From the Research
The recommended treatment for an ingrown toenail begins with home remedies such as soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes three to four times daily, gently lifting the ingrown edge with clean dental floss or cotton, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Apply antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) to prevent infection and wear open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce pressure. If these measures don't provide relief within 2-3 days, or if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may perform a partial nail avulsion, removing the ingrown portion after administering a local anesthetic, as this approach is equally effective in the treatment of ingrown toenails and has a lower risk of postoperative infection compared to complete nail excision without phenolization 1. For recurrent cases, a permanent procedure called matricectomy might be recommended, which prevents regrowth of the problematic nail edge. People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or compromised immune systems should see a doctor immediately rather than attempting home treatment, as they face higher risks of complications. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and potential infection, so proper nail trimming (straight across, not rounded) and wearing properly fitting shoes are important preventive measures. According to the most recent study, surgical approaches are superior to nonsurgical ones for preventing recurrence, and partial avulsion of the lateral edge of the nail plate is the most common surgical approach 2.
Some key points to consider when treating an ingrown toenail include:
- Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt to reduce pain and inflammation
- Gently lifting the ingrown edge with clean dental floss or cotton to prevent further irritation
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to manage pain
- Applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Wearing open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce pressure on the toe
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with home treatment.
It's also important to note that oral antibiotics before or after phenolization do not improve outcomes, and that partial nail avulsion followed by either phenolization or direct surgical excision of the nail matrix are equally effective in the treatment of ingrown toenails 1. The most recent study suggests that surgical approaches are superior to nonsurgical ones for preventing recurrence, and that partial avulsion of the lateral edge of the nail plate is the most common surgical approach 2.