An ingrown toenail is a common foot issue that occurs when your nail’s side grows inwards towards the skin, just as the name suggests. It can happen on either one or both sides of the nail. The most common causes include wearing tight shoes, injury, genes, and improper cutting. They’re usually followed with pain, swelling, redness, and even infections.
People with ingrown toenails usually try different remedies before they finally find something that works best for them. Keep in mind that not all remedies have the same effect on people. Below you’ll find a list of some options you can try out and see which works best for you.
1. Salt Soak
A quick and easy salt bath can sometimes do the trick to offer you release from all the pain and swelling. Simply soak your feet in warm water with salt for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this at least twice per day. If your foot is not infected, allowing the toe to grow out before you trim it properly in a straight line across the top. However, if you’re experiencing pain or swelling, you can cut the nail down and apply an antibiotic ointment before bandaging it.
2. Cotton gauze
Yet another quick and easy fix. Gently put a small piece of cotton gauze under the part where the nail curves into the skin. This will help the nail grow out and it will allow you to correct the curving. If your dip the cotton in peroxide or apple cider vinegar you can also combat infection.
3. Dental Floss
We know it sounds weird but hear us out. If you put a piece of dental floss underneath its ingrown nail’s edge, you can redirect its growth pattern. All you need to do is snip off the ends of the floss. This method is helpful in alleviating pain because it separates the nail from the impacted area.
4. The V Cut
Try to cut a “V” on the center part of the nail. This might help direct the nail into growing back together with the middle, going away from the edges that are cutting into your skin.
5. Essential Oils
Tea tree, lavender, or clove oil can help with the pain and the swelling. Take a cotton swap and apply it all over the affected part. Tea tree and lavender oil help due to their antimicrobial properties, whereas clove is an analgesic and provides pain relief.
6. Tumeric
Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with water and apply it on the affected area. You can either leave it on for a couple of hours and then wash it, or you can cover it with a bandage and let it dry. Tumeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, but keep in mind that it stains!
