Use Ointment or Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected toenail to accelerate healing and reduce the chances of infection. Make sure to follow usage instructions on the ointment you purchase. Apply the ointment up to three times a day and bandage the area after application. Neosporin and Bactroban are good ointments you can purchase from pharmacies near you.
Over-the-counter pain relievers will not help you fix your ingrown toenail but they can help you manage the discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce the pain of ingrown toenails without any noticeable side effect.
Ibuprofen is often a better alternative if the ingrown nail presents with swelling. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help relieve both pain and inflammation. Adhere to the instructions on the drugs when you buy them. Don’t overuse painkillers.