The things you can do to help your ingrown toenail before seeing a doctor are simple. Begin your day with getting a dish big enough to fit your foot. Pour warm water in it and place the affected side under the water. You may add salt to the mix to reduce any inflammation. Hold the foot under the water in fifteen minute intervals and do this about three times a day.
To relieve any pain at the site of the nail, use a small piece of wet cotton to raise that corner of the nail. Make sure to replace the cotton at least once a day. Infection risk is high at the site of the ingrown nail so keeping the area clean is essential.
Other things to avoid doing to prevent infection is bothering the nail with any instruments or objects that are sharp. The healing process needs to be given time; interfering with the ingrown toenail may make the pain and discomfort worse.