What to Do if You Have an Ingrown Toenail

A painful condition in which the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, ingrown toenails are a common problem treated in podiatry. Typically, this condition affects the big toes, and it usually results from practicing poor nail care, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or suffering an injury. If you have an ingrown toenail in Chicago, then there are a few steps that you can take that may offer you relief.

To help your ingrown toenail grow out naturally, soak your toe in warm water 2 to 3 times per day for about 15 minutes at a time. You can also carefully push a small piece of a moist cotton ball beneath the corner of the ingrown nail, which can lift the nail from your sore skin. Wear comfortable shoes as your ingrown toenail heals to avoid worsening the condition or your symptoms.

Finally, if you do not experience relief after several days, then consider seeing a podiatrist for treatment. Also, be sure to see a foot doctor if your toe becomes infected. If your toe is infected, then it may become red, warm, and swollen, and it may also drain pus or have red streaks leading outward.