Do you wince every time you put on shoes because of a throbbing toenail? You might be dealing with an ingrown toenail—a condition where the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin. It’s common, painful, and if left untreated, can lead to infection.

The good news: you can often treat it safely at home with simple remedies. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?

Several factors can cause toenails to grow inward:

• Tight shoes that squeeze your toes
• Improper nail trimming (cutting too short or too curved)
• Injuries to the toe
• Naturally curved toenails
• Health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Watch for these common symptoms:

• Persistent pain and tenderness
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• In severe cases: pus or bloody discharge (a sign of infection)

👉 If infection sets in, see a doctor right away. Don’t rely only on home remedies.

Safe and Effective Home Remedies

1. Soak Away the Pain

Soak your foot in warm water for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day. This softens the skin, reduces swelling, and eases discomfort.

2. Cotton Wedge Lift

After soaking, carefully lift the edge of the nail with clean tweezers and place a small cotton roll under it.

• Replace the cotton each time you soak your feet.
• This helps the nail grow above the skin and heal faster.

3. Epsom Salt Relief

Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your foot for 20 minutes, 3–4 times a week. The salt softens skin and reduces swelling, making it easier for the nail to grow out naturally.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, ACV is a handy home cure.

• Mix equal parts raw ACV and warm water and soak your foot for 20–30 minutes.
• Or, soak a cotton ball in ACV, place it on the toenail, and cover with a bandage for a few hours.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with warm water and soak your foot for 20 minutes. Do this 1–2 times daily to reduce pain, swelling, and infection risk.

Prevention: Keep Ingrown Toenails From Coming Back

• Wear comfortable shoes with enough toe room.
• Avoid high heels and stiff fabrics that press on your nails.
• Trim nails straight across, not too short, and avoid rounding the edges.

Final Thoughts

An ingrown toenail can be a small problem that quickly becomes a big one if ignored. These simple home remedies can ease pain and speed up healing, but if you notice signs of infection, don’t delay professional care.

Try one of these remedies today—and take the first step toward walking pain-free again.