6 Effective Remedies For Ingrown Toenails

Also known as onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe. It happens when a sharp edge of the toenail digs into the skin at the side or at the end of the toe. Inflammation and pain is first experienced at the spot where the nail penetrates into the skin.

Afterward, the inflamed area may start to drain yellowish fluid. If you do not treat the ingrown toenail soon, it may develop an infection. If left untreated for a long time, it may also lead to abscess that needs a surgical treatment.

It May Also Occur Due to

Wearing tight shoes and shocks
Toenail injuries
Heredity factors, or
Weight gain and more pressure added to the toes.

Let’s Look at Some Ingrown Toe Nail Remedies using Natural Ingredients

Epsom Salt

Fill a tub with warm water and add Epsom salt to it. Soak your foot in the warm salty water for at least 30 minutes. This treatment is often prescribed by the doctors too. It will soften your skin and help to prevent infection. Using this remedy regularly will reduce the pain and will alleviate the problem gradually.

Anti inflammatory pills and over the counter medications help relieve the pain, but many claim that they may not provide total relief. Salt water also helps to kill the bacteria present in the nail.

Keep An Ingrown Toe Nail File

Thoroughly dry the nail after soaking it in warm water. Now you can easily use an ingrown toe nail file as the skin is softened by soaking. File down the ingrown nail gently. These files are designed to clean the area under the nail.

Also Read

Ingrown Toenail Treatment
How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Toenails

Onion

Apply a slice of onion on the affected toenail. Cover the nail with a bandage and let it sit overnight. Onion is believed to have healing properties.

Lemon

Similarly you can also apply a slice of lemon onto the affected nail. Cover it with bandage and allow it to stay overnight.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is very helpful to prevent infection. Use any liquid soap to wash the affected foot. Never use any soap bar for cleaning. Then soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply onto the affected toenail. Do this remedy at least three to four times a day.

Betadine Solution

Soak your toe in betadine solution for at least 20 minutes once daily. Practice this remedy continuously for three days or till the soreness is gone. After soaking, dry the area and apply some anti-biotic cream. Then cover it with a bandage.

Tips To Avoid Ingrown Toenails

The first and foremost rule to avoid ingrown nails is cleanliness. Always keep your nails dry and clean. Trim your nails in such a manner that its edges do not remain sharp, and it is necessary to trim them regularly.

Wear loose footwear. If you can, avoid shoe completely when your toenail is healing. This will eliminate any pressure from pushing against the toe. Put a piece of cotton ball in between your skin and the affected nail. Keep it for few days to keep pressure off the toe. Remove the cotton as the toenail starts growing away from the toe.