An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of
the toe that occurs when the sides or corner of the toenail digs into the skin
at the end or side of the toe. The condition mostly affects the outer edge of
the big toe, although the nail on both sides of the toe, or nail on any toe can
become ingrown.
An ingrown toenail is also known as
onychocryptosis.
What
causes ingrown toenails?
The causes for ingrown toenails are listed
below, but the two most common causes are ill-fitting shoes and improperly
trimmed nails.
- Ill-fitting shoes such as tight shoes, high heels and pointed-toe
shoes cause the toes to be compressed together so that the nail curls into
the skin and cannot grow normally.
- Improper trimming of toenails can cause the nail edge or corner to
dig into the skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across so that the
top of the nail should make a straight line.
- Injury near the nail such as a ripped nail or nail peeled off at the
edge can cause an ingrown toenail.
- Fungal infections of the nail can cause a thickened or widened
toenail to develop.
- Prescribed medications, particularly oral retinoid such as isotretinoin and acitretin.
Remedies for
Ingrown toenail
1. Epsom
Salt
Epsom salt,
or scientifically known as magnesium sulphate, has a range of different uses.
However, there is a qualm whether the Epsom salt actually works for an ingrown
toenail or not. But, it softens the skin of the affected area, which makes it
easy to draw out the toenail from the skin. One can take treatment of Epsom
salt by adding a large heap of it in water, and soaking in the foot for about
18-20 minutes. Repeat it two times a day. This is an effective remedy to heal
an ingrown toenail.
2.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Being a
powerful disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide helps the skin around the ingrown
toenail to get soft. It makes the lesion less painful and prevents further
infection. Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide in water and soak your foot in
it for 15-20 minutes. It will provide relief to some extent from the ingrown
toenail.
You can also
directly apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton ball to the toenail, but, some
doctors believe that direct application of undiluted hydrogen peroxide may
rupture the healthy tissues of the skin.
3. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is an infallible treatment of many diseases. It is also helpful in the
problem of ingrown toenail. Few tablespoons mixed in water for foot
soaking or direct application of the apple cider vinegar; both are a natural
homemade cure to fix the problem of ingrown toenail. The sufferer can also
ingest a table spoon of apple cider vinegar orally as it directly mixes into
the blood stream. It can be gulped down with honey as it is somewhat strong in
taste.
4. Vicks
VapoRub
This
menthol-based ointment is also believed to be an excellent remedy for curing
ingrown toenails. Vicks VapoRub can be directly applied to the ingrown toenail.
It gives relief from chronic pain in the ingrown toenail and also encourages
its fast healing.
5. White
Flower Oil
This
traditional Chinese healing oil does not actually obtain from a white flower
but is made from an assortment of several herbal oils, like eucalyptus,
lavender, and peppermint oil. Application of a few drops of white flower oil on
ingrown toenail helps in making the ingrown toenail go away.
Note: Do
not ingest and keep it away from the eyes, mouth, and nose as this oil is toxic
in nature. According to experts, the oil should be applied on the nearby area
of the wound, and not directly on the wound.
6. Tea
Tree Essential Oil/ Lavender Essential Oil
These
natural antibiotics can also be applied on the ingrown toenail to get immediate
relief from the problem of ingrown toenail.
7.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil
is considered to be an antibacterial, antiseptic and palliative agent, which
provides quick relief from pain. Oregano oil mixed with some carrier, like
olive oil, can be applied thrice a day directly on the ingrown toenail. Adults
can also be ingested it by adding a few drops in water or juice or by simply
putting a drop or two under the tongue.
Notes:
- Do not use oregano oil during
pregnancy.
- It should not be given to the children
below the age of five.
- This oil may decrease the absorption
of iron. Therefore, it is advisable to use the oil before or after two
hours of consuming any iron supplement.
- Don’t use this remedy, if you are
allergic to marjoram, sage, thyme, mint, basil and hyssop.
- If you are taking it internally, it
may cause vomiting, skin irritation or rashes. So, be cautious while
taking it.
8.
Antibacterial Soap
Soak the
affected foot in warm water with one squirt of antibacterial soap. After
drying the foot properly, place a piece of cotton under the ingrown toenail.
Then, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment and wrap it with a bandage.
This is also an effective remedy to outgrow an ingrown toenail.
9. Lemon
Take a thin
slice of lemon. With the help of bandage or gauze, tie it on the toe. Leave it
for the whole night. The acidity of the lemon will help in curing the
infection.
How to
remove ingrown toenail?
It is not
advisable to cut the ingrown toenail by yourself, and you should avoid it to
the extent, you can. However, the method of cutting an ingrown toenail contains
step by step instructions, which should be followed if you wish to cut them at
yourself.
Step 1- Soak
your feet in warm water mixed with either Epsom salt or antibacterial soap, for
about 20 minutes to help soften the toenail and skin, and reducing swelling.
Step 2- Use
your fingers to push back the swollen skin cautiously, this step causes pain.
So, refrain yourself from pushing it more than the swollen skin allows.
Step 3- Cut
the nail straight across, but not too much. Start with the edges of the
toenail, protecting the swollen area. Remember to cut the nails from the sides
and not from the middle as it can worsen the situation.
Step 4- Put
a small piece of cotton between the ingrown nail and skin to avoid the ingrown
toenail from coming back.
Step 5- Apply
infection-preventing ointment to the affected area and bandage it
properly. Neosporin is an excellent medicine for this.
Step 6- Remember
not to wear socks and shoes while at home. Let the toe get some air. It helps
in fast healing of the ingrown toenail.
Step 7- For
preventing infection, change the cotton every alternate day.
Note: Do
not try to cut ingrown toenail at your own if you have diabetes or any other
problem that causes pain to your feet.
REMEMBER
People with
normal nails need only cut the nail across the toe with a mild curve to match
the contour of the toe. Leaving sharp corners may irritate corresponding toes.