
An ingrown toenail is annoying and often painful. Constant walking rubs the toes against socks and shoes, causing further irritation to the ingrown toenail. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and cause even more discomfort.
Medically known as Onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail can occur to anyone, at any age, although it seems to be slightly more common in males than in females. It’s one of the most common problems a person can experience with their toes.
If an ingrown toenail is causing you grievances, it’s time to learn the best way to remove it and be comfortable again.
Natural Ingrown Toenail Treatment Remedies
There are several natural remedies to treat an ingrown toenail.
Many people prefer to try these options before purchasing OTC medications or scheduling an appointment with the doctor.
If you’d like to try a natural, at-home ingrown toenail solution, the following are among the top solutions used:
Foot Wash
Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water to keep bacteria at bay. Add Epsom salt to the water to soften the skin. Soak the foot three or four times daily.
Essential Oils
Rubbing essential oils on the ingrown toenail is an effective way to soften and soothe the skin, minimize the pain, and hopefully draw the toenail out of the skin.
Dental Floss
Use dental floss under an ingrown toenail to help shift the nail into the correct growth direction. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows downward into the skin. Simply lift the edge of the nail containing the ingrown toenail and place the dental floss between it.
Castile Soap Wash
If you’re unable to soak your foot three or four times per day, use castile soap once per day instead. Use the soap with water to cleanse the nail bed using a soft washcloth.
Cutting an Ingrown Toenail
If you prefer to cut the ingrown toenail, it is best that you have someone help you or schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Cutting the ingrown toenail incorrectly could make the issue worse and increase pain.
If you choose to remove the toenail yourself, follow these steps for accuracy:
Treating Your Ingrown Toenail
Carefully follow the instructions above if there is an ingrown toenail causing you grief. In a matter of a few short weeks, the issue should be resolved! If your ingrown toenail is advanced, removing it yourself may not be impossible. Instead, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor who may recommend a surgical treatment to remove the ingrown toenail.
There are a few surgical options, including the Matrixectomy, Wedge Resection, and the Vandenbos Procedure. The doctor will determine which option is most suitable for your ingrown toenail after evaluating the specific circumstances of your case.