An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. Mild cases can often be managed at home, but certain warning signs mean it's time to see a podiatrist.
How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home (and When to See a Podiatrist)
Husein Alzurifi
· 4 min read
Medically reviewed by Husein Alzurifi, Podiatrist & Clinic Director on 1 August 2026
Key takeaways
- Soak the toe in warm water 2-3 times a day and keep it clean and dry between soaks.
- Never try to dig out the ingrown edge yourself — this often makes it worse.
- See a podiatrist if you notice redness, swelling, pus, or if you have diabetes.
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