Growing nails is annoying and often painful. Regular walking can cause toes to rub against socks and shoes, which can irritate the ingrown toenail. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and cause further discomfort.
Medically known as onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails can occur at any age, but it seems to be slightly more common in men than women. This is one of the most common toe problems.
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 prefer to try these options before purchasing OTC medications or scheduling a doctor’s appointment.
If you want to try natural toenail removal solutions at home, you can try the following best solutions.
Foot washing
Immerse the affected foot in warm, soapy water to protect it from bacteria. Add Epsom salt to the water to soften the skin. Soak your feet three or four times a day.
Essential oils
Applying essential oils to the inside of the nail is an effective way to soften and soothe the skin, reduce pain, and hopefully pull the toenail out of 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 downward into the skin. Simply lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place dental floss in between.
Castile soap washer
If you can’t wash your feet three or four times a day, use castile soap once a day. Wash with soap and water to clean the nail bed with a soft washcloth.
Cut the nail where the nail has grown
If you prefer to trim your nails inward, it’s best to have someone help you or make an appointment with your doctor.
Improper nail trimming can make the problem worse 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. Make sure your hands are clean before starting to remove the ingrown toenail.
Push the skin back from the edge of the nail. It can hurt! Don’t try to peel the skin back.
Cut straight across from the edge of the toenail. Do not cut toenails in the middle.
Place a cotton ball between the nail and the skin to prevent it from growing back into the skin. Raise the edge of the problem nail a little and insert it.
Apply the treated cream inside the nail to the affected area. Many nail creams are sold at drugstores and online.
Apply bandages to infected toenails. Do not touch the area. The toenail area is likely to be painful and swollen.
Change the toenail sponge twice a day to keep it bacteria-free and clean.
Treatment of ingrown toenails
If ingrown toenails are causing you grief, follow the instructions above carefully. The problem should be solved in a few weeks! If your ingrown toenail is advanced, it may not be impossible to remove it yourself. Instead, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor, who may recommend surgical treatment for ingrown toenails.
Several surgical options are available, including matrectomy, wedge resection, and the Vandenbos procedure. After evaluating the specific circumstances of your case, the doctor will determine which option is best for your ingrown toenail.
