Ill-fitting shoes are a leading cause of ingrown nails. Make sure that you can curl your toes inside your shoes. If you experience an ingrown nail after wearing your shoes over a period of time, it may be a sign that you are growing out of them or that they are not the ideal shape for your foot.

Put waxed dental floss or a piece of cotton between the toe and the inflamed skin to help with healing and to reroute the growth of the nail. This will be much easier if done immediately after you've soaked the toe as the nail will be significantly more pliable. Additionally, you can soak the cotton in tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties that will help prevent infection. Be sure to change out your cotton or floss for a new piece often, such as each time you soak.

Try trimming your nail differently. While it is common to trim your toenail into a rounded edge just like a fingernail, you can actually help prevent ingrown toenails by letting the nail grow out to the edge of your toe and cutting it straight across.

Chili powder will draw the infection out. Mix a little bit of chili powder with a drop or two of water and apply it to the area. You may need a band-aid to keep it from falling off. Leave it there for an hour or two while hanging out at home without shoes. You'll be shocked at how well this works!