Soak the toe in warm water for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day
Keep the toe clean and dry between soaks
Wear roomy shoes or open-toe footwear
Avoid tight socks and pressure on the toe
Gently lift the nail edge with clean dental floss or cotton if it is not too painful
Trim toenails straight across, not too short
Do not cut into the corners of the nail
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if the skin is broken
Use a bandage to protect the toe if needed
Take over-the-counter pain relief if safe for you
Do not dig into the nail or cut the ingrown edge yourself
See a doctor if there is pus, spreading redness, severe pain, fever, or repeated ingrown nails
See a doctor if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system