Warm water, apple cider vinegar, dental floss, anti-biotic ointment, tea tree oil, epsom salt, coconut oil, garlic, lemon juice, baking soda, turmeric, 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide and peppermint oil are some of the home remedies for ingrown toenail.
An ingrown toenail is very common in men and women. It is caused when the edge of your toenail curves and grows inward into the skin surrounding your toe. It can be caused by incorrect cutting of nails, wearing tight shoes, poor feet hygiene, sweaty feet and toenail injury. An ingrown toenail is extremely discomforting and painful, accompanied by inflammation and carries the risk of infection. However, it is easily treatable and requires surgery and medical attention only in extreme cases.
Here are 13 easy home remedies for getting rid of ingrown toenails easily
13 Remedies to Treat ingrown Toenail at Home
Warm water
Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with soap, especially Castile soap, for 20 minutes will reduce swelling and redness and soothe the skin and eventually soften the skin around the ingrown toenail and help in removing it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Use a cotton ball and apply apple cider vinegar to infected area around the ingrown toenail.
Its anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial properties can prevent the ingrown toenail from bacterial or fungal infections and reduce pain. Applying this daily will help us get rid of the ingrown toenail.
Dental Floss
Dental floss contains menthol, eucalyptol, and thymol which have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apply dental floss under the ingrown edge. Then slowly try to uplift the nail digging into the skin. Use a non flavoured dental floss, because a flavoured one may cause a burning sensation. Applying this daily will treat the ingrown toenail.
Anti-biotic ointment
Any basic anti-biotic ointment application on the ingrown toenail will protect it from the risk of developing an infection and prevent the formation of pus. Apply it daily and bandage the affected area after application.
Tea tree oil
Apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil mixed with coconut or olive and apply the mixture directly to the ingrown nail. You should do this twice daily.Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for ingrown toenail because it is a powerful antiseptic. It will prevent further infection of the ingrown toenail. Antibacterial and antifungal properties will prevent infection and fungal growth.
Epsom Salt
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with warm water and soak your legs in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Doing this daily will help you get rid of the ingrown toenail. Epsom salt has high magnesium content. It reduces inflammation and provides relief from the pain, redness and swelling in the affected area.
Coconut Oil
Apply a large amount of virgin coconut oil to the ingrown toenail and the skin surrounding it.
You should apply coconut oil twice daily. Coconut oil provides a great range of medical benefits. Medium-chain fatty acids like lauric and caprylic acid present in the coconut oil contain anti-fungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties which help in getting rid of the ingrown toenail. Applying coconut oil also soothes the skin, moisturizes the area and reduces pain caused due to the toenail.
Garlic
Garlic is an effective and easy remedy for an ingrown toenail. You need to use 2-3 cloves of crushed garlicand apply it on and around the infected toenail. Then cover it using bandage or sanitary gauze around the ingrown toenail. Leave it on overnight.Garlic contains allicin which contains antimicrobial properties. This prevents infection. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory property reduces swelling around the ingrown toenail.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice promotes hydration and is rich in Vitamin C which will help in the remedy of an ingrown toenail. Use 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply it to the ingrown toenail. Then cover it with a clean bandage and leave it on overnight. The acidic nature of lemon juice prevents bacterial growth and fungal infections. Applying this daily hydrates the skin and provides relief from pain caused by the ingrown toenail.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its soothing effect on pain and can provide relief from the discomfort caused by an ingrown toenail. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with water and make a paste of thick consistency. Clean the affected area, apply this paste, cover with a bandage and leave it overnight. Baking soda has antiseptic and sanitizing properties which prevent infection. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties stop the growth of bacteria and fungi around the infected toenail.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains bioactive compounds which have strong medicinal properties. As an anti-inflammatory agent and a pain reliever it can provide easy remedy from the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Make a thick paste with turmeric and water and apply it to the affected area. Daily application will provide effective treatment for an ingrown toenail. Its anti-bacterial properties also help to keep the area free from infection.
3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide has mild antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Soak your feet in a bucket of warm water after pouring half a cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution in it. Its disinfectant properties help to prevent bacterial infection. It works by releasing oxygen on the affected area which will keep the affected area free from fungal growth.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is well known for pain relief and anti-microbial properties. It can be used as a remedy for ingrown toenail by pouring a few drops of the peppermint oil on the affected area. Applying peppermint oil will soothe the affected area around the ingrown toenail.
Apart from these remedies, it is important to wear comfortable footwear and keep your feet dry except for when you’re using one of the treatments suggested above. Maintaining a high level if hygiene is also important. If there is no recovery even after 8 weeks you should consult a doctor and consider prescribed medication or surgical procedure to remove the ingrown toenail.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355908
https://www.healthline.com/health/ingrown-toenail-remedies
