From the Research
The first-line treatment for an ingrown toenail is conservative home management, which includes soaking the affected foot in warm water, lifting the ingrown edge of the nail, and applying antibiotic ointment, as recommended by the most recent study 1. This approach is supported by the American Family Physician journal, which suggests that nonsurgical treatments are typically used for mild to moderate ingrown nails, whereas surgical approaches are used in moderate and severe cases 1. The conservative home management approach involves:
- Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily to reduce inflammation and soften the nail
- Gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail using a clean cotton wisp or dental floss, placing it under the nail edge to redirect growth
- Applying an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or neomycin to prevent infection and covering with a clean bandage
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) as needed for pain
- Wearing open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce pressure on the toe while healing These measures work by reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and encouraging proper nail growth. If symptoms worsen, signs of infection develop (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaks), or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, seek medical attention promptly as partial nail removal or other procedures may be necessary, as suggested by 1.