If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you know they can hurt and can sometimes even make it difficult to stand. There are many causes of ingrown toenails, including improperly cut toenails, ill-fitting shoes, or trauma to the toe.

If you have diabetes, severe nerve damage, poor blood circulation, or an infection, you should contact your podiatrist as soon as possible if you develop an ingrown toenail. Otherwise, there are some treatments you can try at home for this common foot condition:

·       Soak your foot daily in warm water with approximately 1/8 to 1/4 cup of white vinegar and enough water to cover the foot

·       Keep your foot dry the rest of the time

·       Gently lift the edge of the affected nail and place some cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin; change the cotton or floss every day

·       Use an antibiotic cream and a bandage

·       Wear roomy shoes or sandals

·       If needed, use pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Do NOT attempt to cut the ingrown toenail yourself; doing so could make the condition worse. If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, or the nail looks worse, call your podiatrist.

To learn more about the podiatry services offered at Neighborhood Health Center, click here.