By Snježana Horvat

8 simple natural methods for treating ingrown nail

Prati nas i na društvenim mrežama!

You have certainly had ingrown nail at least once. And you wondered how it came to be.  

When the lateral edge of the nail pierces the soft tissue of the toe, the nail starts to grow into the tissue. 

The main culprits are:

• tight and uncomfortable shoes
• irregular nail forming and trimming
• various injuries 
• unnatural nail curvature (rarely) 

Research has shown this problem affects more frequently the people with poor circulation and those with diabetes.  

Easily available remedies for ingrown nail 

It is easy to notice symptoms of ingrown nail. By the edge of the nail there is redness and swelling. 

The surrounding area may become infected if not treated in a timely manner. Pain is present upon touch and during walking.  

The signs of the infection include swelling with watery and purulent discharge. 

 We present you eight natural remedies which will enable you to walk more easily. You certainly have most of the ingredients at hand in your home. 

1. Warm water

Warm tap water may alleviate pain, swelling and tenderness on the area around the nail.  

• Pour some warm water into a plastic basin. 
• Soak your feet for about 15 minutes. 
• Repeat three to four times a day.  

2. Cotton pad

In order to relieve the pain and speed up the recovery place a piece of cotton under the edge of the ingrown nail.  

This will direct the growth of the nail upwards. It may hurt you in the beginning, but the pain will quickly subside.  

• Soak and dry the feet well. 
• Take small tweezers, raise the edge of the nail and place a cotton pad underneath it, all the way to the edge of the swollen skin.
• Change the cotton pad every time you perform this procedure in order to avoid infection.  

3. Bitter salt

This salt, which is available in your pharmacy, will soften the skin of your feet. This will enable you to pull out the ingrown edge of the nail out of the tissue. At the same time it will alleviate the infection.  

• Pour a spoonful of bitter salt into a basin filled with warm water.  
• Soak the feet for about 20 minutes and dry them well. 
• Repeat the procedure three to four times a day.  

4. Apple cider vinegar

This healthy vinegar has anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties which greatly help in the treatment of an ingrown nail. 

• Pour apple cider vinegar and warm water into a basin in equal parts. Soak the feet and wipe them dry. 
• Alternatively, place a piece of cotton pad soaked in vinegar on the ingrown nail. Bandage it and let it sit for several hours.   

 Apply either of the two methods two to three times a day.  

5. Hydrogen peroxide

By using this desinfectant you will relieve the swelling and pain besides reducing the risk of infection. 

• Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into a basin with warm water. Soak the feet in the water for about 20 minutes. 
• Apply once or twice a day.  

6. Turmeric

Due to its anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties the main turmeric ingredient curcumin reduces the swelling, pain and tenderness.  

• Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with mustard oil until you get a paste. 
• Apply on the ingrown nail area and bandage it. 
• Repeat the procedure two or three times daily for several days. 

A cup of milk with one tablespoon of turmeric brought to boil may also help. Drink the beverage twice a day.  

7. Tea tree essential oil

 
This essential oil is famous for its potent action and antiseptic properties.  

• * Add several drops of tea tree essential oil into one tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. 
•  * Apply the blend to the ingrown nail and bandage it.
• Repeat three times a day. 

Instead of tea tree essential oil you may use lavender or origano essential oils.  

8. Neem oil

This Indian herb reduces swelling, inflammation and pain on the ingrown nail area and speeds up recovery. 

Before going to sleep put a few drops of neem oil on the ingrown nail area and let it sit until morning. Repeat daily.  

How to avoid an ingrown nail:

• Trim the nails from the edge, not from the middle. Avoid rounding of the nail.  
• Make sure you don't trim the nails too deep. 
• Always file the nails after trimming. 
• Buy a quality nail file. 
• Wear comfortable shoes. 

In spring and summer wear sandals and other open toe footwear. 

Choose comfortable and soft footwear fitting your feet and with a wider front part with plenty of room for toes.  

Women are not recommended to wear high heels because they create pressure against the toes. 

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