Are you suffering from an ingrown toenail? Ouch, that can be quite painful and a huge nuisance throughout the day. Fortunately, we hope to make you happy with the news that you do not always have to go straight to the doctor for this, but can also treat an ingrown toenail yourself.

There are several steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort at home (depending on the severity). In this blog, we would like to inform you how best to treat an ingrown toenail yourself using 6 handy steps. However, if you are unable to do so, we recommend consulting a pedicurist or a general practitioner.

Step 1: Soften the nail and the skin

Before you begin, it is important to first soften the nail and the surrounding skin. You can do this by, for example, soaking your feet or hands in a warm bath. Add some Epsom salt too for extra softening of it. Next, it is wise to have a good one. hand cream or foot cream (depending on where the ingrown nail occurs) to use to hydrate and soften the skin.

A good choice for this are ours Daily Protection products Click on one of the images below, depending on where you are suffering from an ingrown toenail (hands or feet):

 Have you completed this step? Okay, then let's not wait any longer and move on to the next step!

Step 2: Carefully trim the nail

Once the nail and skin are well hydrated, we will carefully trim the ingrown nail. Use a for this clean nail clippers!

And do this again very carefully and do not cut the nail too short. Try to cut the nail in a straight line, without sharp angles. On to the next step.

Step 3: Keep the nail clean

After trimming the nail, it is important to keep it clean to prevent any risk of infection. Use a mild antibacterial Use soap to wash your feet or hands and dry them thoroughly. Apart from trying to treat your ingrown nail, daily nail care is very important.

Read here how to care for your nails in 6 steps..

Step 4: Cover the nails 

Next, it is important the to cover nails with a wound dressing and/or gauze compress. You can combine this with antibacterial agents, so that you once again minimize the risk of infection. Cover this nail and ensure that you repeatedly change the dressing and gauze compress.

Step 5: Wear comfortable shoes

Wear shoes that are not too tight, as this can contribute to ingrown nails. Therefore, choose shoes that fit well and offer enough room for your toes to move..

Moreover, it is also a good excuse to walk around in comfortable sneakers more often!

Step 6: Consult a professional (if necessary)

If the ingrown nail is severe, persistent, or becomes infected, we recommend consulting a pedicurist or a general practitioner. There are many options that can help treat an ingrown nail (for example, fitting a nail brace).

However, you cannot resolve the problem yourself, and it is up to a professional (specialized in your specific problem) to make a judgment on this.

Prevention is better than cure

Hopefully, you find the steps above useful and will soon be able to treat an ingrown nail yourself. However, prevention is always better than cure, therefore it is wise to to learn more about this. Also, do not walk around with an ingrown toenail for too long and consult a professional if you have any doubts.