An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of the toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This will cause swelling, redness, and pain. The condition is common in both men and women. The big toe is most likely to be affected.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
- Wearing shoes that are very tight
- You might have cut your toenails too short
- An injury to the toenail can cause ingrowth
It is very important to treat ingrown toenails to prevent infection. Here are some home remedies to treat ingrown toenails. However, we recommend consulting with your doctor first.
Treating Ingrown Toenails
- Soak the affected foot in warm soapy water. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. You can add Epsom salt to the water. This will provide relief from the pain.
- Wear comfortable socks and shoes: Do not wear very tight socks and shoes. This is the main cause of ingrown toenails. Make sure you wear hosiery socks that leave space in the toe bed. If you suffer from ingrown toenails, avoid wearing shoes and wear sandals instead.
- Wash the affected foot with Castile soap. Wash the foot twice a day with soap and water and use Castile soap as it has natural and pure ingredients. Make sure you pat dry the foot after washing.
- Apple cider vinegar: This is a natural treatment for an ingrown toenail. Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to warm water and soak the foot. Pat dry after soaking.
- Placing dental floss under the nail: Placing dental floss under the ingrown nail will help to shift the nail to grow in the right direction. Try to lift the corner of the nail that is digging into the skin.
- Avoid high heels. These provide pressure on the affected area and can worsen the situation.
- Essential oils such as tea tree oil, clove oil or rosemary oil are very useful in reducing pain and inflammation. Make sure that you mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil first.
