Ingrown toe nails can be an extremely painful condition that people often experience in their life. The condition occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe. Although an ingrown toenail may cause serious discomfort and difficulty walking, many methods can help treat the painful condition at home. This article will provide five simple home remedies for ingrown toenail to get you the relief you need and prevent further issues.
Home Remedies for Ingrown Toe Nail
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
The first of the five simple home remedies for an ingrown toenail is a warm apple cider vinegar soak. To make the soak, fill a small bowl with warm water, and add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar for every cup of water. Put both feet in the mixture and allow them to rest for 15-20 minutes a day. This should help to reduce any inflammation or pain caused by the ingrown toenail. Apple cider vinegar is also known to help dissolve any accumulated dead skin that may be trapping the toenail in the toe.
Keep Feet Dry
Another one of the five simple home remedies for an ingrown toenail is to make sure your feet stay dry and clean. This is especially important in the summertime when people sweat more. Wiping down your feet after showering and drying them thoroughly before wearing shoes and socks can help prevent any moisture from getting trapped under your nails and causing an infection. You may also want to wear breathable and open-toed shoes to allow your feet to breathe and be comfortable during the day.
Wear Open Shoes
The third of the five simple home remedies for ingrown toenails is to wear open shoes. While closed-toed shoes may be more attractive, they can cause the toenail to become more ingrown if it already is. Wearing sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes can help alleviate the pressure on the toenail and reduce the amount of pain you experience. This will also help ensure the skin around your toenail has room to breathe and reduce the likelihood of infection.
Take Oral Antibiotics
The fourth remedy of the five simple home remedies for an ingrown toenail is the use of oral antibiotics. If the infection is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills to help clear up the infection and reduce the amount of swelling and irritation. Make sure to take the antibiotics as prescribed and finish the entire course, even if you’re feeling better before its completion.
Take OTC Pain Relievers
The fifth and final of the five simple home remedies for an ingrown toenail is to take over-the-counter pain relievers. If the infection is severe enough, there can be a great deal of pain involved with ingrown toenails. Taking anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or aspirin can provide pain relief and reduce the amount of swelling associated with the ingrown toenail. It’s important to note that NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can thin the blood, so you should discuss this with your doctor before taking these medications.
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Finally, the best way to avoid the pain, infection, and discomfort of an ingrown toenail is to take preventive measures. This includes trimming your toenails properly and making sure they are not cut too short or too long. Additionally, you should avoid wearing tight-fitting or ill-fitting shoes to help reduce any pressure on the toenail and keep your feet as healthy as possible. Taking these simple steps can help ensure that an ingrown toenail is not a common occurrence in your life.
Dr. Abdullah Has Fifteen years of Expertise in the Medical Field With a Particular Focus on Surgery. He is a General Surgeon, an FCPS physician, a Certified MBBS, and a Researcher with Google Scholar. Dr. Abdullah Iqbal, a researcher, Provides Expert Medical Advices.
