Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails at Home | HereSpa

Ingrown toenails can be painful and uncomfortable, but with the right care, you can prevent and treat them at home. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or want to avoid future issues, these simple steps will help keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. Common causes include:

• Improper nail trimming (cutting nails too short or rounding the edges)
• Wearing tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes
• Genetics, which may make some people more prone to ingrown nails
• Injury or trauma to the toenail
• Poor foot hygiene or excessive moisture

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
1. Trim Your Nails Properly

• Cut nails straight across rather than rounding them at the edges.
• Avoid cutting them too short, as this increases the risk of ingrown nails.

2. Wear Proper Footwear

• Choose shoes with a wide toe box to prevent pressure on the toes.
• Avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes that push the nails into the skin.

3. Keep Feet Clean and Dry

• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Moisturize to prevent dryness, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to reduce excess moisture.

4. Avoid Picking or Tearing Nails

• Use clean nail clippers instead of peeling or tearing nails to prevent uneven edges.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenails at Home
1. Soak Your Feet

• Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt for 15–20 minutes to soften the skin and reduce swelling.
• Repeat 2–3 times daily until discomfort improves.

2. Gently Lift the Nail

• Using a clean cotton ball or dental floss, gently lift the ingrown nail edge and place the cotton under it to encourage proper growth.
• Replace the cotton daily and continue soaking your feet.

3. Apply an Antiseptic

• Use an antiseptic ointment to prevent infection and cover with a bandage if needed.

4. Avoid Pressure on the Toenail

• Wear open-toed or comfortable shoes while your toe heals.
• Avoid tight socks that can press on the nail.

When to See a Professional
If the ingrown toenail is severely painful, infected, or recurring, consult a podiatrist. Signs of infection include pus, increased redness, and swelling.

At-Home Foot Care with HereSpa
Ingrown toenails can be tricky to manage, especially for seniors or those with mobility issues. HereSpa offers professional at-home pedicure services designed for foot health and comfort. Our experts use safe techniques to keep your nails properly trimmed and prevent future ingrown nails.

Book Your At-Home Pedicure Today
Take care of your feet with expert nail care. Schedule an at-home pedicure with HereSpa at www.herespa.com or call +1-234-437-3772.