Natural Remedies For Ingrown Nails: 4 Solutions
When nails stick into the skin or become infected, it is called ingrown toenails. Following this, the skin surrounding the fingernails and toenails becomes inflamed. Do you know the natural remedies for ingrown toenails?
Preventing this condition is possible if you cut your nails correctly and use suitable footwear; should it occur, however, some solutions of natural origin can accelerate healing. Their application calms skin inflammation and reduces the risk of infections. Take note!
4 natural remedies for ingrown toenails
Typically an ingrown toenail is bound to disappear on its own, so there is no need to apply treatment. They rarely have complications, such as severe pain or pus. They often cause pain to the touch, inflammation and redness.
Thankfully, these discomforts can be alleviated by resorting to simple natural treatments. If these remedies do not have an effect and the condition of the nail worsens, it is advisable to consult a doctor who, in the presence of infection, can prescribe the use of antibiotics.
1. Sea salt and lemon to treat ingrown toenails
The combination of sea salt and lemon is one of the best remedies to treat this problem for several reasons. Firstly, both ingredients are antimicrobial and antifungal, thus helping to prevent skin and nail infections. On the other hand, they also act as exfoliants, because they facilitate the elimination of dead skin.
Ingredients
- 2 lemons.
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt (15 g).
Preparation
- Squeeze the juice from the lemons and pour it into a bowl.
- Then add the spoonful of sea salt and mix.
How to use
- Apply the remedy on the ingrown toenail and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Keep in mind that lemon can cause some stinging, which will disappear within a few minutes.
- Apply this remedy every day until completely healed.
2. Natural remedies for ingrown toenails: Vicks VapuRub®
The famous menthol ointment can be useful in the treatment of ingrown nails due to its moisturizing and antiseptic effect. Its topical application on the affected area soothes the burning and softens the skin. In case of ingrown toenails, it is useful as it favors their removal.
How to use
- Clean the surface of the ingrown toenail with warm soapy water.
- Dry well and cover with some Vicks VapuRub® .
- Leave on without rinsing and repeat the application every night before going to sleep.
3. Aloe vera and tea tree oil among the natural remedies for ingrown nails
This interesting remedy for ingrown nails combines the moisturizing and antimicrobial properties of aloe vera gel with the antiseptic action of tea tree oil. Its regular use calms inflammation and reduces the risk of infection.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (40 g).
- 4 drops of tea tree oil.
Preparation
- Take two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
- In a bowl, mix them with the tea tree oil.
How to use
- Rub the remedy on the ingrown toenails 2 times a day.
4. Essential oil of oregano: one of the natural remedies for ingrown nails
The essential oil of oregano is another useful remedy to prevent infections in case of ingrown toenails. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic activity, it protects the area against the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, its analgesic effect acts as a calming agent in the presence of pain.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of oregano essential oil.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml).
Preparation
- Mix the essential oil of oregano with a tablespoon of olive oil. It is important to dilute it, otherwise it could be aggressive for the skin.
- If you don’t have a base oil on hand, mix it with warm water.
How to use
- Clean the affected area and apply the remedy with a gentle massage.
- Leave it to act without rinsing and repeat the application twice a day.
- Repeat the treatment until the ingrown nail is completely healed.
Tips to combine with natural remedies for ingrown nails
- Moisturize your cuticles daily and trim your nails regularly, avoiding any edges remaining.
- Use footwear and socks made of materials that are not conducive to sweating. Sometimes ingrown toenails and infections are the result of bacterial growth caused by the moisture held in the feet.
- Always clean your nails.
- Observe the hygiene of your fingernails and toenails every day, paying attention to any alarm bells. By detecting the presence of ingrown toenails early, you will avoid pain and swelling.
- See your doctor if you have pus, bleeding, or other signs of infection.
Have you already tried these remedies for ingrown toenails? Don’t hesitate to apply them the next time you notice the symptoms described in your nails.
