Ingrown toenail is an infection that affects the nails. In this condition, sharp edges of skin grow into the edges that cause pain and discomfort. If ingrown toenail is not treated, it can cause further complications. Diabetic patients should not treat the nails themselves. Wearing tight fitting shoes, improper maintenance of toenail, trimming the nails incorrectly etc. are some of the causes related to ingrown toenail.
Ingrown toenail is also called as Onychocyrptosis. Redness, tenderness, hardness and swelling are some of the symptoms associated with ingrown toenail. Natural cures can be used for the treatment of ingrown toenail. These cures are easy to use and have been found to be effective. If ingrown toenail causes infections, one should visit the doctor.
Natural Cures For Ingrown Toenail
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is beneficial for the patients suffering from ingrown toenail. Take warm water and add one to two teaspoons of Epsom salt in it. Soak the toes for around five to ten minutes. Using this natural cure one to two times on a daily basis is recommended.
This remedy provides relief from soreness and other symptoms associated with ingrown toenail. Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties helpful for the treatment. Patients who are allergic to sulphur should not use Epsom salt.
Ointment & White Vinegar
An antibiotic ointment is useful for the treatment of ingrown toenail. Application of this antibiotic ointment is beneficial. One can apply bandage over the affected area. White vinegar is helpful for the patients suffering from ingrown toenail.
Take one cup of white vinegar and add it in one gallon of water. Soaking the affected toes in the solution would be beneficial.
Water
Water is helpful for the treatment of ingrown toenail. One can use warm water for the purpose. Soaking the affected feet in warm water for around fifteen to twenty minutes is beneficial. Continue using this remedy two to three times on a daily basis. This method would help in providing relief from tenderness and swelling associated with ingrown toenail.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is beneficial for the patients suffering from ingrown toenail. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that are helpful for preventing this infection in the future. It can be used for topical medication.
The oil can be rubbed gently over the affected area. One can cover the affected area with white socks. Do not use colored socks as it may cause irritation of the inflamed skin.
Lemon & Calendula
Lemon is helpful for the treatment of ingrown toenail. Take a piece of lemon and cover it with gauze. Keep as such for overnight and then place one piece of cotton between the skin and the nail. Changing it on a daily basis would be beneficial. Calendula is a medicinal herb helpful for the patients suffering from ingrown toenail.
This remedy helps in reducing inflammation and pain associated with ingrown toenail. Calendula ointment is available in the market that can be applied over the affected area. Another method of using calendula is to take five drops of calendula herb and add in half cup of hot water. Soaking the toenails in this solution would help in providing relief from ingrown toenail.
Antibacterial Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide
An antibacterial soap can be helpful in the treatment of ingrown toenail. It can be used along with water. Washing the affected area four to five times on a daily basis is recommended. Hydrogen peroxide is beneficial for the patients suffering from ingrown toenail. The affected nails can be dipped in hydrogen peroxide three times on a daily basis. It is a good way of cleaning the sides of affected nails.
Foot Wears
Wearing sandals would help the patients suffering from ingrown toenail. Open air foot wears like sandals can be helpful. It is better if it is worn at home. It is not good to walk around in the city wearing sandals as the sides of the road may lead to bacterial infections. One can wear shoes in such cases. Wearing shoes would also help in preventing injuries. Do not wear tight shoes as it may cause problems.
Trimming Nails
Trimming the nails properly would help in preventing the problem of ingrown nails. One should also keep the nails clean and clear to avoid further infections.A nail scissor can be used for cutting the extra part of the skin.
One should have the habit of filing the nails after cutting them properly on a regular basis. Also, patients should take care of their nails well and the nails should be covered properly so that soil particles may not enter the nail. Soil can cause infections that may lead to further complications.
Onion & Salt Water
Onion is helpful for the treatment of ingrown nails. Take one piece of fresh onion and place it over the affected nail. Cover the nail using bandage and keep as such for overnight. This natural cure helps in healing the ingrown nails. Salt Water is beneficial for the patients suffering from ingrown nails. Take a water bath tub and add salt in it. Soak the feet in that water for around ten to fifteen minutes. Afterwards, one should cut the nails and apply bandage over it.
Painkiller
If ingrown toenails are associated with pain, one should use medicines that have anti-inflammatory effects. One should take pain killers that would provide relief from the pain associated with the ingrown toenail. But it is always better to consult the doctor before taking these painkillers. These medications include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Alcohol & Avoid Sweet Foods
Alcohol is helpful for the treatment of ingrown toenails. Application of alcohol would also help in softening the nails. After the nails get softened, one can pile the nails. It has been found to be one of the natural cures for treating ingrown toenails.
Patients suffering from ingrown toenails should not consume sweet foods. Consumption of sweets in huge amount can result in ingrown toenails. Sugar can cause weakening of cuticles of toes and can lead to ingrown toenails. One should avoid eating sweet foods.
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.
