Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

When the sharp edge of the toenail grows into the skin lining the periphery of the nail, it can cause severe pain, swelling and infection, and lead to ingrown toenails. Treating an ingrown toenail depends on the severity of the condition. Visit a doctor if the wound is oozing blood or has a watery discharge. Caught at an early stage, further aggravation can be arrested with some easy home remedies.

Home Remedies

For ingrown toenail relief, soak the afflicted toe for about 10 minutes in a basin of warm water with Epsom salts. Dry the foot thoroughly and apply an antiseptic cream like Neosporin to prevent infection. A loose bandage can then be tied to the toe.
Also, soaking the toe in an astringent solution or using a combination anti-inflammatory/antibacterial soak can greatly reduce the infection. Placing a small strip of cotton wool between the nail edge and the broken skin ensures that the nail does not dig into the skin to cause further damage. This process can be continued until the nail begins growing over the skin.

Unconventional Therapies

Using an adhesive bandage to pull away the nail from the nail bed can decrease the pressure and aid the drying of the wound. Other typically simple remedies involve using natural items like lemons or onions to soften the affected nail area. Wedging a thin slice of lemon between the nail and skin and bandaging it with medical tape makes it easier to free the nail from the skin. Bandaging a slice of onion over the affected toe and leaving it overnight will also have the same effect.

Preventive Measures

Cut toenails straight across to prevent recurring ingrown toenails. File the corners of the nail so that there are no sharp edges which might dig into the skin. Do not cut nails too short. Also, avoid wearing very tight socks, hose or shoes as this puts pressure on the toenails. Ideally, shoes should be broad at the toes so that they are comfortable to wear. Wearing open-toed sandals will help clear up the infection faster and also prevent the formation of ingrown toenails.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that ingrown toenails are caused by a nail that is too big. Cutting out a wedge from the center of the ingrown toenail will not help in treating the wound nor prevent its formation. On the contrary, patients may injure themselves and the problem may be aggravated.

Considerations

People who are diabetic or those who have any condition which affects blood circulation, should avoid treating ingrown toenails themselves. Home remedies are ineffective as your wounds typically take longer to heal. Furthermore, if the wounds are not treated properly, it may lead to complications. Consult a podiatrist for proper medical care if you suffer from ingrown toenails and have diabetes or any blood circulation problems.