One of the health problems that can be painful to say the least is the ingrown toenail or even called onychocryptosis. Ultimately, the latter not only leaves unsightly marks but can also have serious consequences on health. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, this article will help you discover 10 natural remedies that will help you treat it.
The pain of an ingrown toenail can be such that it can prevent you from walking. It is therefore important to have the right reflexes when suffering from such an affliction because it can get worse. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can go so far as to require surgery. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies you can try to treat and relieve your toenail. The American health magazine Healthline lists 10 remedies to get rid of this condition.
1. A foot bath
A foot bath is a great way to relax, but also to relieve the sharp pain caused by an ingrown toenail. This remedy is also easier to perform and inexpensive. Just pour lukewarm water and a little soap into a basin. For even more effectiveness, you can add Epsom salt as desired.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of those ancient natural products that can be used to relieve a multitude of ailments. In this case, soaking your feet in an apple cider vinegar bath will help relieve the inflammation caused by an ingrown toenail. Just dilute a glass of apple cider vinegar in a basin of lukewarm water before soaking your feet for about ten minutes.
3. Apply cotton or dental floss
According to the Mayo Clinic, an American university federation, placing cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown area of the nail will allow the nail to grow above the skin which will help it to correct itself little by little. Note, however, that you will need to replace the cotton or dental floss quite often and that you will need to soak them in alcohol to avoid infection.
4. Apply antibiotic cream
An antibiotic cream can speed up and facilitate healing of an ingrown toenail while reducing the risk of infection. Simply apply the cream in question directly to the affected area of the nail, following the instructions in the package leaflet.
5. Wear the right shoes and socks
When you have an ingrown toenail, wearing the wrong shoes or socks can make the problem worse. To avoid this, it is advisable to prefer shoes or socks that are not too tight. For this reason, it is advisable to wear sandals as often as possible to limit any pressure on your nail.
6. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
When the pain caused by an ingrown toenail starts to become unbearable, it becomes necessary to see a doctor. Your doctor may advise you on pain relievers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs to help heal your nail.
7. Use toe caps
Toe caps are small bags that you can get at a drugstore that will help isolate your affected finger, reducing the risk of infection. Certain products can also help relieve pain. All in all, this is an option to consider in order to help heal your toe.
8. Use a bandage
If the idea of buying a toe cap doesn’t suit you, an alternative solution would be to simply make your own bandage. To do this, wash your hands and soak a compress with alcohol. Then wrap the affected toe with the compress and leave this dressing for several hours or even overnight. Replace the compress as soon as it dries up.
9. Remove the flesh from the nail
While there are many ways to relieve an ingrown toenail, it is advisable to be very careful with the next method. After you have soaked your feet in a hot water bath, you can try to remove the flesh from the nail in question with a manicure stick. Once done, cut off the tip of the nail that protrudes before placing cotton soaked in alcohol between the nail and the flesh. Do not hesitate to disinfect everything to avoid any risk of infection.
10. Consult a doctor
If the previous remedies have not helped cure your ingrown toenail, you may want to consider seeing a doctor. Only a specialist will be able to correctly diagnose the severity of your case and react accordingly.
