Growing nails is annoying and often painful. Regular walking can rub your toes against socks and shoes, which can irritate the ingrown toenail. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and cause more discomfort.
Medically known as onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails can occur at any age, but are slightly more common in men than women. This is one of the most common problems people face.
If your toenails are bothering you, it’s time to learn the best ways to remove them and get comfortable again.
Natural Remedies for Ingrown Toenails
There are several natural remedies for ingrown toenails.
Many people choose to try these options before buying over-the-counter medications or seeing a doctor.
If you want to try a natural way to remove toenails, the following solutions are ideal.
foot washing
To prevent the growth of bacteria, soak the affected foot in warm soapy water. Add Epsom salt to the water to soften the skin. Soak your feet three to four times a day.
Essential oils
Applying essential oils to the ingrown toenail is an effective way to soften and soothe the skin, relieve pain, and possibly pull the toenail away from the skin.
Dental floss
Use dental floss under the ingrown nail to move the nail in the correct direction of growth. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin. It is enough to lift the edge of the nail containing the wire nail and place the wire between them.
Castile soap for washing
If you cannot wet your feet three or four times a day, use castile soap once a day. Use soap and water to clean the nail bed with a soft washcloth.
Trim your fingernails
If you prefer to cut your nails inward, it’s best to have someone help you or make an appointment with your doctor.
Improper nail trimming can aggravate the problem and increase the pain.
If you decide to remove your nails yourself, follow these steps to be sure.
Soak your feet in Epsom salts or castile soap for 30 minutes to soften the nails. This will reduce pain and swelling after removal.
Wash your hands. It is very important to keep your hands clean before starting to remove the ingrown toenail.
Pull the skin from the edge of the nail. It can hurt! Do not try to overdo the skin as much as possible.
Cut the nail straight across, starting from the edge of the nail. Do not cut nails in half.
The cotton wool between the nail and the skin prevents it from growing back into the skin. Raise the edge of the problem nail slightly and insert it.
Apply the oil on the inside of the nail and apply it to the affected area. There are many nail growth creams available at drugstores and online.
Put a bandage on the infected nail. Do not touch the area. The nail area is likely to be painful and swollen.
Change the nail sponge twice a day to keep it clean and free of germs and bacteria.
Treatment for nail growth
If your nails are painful, follow the instructions above carefully. The problem should be solved within a few weeks! If your ingrown toenail has grown too far, it may not be possible to remove it yourself. However, it is recommended to see a doctor who can recommend surgical treatment of toenails.
Several surgical options are available, including matrectomy, wedge resection, and the Vandenbosch procedure. After evaluating your condition, the doctor will determine which option is best for your ingrown toenail.