Ingrown Toenail

[Zymologist]

So I think I've got an ingrown toenail, but what's frustrating about it is that the nail isn't obviously ingrown anywhere; my toe is just swollen and very tender. I've been soaking it in epsom salt and trying to pull the nail at the sides above the skin, but it really doesn't look ingrown, other than the swelling.

Any recommendations?

[Sparko]

So I think I've got an ingrown toenail, but what's frustrating about it is that the nail isn't obviously ingrown anywhere; my toe is just swollen and very tender. I've been soaking it in epsom salt and trying to pull the nail at the sides above the skin, but it really doesn't look ingrown, other than the swelling.

Any recommendations?

see a doctor.

[Zymologist]

see a doctor.

I was really hoping to be able to do something about it at home. Is there anything I can do?

[Faber]

I used to have ingrown toenails decades ago until the podiatrist fixed the problem. But in addition, the toenails occasionally dug into the skin and caused an infection, even when it wasn't ingrown. I remember on occasions the doctor showed e\me how to jam some cotton between the toenail and the skin until the infection went away. It was sore, but it worked.

[Sparko]

I was really hoping to be able to do something about it at home. Is there anything I can do?

Trim away as much of the corner of the toenail as possible and put some antibiotic ointment on it. If it is really sore, you might need to numb the area before digging in and trimming the nail. You could try an ice pack, or that stuff you spray on warts to freeze it, but be careful with that stuff, it could make things worse.

But seeing your doctor is probably the best way of finding out what is happening and fixing it. Especially if it is infected.