I have an ingrown toenail on my right big toe, and was wondering how to relieve it. It's not really serious – yet. It only causes minor discomfort when my foot is in a certain position. I don't know what to do – where to cut it, or if to cut it. Do I let it grow out?
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Gently lift up the corner of the ingrown toenail. (This is best done after a shower or bath, when everything is soft.) Then place a tuft of cotton from a cotton ball. That will help it to keep the toenail from digging back into the toe. Continue to use the tuft of cotton until the toenail grows out beyond the edge of the toe. Then, make sure that you cut your toenail straight across, not in a curve. And don't cut it so short that it can start to dig in again. It will take some time and patience, but the toenail will gradually assume a more natural shape and will stop being a recurring problem. If you see redness or drainage, then use some Bactroban antibiotic ointment to control the infection. finally, make sure that the toe of your shoe has adequate room to freely move your toes. Your toes should not be tight and pnched.
There really is no cure for for an ingrown toe nail but to go have it surgically removed. Its a minor surgery so don't get to freaked out. It's really not a good idea to mess with it. The best thing to do is go to the doctor, don't wait till its gets worse.
if it gets really bad that it start pussing and stuff u should buy peroxide or some kind of rubbing alcohol on it .
A trick u could try is buffing it …u could clip it but when it grows back it may do the same thing again. But it can cause relief if done correctly . Try and buff the nail so it isn't going into the skin and throughout the day but like rubbing alcohol etc. on that area so it dosn't get infected or something. Letting it grow out is not a bad idea just keep an eye on it so u know its growing out and not further into the skin. A trip to the doc is a good idea if ur toe is swollen and stuff or it prevents u from walking normally.
They will give u a numbing shot there and remove that piece but u won't feel that part. I also read once that there is a speacial solution that they can apply to the nail that causing problmes and it kills the cells there, so it dosn't grow.
Good luck! Also maybe soaking it in warm water can soften the skin in case u do decide to buff or slighlty trim it. Cool water can releive the pain to i think. One last thing is buying a nail polish solution that makes nails grow….. Avoid alcohol filled ones since they can make nails dry.
GO see a podiatrist, they can remove it, and then if you want, you can have laser surgery on the nail to prevent it from ever coming back. The surgery causes a little pain for a day or two but well worth it, I had both big toes done several years ago, and have had no recurring ingrown toenails.
I agree with B H. Just stay away from alcohol. You might use some povidone-iodine before the bactroban ointment, just make sure to wash if off with plenty of water.
Good luck!