Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. Your big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail. Use a pair of tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it's ingrown. This helps to make a space between the nail and the skin. Cut the visible nail corner or the ingrown spur away to help relieve the pressure and pain. In some cases, you may need antibiotics along with warm soaks. If after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics the toenail doesn't get better or gets worse, part of the nail may need to be removed to drain the infection. With treatment, it can take 1 to 2 weeks to clear up completely.