Answer:
First, decide whether you should see your podiatrist. If you are diabetic or have
poor circulation, there is a greater risk of infection and complications caused by
an ingrown toenail or attempts to trim the nail. Also, if the pain is sharp, there
is significant redness, swelling, or indications of infection such as puss, see a
doctor as soon as possible.
For mild cases of ingrown toenails, you can trim the nail.
Start by soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt for about 10 minutes to soften the nail and skin fold.
Then use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the area with a cotton ball. Also clean the nail nipper with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Use the nail nipper to cut a small wedge or corner of the offending nail. Be careful to not go too deep as you can create more trauma to the nail border thus introducing a skin infection.
To keep the nail from growing into the skin fold use a nail file regularly to shape the corner so that it is more rounded.
If the pain continues or there is redness or swelling from other parts of the nail border, this may mean the nail is ingrown further back near the base. Then see your podiatrist for assistance. We use sterile instruments and local anesthesia to remove the deeper portions of the nail.
Again, if you are diabetic or have poor circulation, you are at greater risk of infection so check with your primary care doctor or see a podiatrist before trying to do it yourself.
For mild cases of ingrown toenails, you can trim the nail.
Start by soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt for about 10 minutes to soften the nail and skin fold.
Then use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the area with a cotton ball. Also clean the nail nipper with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Use the nail nipper to cut a small wedge or corner of the offending nail. Be careful to not go too deep as you can create more trauma to the nail border thus introducing a skin infection.
To keep the nail from growing into the skin fold use a nail file regularly to shape the corner so that it is more rounded.
If the pain continues or there is redness or swelling from other parts of the nail border, this may mean the nail is ingrown further back near the base. Then see your podiatrist for assistance. We use sterile instruments and local anesthesia to remove the deeper portions of the nail.
Again, if you are diabetic or have poor circulation, you are at greater risk of infection so check with your primary care doctor or see a podiatrist before trying to do it yourself.