What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
When the corners of your toenail grow into the skin right next to it, it results in an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are common among males and females alike. However, those with sweaty feet, like most teenagers, are more prone to developing them. The most common causes of ingrown toenails are listed below.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Incorrect cutting of toenails Irregular nails Wearing footwear that places too much pressure on your toenails Toenail injuries Poor foot hygiene Genetic factors
Let us now look at the symptoms associated with ingrown toenails.
Symptoms Of Ingrown toenails
The symptoms of ingrown toenails vary and can be mild to severe, depending on their stage. The early symptoms include:
Skin turns tender around the ingrown nail Pain upon pressing the nail Build-up of fluid around the nail
Your ingrown toenails may also become infected and exhibit the following symptoms:
Bleeding Pus oozing out from the skin surrounding the ingrown nail Skin overgrowth around your toe
Ingrown toenails can worsen with time and hence need to be treated soon. If you are looking for natural cures for the pain, we’ve got you covered. Given below is a list of solutions that can help relieve the pain.
Home Remedies To Relieve Ingrown Toenail Pain
How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Toenail Pain Naturally
Note: Make sure you clean the affected toe with an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antifungal cleanser before using any of the home remedies mentioned below. To sterilize and soothe the pain, you can apply warm water to the toenail.
1. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Essential Oil
2-3 drops of tea tree oil Coconut or olive oil (optional)
Do this twice daily. Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and can help in preventing further infection of the ingrown toenail. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on the infected toenail (1), (2). 2-3 drops of peppermint oil You can do this twice daily. The menthol in peppermint oil helps in soothing the pain, and its strong antimicrobial properties protect the toenail from further infection (3).
2. Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda A few drops of water Bandage or sanitary gauze
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. Baking soda has natural antiseptic and sanitizing properties that keep your toenail infection-free. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the infected toenail (4), (5).
3. Epsom Salt
1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt Warm water
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Epsom salt has high magnesium content that helps fight inflammation and provides relief from the pain and swelling in the affected area (6).
4. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil Take a generous amount of virgin coconut oil and apply it to the ingrown toenail and the skin surrounding it. Apply coconut oil twice daily. Coconut oil has a wide range of medicinal benefits due to the presence of certain medium-chain fatty acids like lauric and caprylic acid. These fatty acids impart antifungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties to coconut oil, which can help in getting rid of the ingrown toenail and the pain (7), (8).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar Cotton balls
You must follow this procedure twice daily. Apple cider vinegar can be your best bet to get rid of ingrown toenails. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the pain and inflammation, and its antimicrobial properties can protect the ingrown toenail from bacterial or fungal infections (9).
6. Garlic
2-3 cloves of crushed garlic Bandage or sanitary gauze
You must do this once daily before going to bed. Garlic contains a component called allicin that exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can protect the ingrown toenail from further infection and damage. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in speeding up the recovery (10), (11).
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide Warm water
Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that is commonly used to clean wounds to prevent infection. This is because it is antibacterial and antifungal in nature. Given these activities, hydrogen peroxide may be a great option for the treatment of ingrown nails (12), (13). [ Read: 7 Simple Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Acne ]
8. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric Water
You can do this 2 to 3 times a day. Turmeric contains curcumin that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These healing and soothing properties can be helpful in getting rid of an ingrown toenail and the pain (14), (15).
9. Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice A bandage or sanitary gauze
You must do this once daily, preferably before going to bed. The acidic nature of lemons can be quite effective in combating the growth of bacteria on an ingrown toenail (16). Lemons also possess mild antifungal properties that can provide protection from fungal infections as well (17).
10. Onion
Sliced onions A sanitary gauze or bandage
You must do this once daily before going to bed. Onions are one of the best remedies to get rid of ingrown toenails. They contain compounds like allicepin, which possesses antifungal activities, and can thus be used to inhibit fungal growth on the infected toenail (18). Onions also exhibit strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities that can be used to prevent further infection in the area and provide instant relief from the pain and inflammation(19). In addition to trying out the above-mentioned remedies, you can also follow these tips to avoid ingrown toenails.
Preventive Tips
Always cut your nails straight, without curving the edges. Avoid cutting your nails too short. Wear comfortable shoes that fit you properly. Use a toe protector when required. In case of abnormally curved or thick toenails, you can opt for surgery to prevent them from becoming ingrown.
Despite these measures, if you are unable to fix your toenails, you need to visit your doctor immediately.
When To See A Doctor
You might have to see your doctor if:
You experience discomfort in your toe or pus oozes out around the skin of your ingrown toenail. You have diabetes or any other medical condition that results in poor blood flow to your feet.
What is the recovery period for an ingrown toenail surgery? The recovery period can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. What kinds of salt can cure an ingrown toenail? Salts such as Epsom salt, table salt, and baking soda can be quite effective in curing an ingrown toenail as they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. What is the best cream for an ingrown toenail? Your doctor may prescribe ointments like Bacitracin or Neosporin. However, if you are looking for natural substitutes to solve your problem, you can use any of the remedies mentioned in this article like tea tree oil, lemon juice, or coconut oil. Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own? Minor ingrown toenails can recover naturally as the nail grows. But painful and infected ingrown nails need to be treated by a doctor. How long does ingrown toenail pain last? Post-treatment, you may see improvement within 2-3 days, and the pain should subside by a week. However, visit a doctor if healing takes longer than 2 weeks. How do you cut out a deep ingrown toenail? Never cut out a deep ingrown nail at home. Instead, let the doctor carry out this procedure. This will reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper healing.
