• Lifestyle
• Nail Health

The Best Remedies for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Medically reviewed and edited by Maria Ablao APRN, FNP-C

Anyone who’s ever developed an ingrown toenail knows just how painful they can be. And it often worsens if you don’t treat it properly.

Not only can untreated ingrown toenails impact your daily activities, but they may also increase your risk of fungal infections and other health issues.

In this article, we’ll explore the most effective remedies for treating ingrown toenails and preventing them from occurring for good.

What are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a common condition that develops when the edges or corners of the nail grow into the skin next to it. The big toe is most commonly affected by this condition. 

If you develop an ingrown toenail, you may experience symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling at the site. Untreated ingrown toenails can also contribute to frequent toenail infections.

Although this condition can affect anyone, certain people are more at risk. This includes individuals who:

• Have diabetes 

• Suffer from nerve damage in their leg or foot 

• Have poor blood circulation in the legs or feet 

• Develop frequent nail infections (paronychia) that can disrupt healthy nail growth

Causes of ingrown toenails

There are a number of factors that can cause ingrown toenails, including:

• Cutting your toenails too short and round the edges

• Wearing socks and shoes that are too tight 

• Injury, such as accidentally stubbing your toe or having your foot stepped on

• Standing or walking with a poor posture 

• Genetics 

• Untreated fungal infections

• Certain medical conditions

How Do You Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

Home remedies

Most ingrown toenails can be effectively treated with home remedies. These may include:

• Doing a foot soak: Soak your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salts for about 15 to 20 minutes. This can soften the nail and reduce swelling, making it easier to treat. Repeat this process three to four times a day.

• Keeping the foot dry: After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, as moisture promotes bacterial growth that could cause recurring ingrown toenails.

• Lifting the nail: Carefully lift the ingrown edge of your toenail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath. This can help the nail grow away from the skin. Change the cotton or floss daily to prevent infection.

• Choose roomy shoes or sandals: Avoid tight shoes and wear sandals or shoes with a wide-toe box instead. This reduces pressure on the toes and allows the nail to heal without further irritation.

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is renowned for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may help prevent ingrown toenails. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before applying it to the skin.

• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water and soak your feet in the mixture. It can reduce inflammation and the risk of infection.

• Turmeric paste: Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a bit of water and applying it directly to the affected toe. Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours to reduce inflammation and pain.

Medical treatments 

For more serious cases or when home remedies don’t work, you may require medical treatment to deal with ingrown toenails.

Common ingrown toenail treatment options your doctor may recommend include:

• Antibiotics: If the area around the ingrown toenail becomes infected, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Once the infection has resolved, home remedies can be used to help you prevent ingrown toenails.

• Toenail removal: In severe cases, part of the toenail may need to be surgically removed. This procedure is usually done by a podiatrist and involves numbing the toe and removing the ingrown portion of the nail.

• Laser and chemical treatments: In recurrent cases, a doctor might treat the nail bed with a chemical — called phenol — or laser to prevent the nail from growing back improperly. These treatment options alter the nail matrix to prevent an ingrown nail from growing back again.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails at Home

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. In this section, we’ll take a look at strategies you can use to minimize your risk of developing this condition.

Avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks

Shoes and socks that are too snug can squeeze the toes, forcing the nails to grow into the surrounding skin.

That’s why it’s important to choose footwear that fits properly, with enough room to wiggle your toes.

Choose breathable materials to ensure your feet and toes have sufficient air circulation. This can help keep your feet and toenails healthy.

Use proper toenail care techniques

Caring for your toes is essential for preventing ingrown toenails. Some tips you can follow include:

• Trimming your toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners

• Avoiding cutting your toenails too short

• Using a clean, sharp nail trimmer to ensure a clean cut and avoid frayed edges

These techniques will help ensure that your toenails grow properly and don’t cut into your skin.

Regularly check your feet 

Checking your feet regularly can help you spot early signs of ingrown toenails and other potential issues before they become serious. 

When you check your feet, look for signs of changes in the color and shape of your nails, and pay attention to pain or swelling around the toenails. 

If you suffer from poor circulation or have a condition — like diabetes — where this is a side effect, check your feet regularly. 

This can help you prevent serious complications and ensure that you take proper care of your overall health. 

Should You See a Doctor About Ingrown Toenails?

Although most cases of ingrown toenails can be treated at home, there are some instances where you should consult your doctor. These include:

• Experiencing persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t decrease with home remedies

• Noticing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus around the toenail

• Noticing a foul odor emitting from the affected toenail

• Suffering from recurring ingrown toenails 

• Being diagnosed with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or other issues affecting blood circulation 

• Experiencing severe discomfort that limits your daily activities 

Consulting your doctor in these circumstances allows them to recommend more effective treatments that can prevent additional complications. 

Where Can You Learn More About Maintaining Healthy Toenails and Feet?

While you should consult a specialist about foot health concerns, LifeMD can help if you are worried about potential underlying health issues.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your overall health — all from the comfort of your home.

Maria Ablao APRN, FNP-C

Maria, an experienced healthcare professional with over a decade in nursing, advanced to a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020. Prioritizing prevention and holistic care, Maria emphasizes compassion and adopts a family-centered approach to providing care. Her passion for health and wellness is evident through her commitment to exercise and clean eating, serving as an example to others. Maria advocates for education and improving quality of life in conjunction with treatment.

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