8 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ingrown Toenail Pain
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition where the edge of the toenail grows into the skin rather than over the skin of the foot. Generally, the thumb toe or the big toe gets affected as they have a thick nail. It is a common condition but people who have poor blood circulation, diabetes, or sweat excessively are more prone to it. However, it is self-diagnosable and can be cured through various home remedies.
Causes and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail
Causes
It can be caused due to any underlying reason:
Trimming the toenail too short or in an improper manner.
Injuring the toenail by stubbing your toe or by dropping something heavy.
Repeatedly wearing tight-fitting shoes.
Neglecting foot hygiene such as keeping the feet clean and dry.
A hereditary or a congenital condition.
Symptoms
An ingrown toenail can cause redness and swelling which can get worse if not treated at an early stage. Symptoms which help in early diagnosis include:
Redness of the skin around the nail.
Experiencing pain in the toe while running or walking.
Infection of tissue around the toenail.
The skin near the nail becomes tender and swollen.
Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenail Pain
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt helps to relieve pain related to inflammation and promotes healing. It also contains a good amount of magnesium which helps in reducing the pain and swelling as well.
To use Epsom salt effectively a foot soak should be prepared, for making this foot soak add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water and soak your legs in it for 15 minutes daily. This will help to soften the skin and the nail which then can be easily removed. Remember to immediately dry your feet after the soak.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple Cider Vinegar is said to have antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria and reduce the chances of further infection. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the inflammation and pain.
To use it as a foot soak dilute one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar in a tub of warm water and soak your foot in it daily for up to 20 minutes.
Another method to use it is to dip a cotton ball in a diluted apple cider vinegar solution and apply it daily on the affected area for 10 minutes.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils are said to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which can be beneficial in treating the ingrown toenail pain.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil includes strong antifungal and antiseptic properties which have been proved helpful to reduce the bacterial and the fungal infection ( 1 ).
Dilute the tea tree oil by mixing it with a carrier oil to apply to the affected area, now dip the cotton ball in the solution and apply the cotton...
