How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail: At-Home Relief vs. When to See a Specialist

Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home? 

Minor ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) can often be managed at home using warm Epsom salt soaks and proper antiseptic care to reduce inflammation.

However, if you have signs of infection—such as pus, spreading redness, or a throbbing sensation—or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes, home treatment is unsafe.

Professional podiatric intervention, such as a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA), is a permanent solution for recurring ingrown nails.

🛑 THE SAFETY WARNING: Read Before You Act

DO NOT PERFORM "BATHROOM SURGERY."  Attempting to cut out the nail spike yourself using unsterile nail clippers or tweezers is the #1 cause of foot infections. Seek immediate podiatric care if: You see "proud flesh" (overgrown skin) bulbous around the nail. There is a red streak moving up your toe or foot (Cellulitis). You are immunocompromised or have poor circulation.

Safe At-Home Management Protocol

If the nail is only slightly tender and not infected, you can follow these steps to alleviate pressure:

1. The 15-Minute Soak: Use warm water and Epsom salts. This softens the nail plate and the surrounding skin (the nail fold).

2. Antiseptic Application: Apply povidone-iodine solution (e.g. Betadine®) or a topical antibiotic ointment to the edge.

3. The "Wick" Method: Gently place a tiny piece of sterile cotton or dental floss under the ingrown edge to encourage the nail to grow over the skin, not into it.

4. Open-Toed Healing: Switch to wide-toe-box shoes or sandals to eliminate lateral pressure.

Home Care vs. Professional Treatment

Feature	At-Home Care	Professional Podiatry (PNA)
Pain Level	Immediate temporary relief	Immediate and often permanent relief (+/- local anesthetic)
Risk of Infection	Moderate (if skin is broken)	Negligible (Sterile environment)
Recurrence Rate	High (80% chance it returns)	Low (Less than 5% with Matrixectomy)
Recovery Time	3–5 days of soaking	24–48 hours for most activities
Procedure Time	Daily maintenance	15–20 minute in-office procedure

What to Expect During a Professional Procedure

The standard of care is a Chemical Matrixectomy.

• The Process: The podiatrist numbs the toe, removes the offending nail sliver, and applies a chemical (usually Phenol or TCA) to the "root" to prevent that specific piece from ever growing back.

• The Result: A aesthetically normal-looking nail that no longer causes pain.

If you are suffering with a recurring ingrown nail or require further advice our professional Podiatrists are here to help.

If you require assistance we are here to help. Schedule an Appointment at our Parkwood Clinic