Mild cases (Stage 1) may improve with home treatment. But if no improvement within a week or pus is present — see a doctor.
Home Treatment:
- Foot soaking: Warm water + 2 tablespoons salt — 15-20 minutes twice daily. Softens skin and reduces swelling.
- Cotton technique: After soaking — place a very small piece of cotton under the ingrown nail edge. Lifts the nail from the skin.
- Antibiotic ointment: Fusidic acid or Mupirocin — thin layer twice daily.
- Painkiller: Ibuprofen — relieves both pain and swelling.
- Wide shoes: Or open sandals — no pressure on the toe.
What Not to Do:
- Don't dig the nail: With needle or scissors — causes severe infection.
- Don't cut the corner more: Worsens the problem — the more you cut, the more it digs in.
- Don't use burn creams: Ineffective and irritate the skin.
See a Doctor If:
- Pus or foul smell.
- Redness spreading to the whole toe.
- Diabetic patient — don't treat at home.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we welcome all cases — from mild to severe.