5 tips for preventing ingrown toenails and when to seek help.

5 tips for treating ingrown toenails and when to seek help.

An ingrown toenail can be surprisingly painful. It happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness and swelling. While many mild cases can be managed safely at home, it’s important to recognise when professional treatment is needed to prevent infection or ongoing problems.

Here are five simple ways to care for an ingrown toenail at home.

1. Soak your foot in wam salty water

Soak your foot in warm (not hot) salty water for 15–20 minutes, two to three times a day.

This helps to:

• Reduce swelling
• Soften the skin around the nail
• Ease discomfort
• Make it easier to keep the area clean

After soaking, gently pat your foot dry with a clean towel.

2. Keep the area clean and dry

Good foot hygiene is essential while your toe heals.

Wash the area daily, dry it thoroughly after bathing or soaking, and avoid leaving the toe damp inside socks or shoes. Keeping the skin clean can help reduce the risk of infection. You should also be careful of how your pedicurist shapes your toenails – always cut toenails straight across and don’t dig down the sides

3. Wear shoes that don’t put pressure on your toe 

Tight-fitting footwear is one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails and can make symptoms worse.

Choose shoes with a wide toe box or wear open-toed sandals where appropriate until the toe has settled. Avoid tight socks that squeeze your toes together.

4. Don’t cut or dig into the nail yourself

It may be tempting to cut away the corner of the nail or dig underneath it, but this often makes the problem worse. If it’s safe to do so, you can try using a soft toothbrush to brush down the side of the nail. However, if you’re unsure or if the nail continues to dig into the skin, it’s much safer to have it assessed by a podiatrist.

Trying to remove part of the nail at home can:

• Push the nail deeper into the skin
• Damage healthy tissue
• Increase the risk of infection
• Make the nail grow back incorrectly

5. Know when to see a Podiatrist

Home treatment is only suitable for mild cases.

You should book an appointment with a podiatrist if:

• The pain is severe or getting worse.
• Your toe is very swollen or increasingly red.
• There is pus, bleeding or signs of infection.
• The ingrown toenail keeps coming back.
• Symptoms haven’t improved after a few days of home care.
• You have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.
• You have a family history of in-grown toenails. 

These conditions increase the risk of complications, so a prompt assessment is recommended.

Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?

A mild ingrown toenail can sometimes settle with good home care, especially if it’s caught early. However, if the nail has broken the skin or become infected, professional treatment is often needed to relieve pain and prevent the problem returning.

How a Podiatrist can help

Ingrown toenails are described in just about every sports injury book, but it takes a podiatrist’s skillset to effectively know how to deal with it. A podiatrist can safely assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Depending on the problem, treatment may include:

• Removing the piece of nail causing the pain
• Treating any infection
• Advising on nail cutting techniques
• Recommending footwear changes
• Performing a minor nail procedure for recurring ingrown toenails

Professional treatment is usually quick, safe and can provide immediate relief.

Myth-busting: Do ‘V’ shaped nails help?

One common misconception is that cutting the nail into a ‘V’ shape will solve the problem. The idea behind this is that a ‘V’ shape actively encourages the sides to grow away from the affected area. However, in reality this doesn’t happen and it’s much more effective to follow the above guidance and seek professional help instead. 

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