When the corner or edge of your toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin of your big toe, then you will suffer from an ingrown toenail. This will lead to excruciating pain, redness, and swelling. It is one of the most common conditions, and both men and women are prone to ingrown toenails.
Some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails are:
- Suffering from a toenail trauma like stubbing your toe
- Wearing too-tight shoes
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Cutting your toenails at an angle
Even though it is a harmless condition until it is infected, to prevent infection, you will need to make sure that you treat an ingrown toenail promptly. You can even treat mild cases by using home remedies for ingrown big toenails. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages and gender, but some people are more prone to this condition than others. For example, people with diabetes or nerve damage caused by circulatory diseases should stay more careful as the lack of blood can slow down the healing process.
Doctors don’t advise treating an infected ingrown toenail at home. Ingrown toenails showing no symptoms at all can be treated at home without any problem as there are simple remedies to treat this condition.
Effective Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenail
What follows are some of the home remedies to get rid of ingrown toenails that can help you treat the condition and alleviate the pain:
Soak Your Toe in Warm and Soapy Water
With the help of this remedy, you will reduce the pain and swelling of the toe. However, you need to make sure that you dry your foot entirely after soaking, as wetness can cause infection.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add soap into it. Now, put your feet into the bucket and let it sit there for 10 to 15 minutes. Castile soap is the perfect option for this treatment. You can also add some Epsom salt to get additional relief from the pain. Try this one of the best home remedies for ingrown toenail thrice a day for best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most beneficial home remedies that can cure loads of illnesses, including ingrown toenails. ACV is full of antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties and can also diminish pain due to its pain-relieving abilities.
You can use this one of the best home remedies for an ingrown big toenail to get relief from the pain and infection due to its antiseptic properties. Add ¼ cup of ACV in a bucket half full of warm water and soak your feet in it. Keep your feet in the bucket for around 20 minutes for better results.
Epsom Salt
According to various studies, Epsom salt is full of magnesium, which is very powerful in fighting inflammation. So, using Epsom salt in soak can help you diminish the pain and swelling of your affected foot.
You Will Need
- Two tablespoons of Epsom salt
- Lukewarm water
What You Have To Do
- First, mix Epsom salt in warm water in a wide bucket.
- Then, put your feet in the bucket for around 25 minutes.
- Do this twice or thrice for better results.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
When it comes to treating ingrown toenails, very few can topple hydrogen peroxide as it is a natural disinfectant, which is why people use it to clean their wounds.
It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that will kill the germs in the toe and prevent infection from spreading further. Due to these properties, hydrogen peroxide can be considered one of the best home remedies for an ingrown nail.
You Will Need
- ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Warm water
What You Have To Do
- Add half a cup of 3% of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a wide bucket. Mix them well.
- Now, put your affected feet in the bucket for at least 20 minutes.
- Do this twice a day for fast results.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for ingrown toenails as it can prevent infection from spreading further due to its antibacterial properties. It is also rich in antifungal properties that can hinder the growth of bacteria and fungus on the infected toenail.
You Will Need
- Three drops of tea tree oil
- Coconut or olive oil (as a carrier)
What You Have To Do
- Mix coconut or olive oil with three drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl.
- Apply it directly to the ingrown toenail.
- Repeat this process twice a day for rapid results.
Also Read: Health Benefits Of Essential Oils
Take OTCs
When you can’t bear the pain, you can turn towards over-the-counter medicines. These medications will help you deal with the excruciating pain and swelling and give you relief. One such medicine is Acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it can help you diminish the pain related to an ingrown toenail.
If you are suffering from swelling, you can take ibuprofen (Advil) as it is the best option for you because this medication will reduce the swelling and eliminate the pain. However, some common side-effects of this medicine include abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Apply Antibiotic Ointments
There are many antibiotic ointments or creams in the market that can help you deal with ingrown toenails. These ointments can also prevent the risk of infection and boost the healing process. However, make sure that you follow all the instructions given on the packet and cover it up with a bandage after applying the ointment.
You can try ointments such as:
- Bactroban
- Tricin
These ointments are one of the cheapest and safe options for you to deal with ingrown toenails. Additionally, you need not visit a doctor to get its prescription as you can get it over the counter from any nearby pharmacy.
So, if you are looking for a cheap and reliable option, then you can consider antibiotic ointments as one of the most effective home remedies for ingrown big toenails.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is rich in natural antiseptic and sanitizing properties. Thus, using baking soda will keep the bacterial infection away from ingrown toenails. It also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that can hinder the growth of bacteria and fungi on the infected toenail.
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- A few drops of water
- A bandage or sanitary gauze
What You Have To Do
- Take a small bowl and add water and baking soda to make a paste.
- Now, apply this prepared paste on the cleaned toenail and around the skin.
- Then, cover it with a bandage or clean gauze.
- Repeat this process twice a day for incredible results.
Read More: Incredible Baking Soda Benefits
Take Oral Antibiotics
Not only are antibiotic ointments effective, you can also take the help of various oral antibiotics to deal with ingrown toenails. However, they are not prescribed for uninfected ingrown toenails.
So, if you have an infected ingrown toenail, visit your doctor and ask about oral antibiotics. These pills are best for people who have a weakened immune system and have an infected nail.
Here are some of the signs of infections:
- Increased redness
- Thumping pain
- Increased swelling
- Pus
- Warmth in the affected toe and its surrounding area
- Bad odor
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then you will be prescribed antibiotics such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Flucloxacillin
- Cephalexin
- Erythromycin
Invest in Comfortable Footwear
Wearing too-tight shoes and socks can crowd your toes. This is one of the prime reasons that lead to ingrown toenails. To avoid this and prevent toenails from developing or worsening, choose shoes and socks that leave an ample amount of space in the toe bed.
Comfortable shoes and socks will allow you to wiggle your toes. This will diminish the chances of ingrown toenails. Additionally, wear sandals instead of shoes during the healing process to prevent putting pressure on your inflamed toenails.
Wearing comfortable footwear can prove to be one of the easiest and effective home remedies for ingrown big toenails.
Final Words
This condition is not severe until there are no signs of infection. So, before it develops any disease, try these home remedies to get rid of ingrown toenails. These remedies will help you improve your condition without causing any permanent damage.
