I have had ingrown toenails on both big toes for 6 months now. really getting painful. what is te best way to remove ingrown toenails?

A podiatrist: By this time, you probably need a professional to help. Early in the process there are over the counter aids that might work. You really don't want to damage your feet - they will carry you through life for a very long time if you are fortunate - so, see a pro. Ask questions too. Treatment is likely to be successful and you will stop the pain and learn how to handle it in the future.

Podiatrist: It is extremely difficult to dig out your own ingrown toenails, even if you know what to do and how to do it. It can be quite painful if you don't do it with local anesthetic, and unless you remove the ingrown part of the nail with a partial of full nail resection, this will be an ongoing and recurrent problem. You need to take the time to see a podiatrist and get this taken care of !

Removal...: ...Is the only permanent solution. Just the painful border can be removed, or the entire nail if necessary. After removal you can let the border grow out again, or your doctor can use a chemical to stop the nail from regrowing. If you're concerned, don't perform bathroom surgery on yourself. That can lead to an infected ingrown toenail, which could require antibiotics.

The procedure to: Remove an ingrown toenail is painless, fast & easy, with no disability or pain afterwards, and you can wear your regular shoes right away. There really is no reason to not bring your toe to a podiatrist and get out of pain. Resist any urge to mess with this yourself, as you'll almost always make things worse. Good luck!

See podiatrist: There is a procedure known as a matricectomy to have this done. Local anesthesia is required. The procedure is a quick 5-10 minute procedure. Your problem should be gone afterwards.....Forever.

See a professional: Leaving an ingrown nail untreated could lead to the development of an abscess and possible underlying bone infection. Get it taken care of by a professional to avoid preventable complications.