such a cream will not cure your ingrown toenail, but it should help ease pain and discomfort a little.
2. Use a cold compress to help soothe the pain and inflammation. If your ingrown toenail hurts, a cold compress can also help soothe the pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it on your ingrown toenail for five to 10 minutes.
   • Be careful not to leave the ice pack on your toe for too long or it could damage the skin tissue and cause your skin to freeze. Let your skin warm to its normal temperature before putting the ice pack back on your toe.
3. Consider making an appointment with a podiatrist. Cutting an ingrown toenail yourself can be difficult and painful. An ingrown toenail can grow deep into the skin, and clipping an ingrown toenail can cause pain, infection, and make the problem worse. Consider seeing a podiatrist to have your ingrown toenail trimmed instead of trying to do it yourself.
   • A podiatrist can numb the area with a medicine before treatment.
   • A podiatrist can also remove the root of the ingrown toenail to prevent further problems.
4. Watch for signs of an infection. An ingrown toenail can sometimes become infected and the infection can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Call your doctor if you notice signs of an infection, such as:
   • Swellings
   • Redness
   • Pain
   • Pus coming from the area in question
   • A dirty smell
   • Skin that looks like it's bloated

Method 3 of 3: Preventing an ingrown toenail

1. Tuck a piece of cotton wool under the corner of an ingrown toenail. If you can lift the corner of your ingrown toenail, you can put some cotton wool or gauze underneath to keep the nail from growing deeper into the skin.
   • To do this, you will need to gently lift the corner of the nail that is growing into the skin with your fingers. Tuck only enough cotton wool under the nail to lift it off the skin a little. Don't put so much cotton wool under the nail that it feels uncomfortable.
   • Change the cotton wool or gauze twice a day for two weeks or until your ingrown toenail appears to be healed.
2. Wear loose shoes or shoes with an open toe area. Tight socks and shoes can cause ingrown toenails and can make a toenail that has already grown into the skin worse. That's why wearing loose shoes and shoes with an open toe area can help your toenail heal faster. Try to wear loose shoes or shoes with an open toe area until you no longer have an ingrown toenail.
3. Try not to injure your toes. Toe injuries caused by sports or by bumping your toe can also cause an ingrown toenail. Consider if your ingrown toenails are caused by injuries to your toes and buy protective shoes if necessary.
   • Buy shoes with a reinforced toe area or steel toecaps.
4. Wash and check your feet every day. Keeping your feet clean and looking for the signs of a new ingrown toenail can stop the problem before it gets worse. Try to check your feet every day, such as when you take a shower or bath.
   • If you can't see or reach your toes properly, ask for help. If you have diabetes, it is even more important to have your feet checked regularly to look for blood flow problems.