Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns. As per your complain ingrown toenail is a condition in which there is overgrowth of the toenails edges towards the soft skin inwards leading to inflammation and severe pain and swelling in the area.. It is generally seen in individuals with bigger toenails as well as it can also occur if you wear tight shoes or you do not trim the nails properly.. You might been advised creams with combination of medications like antibiotic and antifungal creams along with steroid cream to relieve pain and swelling.. As it has now relieved you still need to take proper precautions to prevent its recurrence as it might tend to happen again.. You should soak your feet in warm water and when the nail ad skin become soft gently raise the nail at the corners outwards and trim gently. let then It will prevent nail from growing inwards.. You can also wear proper fitting shoes.. Trim your nails as soon as they grow sufficiently and do not let them grow very long.. You can also soak your feet in Epson salt solution.. At times in cases in which the medical or conservative treatment fails you can be advised to go for surgical treatment like Matrixectomy.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..