Home Remedies to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)

If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how incredibly uncomfortable and painful they can be. This common condition, medically known as onychocryptosis, can quickly worsen and sometimes even require surgical treatment. Instead of waiting for it to resolve on its own – which is unlikely – and risking infection, it's wise to take proactive steps. Fortunately, many effective home remedies can help you manage and fix a sore ingrown toenail. This article will guide you through the best home treatments.

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Causes of Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)

While an ingrown toenail can develop on any toe or finger, it most commonly affects the big toe. Some people are naturally more susceptible due to nails that naturally curve. Other major reasons why nails grow into the surrounding skin include:

• Ill-fitting Shoes: Shoes that are too tight or high heels put excessive pressure on the toes, forcing the nails to grow incorrectly.

• Improper Trimming: Toenails should be cut straight across, not rounded. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can cause them to dig into the skin as they grow.

• Injury: An injury near the toenail can cause it to grow abnormally. Depending on the type of injury, it could even cause the toenail to fall off.

• Infections: Bacterial and fungal infections can alter skin tissue and cause the nail to thicken and widen, making it more prone to becoming ingrown.

• Diabetes: If your ingrown nails are linked to diabetes, you must be extremely cautious and seek professional help immediately. Even small cuts or scrapes can lead to serious complications. It’s essential to check your toes daily and consult a podiatrist for foot care. People with diabetes and vascular problems often have diminished sensation in their feet, meaning they might not notice an ingrown toenail until it's already infected, making the situation much worse.

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Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Unless you have problems with sensation, it's rare to miss the signs of an ingrown nail. The condition usually presents with the following symptoms:

• Pain in the toenail area.

• Redness and swelling around the nail.

• If the toenail becomes infected, you might see a discharge that is yellow (pus) or watery with traces of blood.

Best Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

1. Soak Your Feet Regularly

Foot baths are a crucial part of the treatment, as they soften the nail and the surrounding skin, making other remedies more effective. It's important to:

• Soak your feet regularly: 2 to 4 times daily for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Use hot or warm water.

• For best results, add the following healing substances to your foot bath:

  • Epsom Salt: Epsom salt softens the skin, making it easier to maneuver the toenail. Add a heaped tablespoon of salt to the water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Repeat at least twice daily.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide in water and soak your foot for at least 20 minutes. Peroxide softens the skin, helps prevent infection, and offers some relief from symptoms.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Add a few tablespoons of raw ACV to warm water and soak your foot. ACV can also be ingested for internal benefits and to help fight infection; many find mixing it with raw honey and warm water to drink every morning beneficial for overall health.

2. The Cotton Ball Method

After you've soaked your feet, follow these steps:

• Take a small piece of cotton or a cotton ball and roll it between your fingers to create a small, firm roll.

• Carefully lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place the cotton roll between the nail and the skin. This may be painful but it elevates the toenail, preventing it from growing further into the skin.

• Leave the roll in place until your next soak.

• Change the roll after every soak and try to gently push it a bit further under the nail each time (without causing damage or excessive pain).

3. Topical Treatments

You can also apply certain substances directly to the affected area to aid treatment and prevent infection:

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Pour some raw ACV onto a cotton ball and dab the affected area several times a day.

• Essential Oils: Essential oils can help relieve pain and prevent infection. Apply a few drops directly to your toe or mix with a carrier oil (like olive or coconut oil). Useful essential oils include:

  • Eucalyptus oil

  • Tea tree oil

  • Oregano oil (must be mixed with a carrier oil before application)

  • Lavender essential oil

  • White Flower Oil (a blend of herbal oils often used to help ease the removal of ingrown nails).

4. Other Home Methods

Consider these additional techniques for your troublesome toe:

• Lemon Slice: Cut a thin slice of lemon and secure it to the affected nail with a bandage or gauze. Leave it overnight. This treatment is particularly useful if you already have an infection, as the lemon’s acidity will help fight it.

• Vicks VapoRub: This menthol-based ointment, typically used for colds and coughs, can also provide relief for an ingrown toenail. It softens the nail, making it easier to maneuver, and acts as an antiseptic to help clear infection. Apply Vicks VapoRub directly onto the nail (try to get some underneath as well), then cover with a bandage overnight.

While undergoing home treatment, give your feet and toes a rest. It's best to go barefoot or wear open-toed footwear for a few days to allow the toe to heal. Afterward, remember to wear comfortable shoes that provide ample space for your toes and always cut your toenails straight across to prevent future ingrown nails.

If the problem persists or you observe worsening signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus, you must see a doctor to avoid further complications.

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Have you tried any of these home remedies for an ingrown toenail, or do you have other tips that have worked for you?