An ingrown toenail is unpleasant, painful, and an all around uncomfortable experience. If you’re one of the lucky few who has never had to experience it, an ingrown toenail is what happens when instead of growing properly, a toenail begins to grow into the skin of the toe.
Many people undergo surgery in order to get rid of the condition, but the fact is that you can safely remove it yourself if you have the know-how! Here are the steps you can take to remove your ingrown toenail if it has caused swelling and discomfort!
1. Soak your feet in twice a day for twenty minutes at a time in warm water, that has a teaspoon of Epsom salts mixed in. This can help remove fluids that are caught in the nail, and can have a soothing effect.
2. Roll a ball of cotton so that it’s relatively firm and gently wedge it beneath the area of your toenail where it is sticking into the skin. This can encourage it to start growing properly again.
Image Credit: providr
3. Rub some ointment onto the affected spot in order to prevent any infections from taking root. Most standard antibiotic ointments that you can purchase over the counter will do.
4. Wrap a bandage over the area and patiently wait through the healing process.
With any luck, these steps will allow you to overcome your ingrown toenail without the need for surgery or medical intervention! Share away, people.