What Are the Different Treatments Available for Ingrown Toenails, and How Do They Compare?

When you have an ingrown toenail, the first treatment option is usually conservative care. This involves soaking your foot in warm water, keeping the nail trimmed straight, and wearing comfortable shoes. Home care tends to work for mild cases but may not work if this is a recurrent problem. For cases that don't improve, doctors might use a chemical treatment called phenolization. This helps prevent the nail from growing back into the skin after a small part of the nail is removed. The chemical treatment can have a longer recovery time and might be a bit more uncomfortable than simple home care, but it is more likely to prevent the issue from recurring. In more severe or recurring cases, surgical treatments are considered. This may involve a minor surgical procedure where the doctor removes part of the nail and sometimes a little of the tissue that causes the nail to grow inward. Surgery is done with local anesthesia, so it is generally not painful during the procedure. However, healing can take a few days to several weeks and might include some pain and discomfort during recovery. Each treatment is chosen based on how severe the condition is and how often it comes back.