How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail: Can You Cut It Out Yourself?
Medically reviewed by Sarah Richards, DPMMedically reviewed by Sarah Richards, DPMAn ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is an uncomfortable but common condition in which the edge of your toenail grows into the skin on your toe. This typically, but not always, affects the big toe. In addition to pain, swelling, and redness, ingrown toenails can sometimes lead to infection. Many people wonder if they can alleviate the discomfort of an ingrown toenail by cutting it off themselves. However, this can cause an infection or make an existing one worse.
SunnyVMD / Getty Images
Why It’s Not Safe to Cut an Ingrown Toenail YourselfIt may be tempting to clip an ingrown toenail yourself or dig it out to relieve your symptoms. However, it’s not safe to do so. At-home instruments are not sterile, so digging out your ingrown toenail at home can introduce harmful bacteria into the skin. If you already have an infection, trying to cut your own ingrown toenail may push the bacteria deeper into your toe. This can make the infection worse or even cause it to spread. It can also make your pain worse and cause your condition to last longer.How to Find Relief for an Ingrown Toenail at HomeThere are several steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of an ingrown toenail at home. These include:Soaking your foot in a warm foot bath several times a day and then thoroughly dry themWearing open-toed sandals until your symptoms resolveLightly massaging the affected areaLifting your ingrown nail away from the skin of your toe with a small amount of packing (antiseptic-soaked cotton or dental floss)Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), to relieve tendernessCan an Ingrown Toenail Go Away on Its Own?A very mild ingrown toenail in its beginning stages may resolve on its own with prompt at-home treatment, such as consistent foot soaks. It might grow out before becoming more deeply embedded in the skin. However, in most cases, ingrown toenails that are already causing pain and swelling will need to be treated by a healthcare provider such as a podiatrist—a medical provider who diagnoses and treats problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. If you have any signs of infection, you’ll definitely need professional medical treatment.When Does a Provider Remove an Ingrown Toenail?If your ingrown toenail symptoms do not resolve within a few days after starting at-home treatment, it’s time to see a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist. You should reach out to a healthcare provider right away if you have an underlying condition that affects your feet, including diabetes, or any signs of infection, such as drainage or a fever. If your toe is infected, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical and/or oral antibiotics. They may also recommend surgical treatment to remove part or all of your toenail. This is known as partial nail avulsion or complete nail plate avulsion.How to Prevent Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails have many potential causes, including:Foot injuryIll-fitting shoesGenetic anatomical differences of toes or nail shapeImproper trimming of the nailsThickened nailsYou may be able to prevent an ingrown toenail by:Avoiding cutting your toenails too shortKeeping your feet are dry and cleanNot picking at your toenailsRegularly seeing a healthcare provider for related underlying conditions, such as circulatory troubles, diabetes, or nerve damageTrimming your nails in a straight line rather than along a curveUsing nail trimmers that are sharp and cleanWearing comfortable, well-fitted shoesSummaryAn ingrown toenail occurs when the side of your nail, typically on the outside of your big toe, grows into the toe. This condition is painful, leading some people to try to cut off the ingrown toenail themselves. However, doing so can prolong the problem, cause infection, or make an already infected toe worse.Instead, you may be able to alleviate some of your symptoms by soaking your foot in warm water a few times a day. If this doesn’t work, reach out to a healthcare provider for help. They may prescribe antibiotics or, if necessary, surgical nail removal to relieve your pain. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings