The ingrown toenail or onychocryptose is an annoying and very painful problem. This can occur at any age and is characterized by a regrowth of the nail under the skin that surrounds it. In specific cases, surgery is inevitable to treat ingrown nail, while in other cases, it is possible to correct it naturally. Here are some tips for treating ingrown toenails.
WHAT CAUSES INGROWN NAILS?
Ingrown toenails can be linked to several factors:
- Nail deformation
- Thickening of the nail
- Trauma (shock)
- Cutting the nails too short
- Wearing tight shoes that crush the nail
- Taking treatments against acne containing isotretinoin
Note that people with diabetes or any other disease that causes poor circulation are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
You should know that the evolution of this problem can be divided into three phases, with each having specific symptoms.
- The first phase is manifested by slight swelling and pain when pressure is applied. In this phase, the patient may also develop erythema or edema.
- Moderate phase is characterized by increased swelling, infection and ulceration.
- The severe phase is of course the most difficult. The patient experiences chronic inflammation and hypertrophy.
But in most cases, pain, redness, swelling and infections around the toe are very common symptoms.
If the ingrown nail is not treated in time, it can cause serious infections, especially in bones. In some cases, the patient has to undergo surgery to solve this problem, but for the less advanced stages, natural remedies can be effective!
HERE ARE SOME NATURAL WAYS TO GET RID OF INGROWN TOENAILS:
- Wash your feet regularly
To clean the infected area and remove bacteria that are rampant, soak your feet in warm soapy water 2-3 times a day. Use soaps that contain natural ingredients. You can also add Epsom salt to soften the skin and the nail.
- Take a foot bath with apple cider vinegar
This trick is one of the most effective in removal of ingrown toenails. Pour ½ cup apple cider vinegar in a basin of warm water and soak your feet a few minutes. You can even apply this preparation directly to the affected area. This will help prevent infections.
- Place the cotton under the nail
After washing your feet, use dental floss to lift the incarnate corner of the nail and slightly separate the skin. Next, take some cotton and place it between the skin and the nail.
Choose a dental floss without fluoride to prevent burning sensations. This method can be a little painful or embarrassing but it is very effective.
Be sure to repeat the process and change the cotton every day. Also try to push the cotton inwards whenever you make a foot bath. Sometimes you will need to cut a small part of the nail to get there. But beware, this procedure is not easy!
HOW TO CUT THE INGROWN NAIL?
Normally, this should be done after a foot bath for the skin and nails are soft enough to be handled.
Gently push the swollen skin backwards and then cut the nail starting at the edges. Replace the cotton between the skin and the nail to prevent it from returning in place and apply the following remedy to relieve pain and infection.
Ingredients:
- 10 tsp of coconut oil
- 12 tsp of aloe vera gel
- 1 drop of oregano essential oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Mix all ingredients and apply the mixture on the affected area, previously washed, and let it dry in the open air. You can also cover the toe with a bandage.
Keep the mixture prepared in a sealed glass jar. Apply this remedy 2 to 3 times daily.
Caution: Be sure to wash your hands after use of this natural remedy and avoid contact with eyes. Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic and can cause burning.
Avoid putting tight shoes and high heels if you suffer from ingrown toenail, especially during this treatment. The nail needs to breathe in order to heal.
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