Do not try to cut out the nail deeply yourself if you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or signs of infection
Wash your hands and the affected foot with soap and warm water
Soak the foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day
Dry the foot completely after soaking
Gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail with clean dental floss or a small piece of clean cotton
Place a tiny bit of cotton or floss under the nail edge to help it grow above the skin
Change the cotton or floss daily
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if the skin is broken
Cover the toe with a clean bandage
Wear roomy shoes or open-toed footwear
Trim toenails straight across and not too short
Do not dig into the corners of the nail
Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed and if safe for you
Seek medical care if there is pus, spreading redness, severe pain, fever, or no improvement within a few days
Seek medical care if the ingrown nail keeps coming back or is very painful