Ingrown Toenail: 5 Most Effective Natural Remedies and Home Treatment

Onychocryptosis, or what is more commonly known as an ingrown toenail, is a painful nail condition in which the nail grows and cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed. The result of an ingrown toenail is the discharge of yellow fluid and the growth of extra tissue on the toes. They are truly painful and uncomfortable. Here are several natural remedies that are very effective for ingrown toenails.

Step-by-Step Guide for Home Treatment of an Ingrown Toenail

Natural Remedy for Ingrown Toenails

This method will prevent your nail from growing into your skin. It may even prevent you from having surgery to remove the painful ingrown nail! Follow these instructions and you can get rid of an ingrown toenail in a short time. Also, those with diabetes or those who find this method painful should refrain from using it.

Things You Will Need:

Cotton, Epsom salt, tweezers, Neosporin, band-aid, nail clippers, cuticle remover, and warm water.

Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt. Repeat this for 15-30 minutes daily. This will help soften the toenail and prevent the ingrown nail from becoming infected.

Next, trim the toenail with extra care around the ingrown area. Cut the nail straight across, but not too short. Start with the edges of the nail, protecting the swollen area. Remember to cut the nails from the sides and not from the middle, as this can worsen the situation.

Use a cuticle remover to push the cotton under the toenail to prevent the ingrown nail from returning. Be careful not to press too hard, otherwise, you might injure yourself! Do this every day and apply fresh cotton to reduce the risk of infection.

Apply an infection-prevention ointment or Neosporin to the affected area and keep it bandaged.

Let the toe get some air. Do not wear socks or shoes and let your toe breathe for a while.

To prevent infection, make sure to change the cotton every day. Your ingrown nail should grow out in a few weeks!

The Best Natural Remedies Against Onychocryptosis

Other Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails:

Apple Cider Vinegar: This can be a very effective treatment for ingrown toenails. Either consume one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or take it with a spoonful of raw honey. You can also soak your feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or apply this solution directly to the affected area.

Lemon: Wrap the toe with a thin slice of lemon and, using a bandage or gauze, leave it overnight. The acidity in the lemon helps to heal the infection.

Hydrogen Peroxide: It is a very powerful disinfectant and helps keep the skin around the ingrown nail soft. It makes the affected area less painful and prevents infection. To apply, dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and soak the foot in it for 15-20 minutes. This should provide some relief.

You can also use white lily oil, oregano essential oil, lavender essential oil, and antibacterial soap to help you deal with this condition.

Recipe for Homemade Antibacterial Lotion

Homemade Lotion:

1 capsule Neem

¼ tsp freshly squeezed lime juice

½ tsp Ghee

½ tsp Honey

1 tsp Turmeric

Apply this paste at least 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.