Experts outline at-home steps to ease ingrown toenails as NHS says it's too busy to help

An NHS warning that staff are too busy to treat ingrown toenails in every case has prompted clinicians to share practical steps people can take at home. In the United Kingdom, ingrown toenails affect an estimated four million people, with about 10,000 new diagnoses each year, according to health professionals. The condition occurs when the nail grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain and swelling, and increasing the risk of infection as tissue becomes inflamed.

NHS England data show casualty departments treated about 3,800 ingrown toenail cases between November 2024 and March 2025. In response to crowding, officials urged patients with this condition to manage symptoms at home when possible and to seek care if symptoms worsen or signs of infection appear. Experts from Foot and Nail clinics say simple home steps can ease pain and prevent progression.

One widely endorsed home remedy involves gentle padding under the nail's edge. Marion Yau, of the Harley Medical Foot and Nail Clinic in London, recommends packing a tiny piece of cotton wool directly under the affected corner after applying antiseptic to reduce infection risk. Elevating the nail slightly relieves pressure and, with regular changes every few days, can help steer the nail away from the skin.

Another straightforward approach is soaking the toe in warm, salty water for 15 to 20 minutes daily. NHS podiatrist Kate Waldren says ordinary table salt cleans the area and helps kill bacteria, while the warmth softens skin to ease pressure from the nail.

Topical nail-softening drops can also help. Yau notes that products like Profoot Toenail Softening Drops soften the edge of the nail and surrounding dead skin tissue when used twice daily. Waldren cautions that responses vary and that if the skin is broken or swollen, chemical drops should be avoided; instead keep the area clean, dry and covered and seek a podiatrist.

For more protection, a silicone or gel-filled toe protector can reduce friction and shield the toe, though it should be used with care to avoid trapping bacteria. Waldren notes that toe caps can help, but improper use can worsen the condition. An example on the market is Superdrug’s Toe Gel Protector, priced around £2.89, which fits over the toe like a miniature sock.

Experts emphasize prevention: ill-fitting shoes contribute to the problem by pressing the nail into the skin. They advise wearing shoes with room for the toes and trimming nails straight across, leaving a couple of millimeters beyond the tip of the toe. Cutting nails in a circular shape should be avoided because a rounded edge can protrude into the skin as the nail grows.

People should monitor for signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth or pus, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with home care. In such cases, antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infection.