Can you fix an ingrown toenail by cutting it?

Ingrown toenail: Surgical treatment An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail digs into the skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection. Treatment may require cutting away a narrow strip of nail from the nail edge to the base of the nail and treating the matrix to prevent nail regrowth.

Can you get rid of an ingrown toenail with nail clippers?

Cut the visible nail corner or the ingrown spur away to help relieve the pressure and pain. This may be easiest using precision toenail clippers, also sometimes called podiatrist grade clippers and toenail nippers.

Does cutting an ingrown toenail make it worse?

Sometimes, an ingrown nail can break the skin. This makes it easier for bacteria and other microbes to enter the skin, potentially causing a painful infection. Attempting to cut an ingrown nail can further increase this risk, as it can damage the skin further — especially if the toenail is very embedded in the skin.

What is the best way to cut ingrown toenails?

Cutting an Ingrown Toenail

  1. Soak your foot in Epsom salt or Castile soap for 30 minutes to soften the toenail.
  2. Wash your hands.
  3. Push the skin back from the nail border.
  4. Cut the toenail straight across, starting at the toenail edges.

How do I get rid of a deep ingrown toenail at home?

Lifestyle and home remedies

  1. Soak your feet in warm, soapy water. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves.
  2. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail.
  3. Apply petroleum jelly.
  4. Choose sensible footwear.
  5. Take pain relievers.

What draws out an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails occur when the side corners of a toenail grow down into your skin and pierce the soft tissue. Soak your foot in lukewarm water with Epsom salts two or three times a day and massaging the skin afterwards may help draw out an ingrown toenail.

What happens if you leave an ingrown toenail alone?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can tear the skin exposing the skin to bacteria. This can lead to an infection that is marked by pus and bad odor. In severe cases, it may result in loss of the nail and painful swelling of the tip of the toes.

What happens if you have an ingrown toenail for too long?

In some cases, an untreated ingrown toenail can spread the infection to the bone beneath the nail. And, if the infection continues to be left untreated, it can even enter the bloodstream and cause a serious condition, such as sepsis or gangrene.

Why does my ingrown toenail keep growing back?

While they are easy to fix, some people do experience recurring ingrown toenails that grow into the flesh of the toe over and over again. The same issues that cause an initial ingrown toenail also cause the condition to recur including incorrectly fitting footwear and incorrect toenail trimming technique.