The Role of an Arthroscopy in Joint Diagnostics
October 14, 2026
Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
October 16, 2026
An ingrown toenail develops when the corner or side of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, and it typically occurs on the big toe. While mild cases respond to home care, redness, swelling, or drainage may call for a clinic visit. Here is more information on ingrown toenail care:
Warm Soaks
Warm soaks provide the first step for mild ingrown toenail care. Warm water softens the skin and nail, and it may ease tenderness around the edge. Try soaking three to four times a day until the soreness fades. Take these steps:
- Fill a basin with warm, not hot, water.
- Add Epsom salt or mild soap if you like.
- Soak the foot for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pat the toe dry with a clean towel.
Tight shoes press on the nail edge, so loose shoes or sandals are a better choice during recovery. If pain grows worse after a few days of soaking, a provider visit is a reasonable next step. Avoid cutting into the corner of the nail at home.
Slanted Back Procedure
A slanted back procedure removes the small corner of nail that digs into the skin. To accomplish this, a provider performs the procedure during a brief office visit, which allows it to be completed in a short amount of time. The provider trims the offending edge at an angle, and the rest of the nail stays in place.
First, the provider cleans the toe with an antiseptic solution. Once the area is numb, the provider lifts the ingrown edge with a small instrument. The provider then cuts a thin wedge back diagonally, and the sharp spike no longer touches the skin.
Many people walk out the same day, but the toe may feel sore for several days. Your provider will explain how to clean and bandage the toe. If the nail grows back into the skin, a partial nail removal may be the next option.
Cold Spray Technique
Before a toenail procedure, many providers use a cold spray that numbs the skin quickly. The spray cools the surface within seconds, and the brief chill dulls the sting of a needle. Providers may pair the spray with a local anesthetic injection.
The cold sensation lasts only a short time. Since the spray works on the surface, it does not numb deeper tissue on its own. People with poor circulation may react differently to cold, so share your health history with the provider. Ask questions about each step before the procedure begins.
Antibiotic Medications
Many ingrown toenails do not need antibiotics, but an infected toe may require them. A provider looks for signs of infection before they write a prescription. Signs of infection include the following:
- Pus or yellow drainage
- Spreading redness or warmth
- Increased swelling around the nail
- Fever or red streaks on the foot
Antibiotics treat the infection, not the ingrown nail itself. Your provider may combine medication with a nail procedure, and warm soaks often continue at home. Take every dose as directed, even if the toe looks better early. Call the clinic if redness spreads after two days of treatment.
Find Ingrown Toenail Care
If home care does not relieve your symptoms, a podiatry clinic can provide evaluation. A medical provider examines the toe, and together you choose the next step. Bring a list of your current medications to the visit.
