HOW TO HEAL INGROW TOENAILS

Note: Do not self-treat this condition at home if you suffer from conditions like diabetes, poor blood circulation to your foot, or nerve damage in your leg or foot.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a common problem. When the corner or side edge of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the nearby skin, it causes a lot of discomfort. It is most common in toenails but, in rare instances, fingernails can also become ingrown.

 Causes of ingrown toenails include wearing tight-fitting shoes, improper trimming of nails, a nail injury and having unusually curved toenails. 

People suffering from diabetes or other health problems that cause poor blood circulation to the feet are at a higher risk of developing this painful nail problem.

Some symptoms include persistent pain, redness and swelling. If left untreated, onychocryptosis can soon lead to infection.

Signs of infection include redness and swelling around the nail, drainage of pus and watery discharge tinged with blood.

It is easy to take care of an ingrown nail at home, if caught early. However, if you notice signs of infection, get it checked by a doctor, or else it may may spread and cause complications.

 Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of ingrown toenails.

1. Warm Water Soak

When suffering from ingrown toenails, warm water foot soaks a few times a day can help a great deal in relieving the swelling, pain and tenderness caused by this problem.

1. Fill a small foot tub with warm water.
2. Soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Do this 3 to 4 times a day to get relief.

2. Cotton Wedge under the Nail

After a warm water soak, you can place a cotton wedge under your affected toenail to help it grow above the skin. This will even relieve pain and speed up the healing process.

1. Soak your feet in warm water, then dry them thoroughly.
2. Carefully lift the affected nail with a blunt pair of tweezers.
3. Place a small rolled piece of cotton between your nail and the skin.
4. Replace the cotton every time you soak your feet to prevent infection.

Note: Initially, you may experience some pain, but it will lessen quickly. Avoid pushing the cotton roll farther than the swollen skin allows.

3. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, scientifically known as magnesium sulphate, is effective for treating ingrown toenails.

 It helps soften the skin around the affected area, which makes it easy to draw out the ingrown nail. It also helps bring down the inflammation.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
2. Soak your feet in this solution for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from water and dry your feet thoroughly.
4. Repeat this remedy 3 or 4 times a week.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also helpful for ingrown toenails. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nature can help relieve the symptoms. Plus, its mild acidic nature prevents infection.

Follow either of these remedies 2 or 3 times daily until you are satisfied with the result.

• Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and warm water in a small foot tub. Soak the affected toenail in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes. When done, dry your toenail thoroughly.
• Another option is to soak a cotton ball in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and place it on the affected area. Cover it with a bandage for a couple of hours, then remove it.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that helps reduce the risk of infection and relieve pain and inflammation caused by an ingrown toenail.

1. Mix approximately ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small tub of warm water.
2. Soak the affected toenail in this solution for 20 minutes.
3. Do this once or twice daily.

6. Turmeric

You can also use turmeric to get rid of ingrown toenail discomforts, such as pain, swelling and inflammation.

The compound curcumin in turmeric has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ability.

• Make a paste of ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little mustard oil. Smear the paste all over the affected toe and cover it with a bandage. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily for several days.
• Alternatively, apply antibiotic cream containing curcumin on the tender area and bandage the toe. Reapply 2 or 3 times daily.
• Also, boil 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk. Drink it twice daily to reduce pain and speed up the healing process.