If you have an ingrown toenail, then there are quite a few different home remedies that you can try before consulting a doctor, such as:

Salt Water Soaking

One of the most basic solutions is simply to soak the afflicted foot in a warm salt water bath for a few minutes, several times a day. This will do a good job at reducing the swelling caused by the ingrown toenail and making you a lot more comfortable.

This treatment is mostly meant to counteract the symptoms of an ingrown toenail, rather than to actually correct the base problem. Nevertheless, combining a salt water soaking with another solution may be the ticket to a cure.

Gradually Adjust Your Skin

Most of the pain and complications of an ingrown toenail stem from the position of the toenail relative to the surround skin. If you can move the skin out of the way, then the toenail might correct itself over time without causing you additional pain. With a blunt instrument, try to gradually move the skin of your toe so that the toenail isn't digging into it.

You might want to take some painkillers before doing this, but make sure not to overdo it. if you take too many painkillers then you can end up doing some serious damage to your foot without realizing it. The last thing you want is to instantly feel a ton of pain as soon as the painkillers wear off.

Change Your Shoes

If you want to alleviate the pain of an ingrown toenail, then switching to more comfortable shoes is a good first step. You want shoes that give your toe room to relax, since a cramped space will just exacerbate the pain. Sandals are a good choice, but you might not be comfortable with people seeing your affliction. Just make sure that you pick wide shoes with a lot of room for your toes, and you should notice a difference pretty quickly.

Watch for Infection

The biggest health concern of an ingrown toenail is that it can develop into an infection fairly easily. You should always be vigilant about such things, paying particular attention to how your toe looks and smells. If you suspect an infection at all, then you should consult a doctor and get your foot looked at. Infections are no joke and, in the worst of cases, can even result in toes that need to be amputated. Contact a business, such as Lincoln Park Podiatry, for more information.