Remedies for Ingrown Toenail
- Feb. 16, 2023
- Nail Care
Studies have it that around 20 percent of people have experienced ingrown toenails. This is because ingrown toenails are caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or that don’t allow your feet to breathe which is common among many people, both men and women. Other causes include cutting toenails too short, poor foot hygiene, toenail trauma, excessive sweating among others. Though ingrown toenails can happen to anyone irregardless of their age or gender, some people are more susceptible than others. People with diabetes or circulatory diseases should take extra care as lack of blood flow might lead to slow healing. Symptoms can include pain, redness and swelling of toe. This is due to the edge of your nail curving and growing into the surrounding skin.
Ingrown toenails can be treated at home in most cases using OTC medication or a few home remedies. But in some cases where the nail has also been infected and the pain is too severe, there might be need of seeing a doctor due to possibility of having a surgery. This happens when the toenail has broken into the flesh forming bacteria which can lead to serious fungal infections. This might also lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Professionals though warn against treating infected ingrown toenails at home. Lifting an infected ingrown toenail with a dental floss or cotton bud might introduce bacteria in the affected area causing further complications.
In this article we have a few safe and effective remedies you can try at home to treat your ingrown toenail.
Soak in warm, soapy water
Warm, soapy water will help ease the pain as well as reduce swelling. Therefore soak each foot for at least 20 minutes while massaging the skin at the side of the toenail to gently push it away from the nail . Do this 3 to 4 times a day until the condition improves. You may also add Epsom salt which will absorb into the skin and help soften and dissolve portions of the nail that has become embedded into the skin. Although, there is no scientific proof that Epsom salt helps in pain relief or healing.
Soak in Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to the antiseptic nature of apple cider vinegar, it has become a remedy to almost everything. It has anti- inflammatory and pain relieving properties to help ease the pain caused by ingrown toenails. Use a 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water in a basin to soak your foot for about 20 minutes daily. Also ensure you dry you feet thoroughly after the soak.
Use antiseptic ointment or cream
An antiseptic ointment or cream will promote healing an reduce further risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the infected part about three times daily. You could also use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline on the tender area. Also be sure to cover the toenail with a bandage after application.
Take OTC pain relievers
Over-the-counter medicine such as Acetaminophen might help relieve pain caused by ingrown toenails. Side effects are rare as long as you don’t exceed 10 tablets within 24 hours and don’t take the medicine with alcohol. Ibuprofen might also help in cases where there is both swelling and pain. All these OTC medicine should be takes as prescribed by the doctor or as instructed by the manufacturer.
Wear comfortable shoes and socks
As stated earlier, the most common cause of ingrown toenails is wearing of shoes that are too tight and that don’t allow your feet to breathe. Ensure you wear shoes and socks that fit but still leave some space in the toe bed. This is to prevent ingrown toenail from developing or even worsening. During the healing process, it is more advisable to wear sandals or go without shoes to avoid too much pressure on the infected toenail.
If there is no improvement within 2 to 3 days or if the condition worsens, be sure to seek medical attention.
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