‘Ingrown toenails’ is a condition, which is common in all age groups. This is caused due to sideways growth of toenail edges into the skin. This hurts the skin and causes discomfort like pain, redness, and swelling of the toe. It also results in thickening of the skin, where the nail has grown inside it. Digging ingrown toenails is very painful.
Moreover, they can be easily affected by fungi and bacteria, which can cause irritation. It leads to deeper tissue infection, localized nail infection and scarring of the skin. People wearing tight shoes, or having poor hygiene of the foot, long toes, short nails, any injury in the toenails, diabetes, abnormal nail growth, excess foot sweating, etc are prone to ingrown-toenails.
Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to bone infection. If you have diabetes, this can worsen the blood circulation to the feet. If infection is severe, you may need to undergo a surgery to prevent death and decay of tissues. You can treat this condition by using several home remedies as mentioned below.
Various Remedies For Ingrown Toenails
Epsom Salt Dip
Take a bucket of lukewarm water and add Epsom salt generously to it. Dip your leg into it for about 30 minutes at least two times a day. This will not only soften the toenails, but will protect ingrown toenails from infections as well. Adding dried parsley powder can be more beneficial. Parsley is a natural coolant. In addition, keeping the toenails clean is vital.
Proper Trimming
Trimming your toenails correctly is very important to prevent ingrown toenails. Cutting the edges of toenails sharp and straight will inhibit them from growing into the skin. Avoid curving of toenails at the edges. Cut the nail straight to restrain the ingrown toenail.
People cut toenails in curved shape for beauty purpose, but it will cause more problems. Therefore, it is advisable to cut them straight and use sharp clippers. Make the corners of the nails smooth using a nail file. This will lessen pain in the skin.
Applying Antiseptics
Apply antiseptics like neem oil or apple cider vinegar to avoid infection of the nail. They have strong antimicrobial properties, which will prevent nail and skin infections. They also help to soften hard nails. Cover the nail with a bandage to prevent further infection.
Raised Toenails
Keep the toenails raised, using a dental floss or a piece of cotton. This can help in growing the curved or rounded off toenails straight. In addition, it will help the toenails from getting into the skin again. Use a tweezer to hold the cotton by the corner of the toenail.
Push it under the corner of the ingrown toenail without hurting yourself. The cotton should not be big making it stick out from the toenail at the same time ensure that it is not too small either. Often keep checking that the cotton is in place and replace with another piece of cotton if it falls out.
Wearing Perfect Shoes
Ingrown toenails problem can turn worse by wearing tight shoes that press against the flesh harder. So wear shoes, which have more room for your toe. Try wearing sandals, which are open. Also, avoid wearing socks, which can cause pain to toenails.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
