8 Effective Ways to Remove an Ingrown Toenail at Home Safely

An ingrown toenail may seem like a small problem, but anyone who’s had one knows how painful it can be. The condition occurs when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and make walking uncomfortable.

While severe cases may need medical attention, mild to moderate ingrown toenails can often be treated safely at home using simple, natural remedies. Here are 8 effective ways to remove or relieve an ingrown toenail at home — using basic tools, hygiene, and care.

1. Soak Your Foot in Warm Salt Water

The first and most important step in treating an ingrown toenail is softening the skin and nail. Soaking your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) helps reduce inflammation and pain.

How to do it:

Add 1–2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water.
Soak your affected foot for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily.
This will soften the nail, making it easier to lift and trim later.
Bonus tip: You can add a few drops of tea tree oil for extra antibacterial effect.

2. Lift the Nail Edge Gently

Once the toenail and skin are softened from soaking, gently lift the nail edge using a clean cotton swab or dental floss. This helps prevent the nail from continuing to dig into your skin.

How to do it safely:

Use sterilized tweezers or a cotton ball to lift the edge slightly.
Place a tiny piece of clean cotton or dental floss under the nail to separate it from the skin.
Change the cotton daily to keep it clean.

Be gentle—forcing the nail can cause bleeding or worsen the problem.

3. Apply an Antibacterial Ointment

Keeping the area clean and germ-free is vital. After soaking and lifting the nail, apply a topical antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or an antiseptic cream.

How it helps:

Prevents infection
Promotes faster healing
Reduces redness and pain

Cover the toe with a sterile bandage or gauze after applying the ointment.

4. Wear Open-Toed or Loose Shoes

Tight footwear is one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails. It puts constant pressure on your toes and worsens the pain.

What to do:

Switch to open-toed sandals or flip-flops while healing.
Avoid high heels and narrow shoes that squeeze your toes together.
Wear breathable socks that keep your feet dry.

This allows your toenail to grow freely without being pressed into the skin.

5. Trim Nails Properly

Improper trimming—like cutting nails too short or rounding the corners—often leads to ingrown toenails. To prevent recurrence:

Always trim toenails straight across, not curved.
Don’t cut too close to the skin.
Use clean, sharp nail clippers.
Gently file sharp edges if needed.

Pro tip: Soak your feet before trimming to soften the nails and make cutting easier.

6. Use Natural Remedies to Reduce Swelling

Some home ingredients can help reduce inflammation and pain naturally.

Turmeric paste: Mix turmeric powder with coconut oil and apply to the affected area for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe vera gel: Soothes irritated skin and promotes healing.
Apple cider vinegar soak: Mix equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar, and soak for 10–15 minutes.

These natural remedies help fight infection and calm swelling.

7. Keep Feet Dry and Clean

Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, making clean, dry feet essential.

Daily care tips:

Wash your feet with mild soap and water every day.
Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Change socks regularly, particularly after sweating.
Apply antifungal foot powder if needed.

Good hygiene prevents infection and speeds up recovery.

8. Know When to Seek Medical Help

While home remedies work well for mild cases, you should consult a doctor or podiatrist if:

The pain is severe and persistent.
You notice pus, discharge, or spreading redness (signs of infection).
You have diabetes or poor circulation.
The toenail keeps growing inward even after home treatment.

In such cases, minor medical procedures—like partial nail removal—may be necessary to fix the issue safely.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is always better than treatment. Once your nail heals, take steps to keep the problem from coming back:

Cut nails straight across, never too short.
Avoid tight-fitting shoes or socks.
Keep your feet clean and dry.
Check your feet regularly if you’re diabetic or prone to foot problems.
Moisturize your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin around nails.

A few small changes in your foot care routine can go a long way in keeping toenails healthy.

Final Thoughts

Ingrown toenails are painful but manageable if caught early. With consistent home care, proper hygiene, and gentle nail handling, most cases heal within a week or two. However, if you notice severe pain, swelling, or infection, don’t ignore it—professional help is the safest option.

By following these 8 home remedies for ingrown toenail removal, you can relieve discomfort naturally and prevent future recurrences — keeping your feet healthy, clean, and pain-free.

8 Effective Ways to Remove an Ingrown Toenail at Home Safely