Experts outline at-home steps to relieve ingrown toenails as NHS cautions overburdened A&Es

London — The NHS says it is too busy to handle all ingrown toenail cases at A&E, prompting guidance that people can manage many cases at home. In the United Kingdom, ingrown toenails affect up to four million people and about 10,000 cases are diagnosed each year. The condition occurs when the nail grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain and swelling. As tissue becomes inflamed, it increases the risk of bacterial infection that may require antibiotics.

NHS England figures show casualty departments handled about 3,800 ingrown toenail cases between November 2024 and March 2025. Earlier this month, health officials accused patients with the foot problem of clogging busy A&Es and urged self-care as a first step.

Beyond official guidance, several podiatrists say there are practical steps people can safely try at home to ease pain and reduce the chance of infection. Marion Yau, a podiatrist at the Harley Medical Foot and Nail Clinic in London, describes a DIY cotton wool fix: packing a tiny piece of cotton wool directly under the affected corner of the nail to lift it slightly away from the skin. She says applying a little antiseptic spray to the cotton before insertion can help reduce infection, and the cotton should be changed every few days with the aim of guiding the nail to stop growing into the skin.

Another commonly recommended measure is soaking the affected toe in a bowl of warm, salty water for 15 to 20 minutes daily. NHS podiatrist Kate Waldren from Middlesbrough says the salt helps clean the area and can kill bacteria, while the warmth softens the skin and reduces the pressure from the nail.

Drops that soften both skin and nail can provide relief, Yau says. The drops increase elasticity in the nail edge and the surrounding dead skin. The drops are applied to the edge of the nail twice daily with a swab. One popular brand is Profoot Toenail Softening Drops, which costs about £11.99 at Boots. Waldren cautions that some people find the drops helpful while others do not, and if the skin is broken or swollen at the side of the nail, chemicals should not be used; instead, keep the area clean, dry and covered and seek a podiatrist.

Toe protectors made of silicone or gel can reduce friction and prevent further trauma to the affected toe. Superdrug's Toe Gel Protector, priced at £2.89, slides over the toe like a tiny sock. Practitioners caution that toe caps can be breeding grounds for bacteria if not kept clean, and they should be used with care; if irritation persists, seek a professional evaluation.

Prevention remains central. Ill-fitting shoes are a major trigger because they press the nail into the skin as it grows. Experts say to choose comfortable footwear with room for the toes, and to adjust nail-trimming habits. Nails should be left a couple of millimetres beyond the tip and trimmed straight across rather than rounded at the edges; trimming too short or in a circular shape can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

While home care can help many, authorities say signs of infection or worsening pain warrant professional assessment. If redness extends, warmth or swelling increases, or pus appears, people should seek a podiatrist or physician, as antibiotics may be required in some cases. Those with diabetes or compromised circulation should seek prompt medical advice rather than attempting home remedies alone.