6 Natural Ways To Treat Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails, medically called onychocryptosis, are a common disorder that arises when the nail penetrates the tissue of the finger.
The main symptom is pain and redness of the surrounding area, sometimes accompanied by swelling, pus, and other complications typical of an infection.
Often they are caused by the continued use of inappropriate shoes, almost always made with rigid or non-breathable materials. They are not considered a serious problem, but it is always best to treat them immediately to avoid complications.
In this case we can use some natural ingredients with properties that accelerate healing and create a protective barrier against bacteria. Here are 6 of the best DIY treatments to combat ingrown toenails.
1. Honey-based ingrown nail treatment
Applying a little honey to the ingrown nail has an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect, which is useful for healing. The good properties of honey help prevent finger infection, as well as soften the skin and facilitate the detachment of the nail.
How to use?
- Rub half a teaspoon of organic honey on the nail.
- Leave it on for half an hour, then rinse.
- Repeat the application a couple of times a day, every day, until the problem is completely gone.
2. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is an antifungal and antibacterial product that can improve the condition of ingrown nails. It reduces the inflammation of the tissue around the nail and calms the pain.
How to use?
- Moisten a cotton ball with eucalyptus oil and apply to the affected finger.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes, or cover your finger with gauze and leave it for a couple of hours.
- Repeat the treatment every day until complete recovery.
3. Relieve pain caused by ingrown toenails with garlic
The sulfur compounds in garlic can be used as a natural treatment for inflammation and pain caused by ingrown toenails. They prevent infection and soften the hardened skin of the finger.
How to use?
- Crush a clove of garlic and apply the resulting paste on the affected area. Close with gauze.
- If you want you can add a few drops of olive oil to the garlic paste to improve its moisturizing and regenerating effect.
- Leave on for at least 4 hours, then rinse with cold water.
- Repeat the treatment every day.
4. Sea salt
Sea salt is another anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient that can counteract swelling and pain. It protects the skin from infections and facilitates the separation of the nail.
How to use?
- Pour half a cup of sea salt into a basin with warm water. Leave your feet to soak for about twenty minutes.
- Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of coconut oil and use it to exfoliate the ingrown toenail.
- Repeat the application at least 3 times a week.
5. Ginger infusion against ingrown nails
Gingerol, one of the active ingredients in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help solve the problem. Applied to the affected area, it relieves pain and reduces redness.
How to use?
- Put a piece of ginger root in boiling water ; leave it to rest for a few minutes.
- When the infusion has cooled, immerse your foot in it and let it act for 20 minutes.
- Repeat the treatment every day.
- Alternatively, you can buy ginger oil and apply it directly to the sore nail.
6. Apple cider vinegar to treat ingrown toenails
Applying apple cider vinegar to your nails not only prevents yeast infections but also calms redness and inflammation. Its natural acids restore the skin’s pH and provide quick relief.
How to use?
- Pour a cup of apple cider vinegar into a basin with warm water. Let your feet soak for 30 minutes.
- If you prefer, you can apply vinegar directly to the nail with the help of a cotton swab.
- Repeat the treatment every day until complete recovery.
Ready to solve the problem? Try one of these healing treatments and discover that ingrown toenails can be cured even without resorting to aggressive products. However, if after a few days you do not notice the desired effect, ask your doctor for advice.
Main image courtesy of © wikiHow.com
