How to Heal an Ingrown Toenail

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Soak your feet.

   To keep your feet clean and make the nail pliable, you will need to soak your affected foot in warm water.You may want to soak both feet to make this process a bit more relaxing.
   
   Soak your feet four to five times per day for 10 to 15 minutes each time.
   
   You can add two tablespoons of Epsom salts to the foot bath or just use plain water.
2. 2

   Step 2: Put a drop or two of tea tree oil on the nail.

   Tea tree oil may help to fight off infections.After each time that you soak your feet, put a drop or two of tea tree oil on the affected nail.
   
   The tea tree oil may help to prevent infection and keep the nail a bit softer. , After the tea tree oil soaks in, you can also put a dab of Vicks VapoRub to the sore area of your nail.
   
   The menthol and camphor may help to reduce the pain and will also keep your nail soft for the next part of the treatment.Keep the menthol/camphor on for 12 to 24 hours using a bandage or a small piece of gauze. , The following day soak your feet for about 20 minutes.
   
   Then, take a small piece of cotton (gauze or cotton ball) and roll it between your fingers so that it forms a cotton “tube” that is about ½ inch long.
   
   Tape one end of the cotton tube to the top of your toe.
   
   Then, gently lift the corner of the ingrown nail up a little bit with one hand.
   
   With the other hand, work the free end of the cotton tube under the corner of the nail and out the other side so that the cotton is between the skin and the nail.This might be a little painful or strange at first, but it is necessary to lift the nail away from the skin to prevent it from growing deeper into the skin. , Keep the cotton in place and replace it every day after soaking your foot.
   
   You will need to repeat this process for two weeks or until the toenail grows out a bit, but you should notice some improvement after a few days.
   
   If you do not notice any improvement, then call your doctor.
3. 3

   Step 3: Apply Vicks VapoRub to ease pain.

4. 4

   Step 4: Use cotton to lift the toenail.

5. 5

   Step 5: Repeat this process for up to two weeks.

Detailed Guide

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