Are you suffering from an ingrown toenail and seek ways to get rid of it?

If you have, then you must know that it is a very painful disease whereby nails grow on one or both sides of the nail bed and ends up cutting bed. The result is the growth of extra tissue on a toe coupled with the discharge of yellow fluid.

This disease is also known as Onychogryphosis and it is quite prevalent among people who wear closed shoes for a long time.

Causes of an ingrown toenail:

  • Poorly fitting shoes
  • Excess sweating of the feet
  • Injury or cutting nails too short or damaging the nails
  • Fungal or bacterial infection
  • Diabetes
  • Genetic conditions
  • Abnormally shaped nail beds
  • Improper hygiene

Symptoms:

  • Pain and inflammation along the margin of the nail
  • Discharge of yellow fluid coupled with the watery discharge with blood
  • Pain while wearing shoes or redness of the toenail
  • In serious cases, a fever may occur

Well, let’s turn to the solutions and we have quite a number for you!

In fact, we compiled some of the best home remedies that will help you get rid of an ingrown toenail.

1. Magnesium Sulphate /Epsom Salt

The Epsom salt works by softening the skin on the affected area hence making it easier to remove the toenail from the skin.

You will need:

  • Epsom salt
  • Warm water

Directions:

  • Add the salt to the water
  • Soak the foot for about 18-20 minutes.
  • For better results, repeat this two times a day.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

It is known to be a good disinfectant and will help the skin around the nail to get soft and prevent further infection.

Requirements:

Directions:

  • Add the Hydrogen Peroxide to the water.
  • Soak the foot for 15-20 minutes

You can also directly apply the Hydrogen Peroxide to the nail using a cotton ball, but this is discouraged as it may cause the healthy skin tissue to rupture.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

It is an infallible treatment for many diseases and in this case ingrown toenails. The homemade recipe can be used in two ways; take a tablespoon of the Apple Cider Vinegar orally by mixing it with honey.



The other option is to add a few tablespoons of water and soak the foot or directly applying the vinegar to the affected area.

4. Vids VapoRub

This is one of the best menthol-based ointment for ingrown toenails. It can be applied directly to the toenail to relieve pain and encourage fast healing.

5. White flower oil

This is a traditional Chinese healing oil made from several herbal oils. A few drops of it on the ingrown toenail will help in getting rid of the ailment.

6. Oregano essential oil

This oil is considered to be an antibacterial and antiseptic agent that quickly relieves pain. It can be mixed with olive oil and applied three times a day.

7. Antibacterial soap

Add a drop of antibacterial soap to warm water and soak your foot in the mixture. Dry the foot, then place a piece of cotton under the ingrown toenail, apply an antibacterial ointment then wrap with a bandage.

8. Lemon

Cut a thin slice of lemon and tie it to the toe with a bandage. Leave it for the whole night to help in curing the infection.

How to cut an ingrown toenail

  • Soften the toenail by soaking it in warm water with Epsom or antibacterial soap for about 20 minutes.
  • Slowly push back the swollen skin with your fingers and cut the nails straight across, starting with the edges of the nail.
  • Apply a disinfectant such as Neosprine then bandage the toe. Do not wear closed footwear to allow proper aeration of the affected area.

Preventing ingrown toenails

  • Cut the toenails straight across and use a pumice stone to avoid the formation of hard skin.
  • Maintain good foot hygiene by washing feet thoroughly and drying them well.
  • Wear comfortable footwear or in other words, go for well-fitting shoes and cotton quality socks.

Try these remedies for an ingrown toenail and see which one is the most effective in helping you get rid of it!

References:

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