Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Health & Lifestyle > Health

Home Remedies For Treating Ingrown Toenails

Edited By: Shai K.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

While ingrown nail problems are common, most of them can be treated and even prevented with proper grooming of the toes and by wearing shoes that fit. That said, treating ingrown toenails is relatively easy and painless, but if they are not treated properly, they can quickly escalate into more serious complications. Here are some at-home remedies to treat ingrown toenails that will stop pain and discomfort in their tracks!

foot

Photo: satit_srihin/ freedigitalphotos.net

1. Soak Your Toe

This remedy is relatively self-explanatory. To relieve the soreness, soak your foot in a bucket of warm (not hot) water mixed with a tablespoon or two or Epsom salt. Leave your foot soaking for about five to ten minutes. Soak once or twice a day for the best results.

2. Apply Ointment

If your nail has already broken the skin, or is close to doing so, apply antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, to prevent infection. It is best to apply the ointment after you have soaked the foot as outlined above. Make sure to cover the toenail properly after applying the ointment. If you will be wearing open-toed shoes, make sure to apply a bandage to keep the toenail safe from infection.

3. Don't Play the Surgeon

Do not try to take the toenail out. By playing with it, you risk infection in the nail and skin. If the nail is deep enough down, you may need to see a podiatrist. If the nail is still very painful, place a small piece of cotton under the nail to help raise it off the skin.

cut nails

Photo: ponsulak/ freedigitalphotos.net

4. Trim Your Nails Properly

This is the first step in preventing ingrown toenails. When you are trimming your toenails, get in the habit of cutting them straight across and not in curved shapes. If the corners of the nail are too sharp, file them down with a nail file. Also, make sure that you don't cut your nails too short. When you stand up, the weight of your body places pressure on your feet, which pushes up the skin in front of the toenail, producing an ingrown toenail.

5. Wear the Right Socks

It is more important than you think to wear the right socks. If the nail has already cut into the skin, wear only white socks. This is because the color dyes used in hosiery and colored socks can run and leak into the wound, causing further complications especially if you are allergic or sensitive to dyes.

6. Buy New Shoes

An ingrown toenail may be a sign that you need new shoes. Make sure that you buy shoes that fit you well, which do not pinch your toes. For women, it is best to avoid high heels because this will exacerbate the wound. If you must, wear a lower heel so that you are not putting so much pressure on your toes.

7. Wear Sandals

If your ingrown toenail has already progressed and it is very painful, try wearing sandals for a few days if you can. This will give your toe the room it needs to heal.

Last but not least, prevent ingrown toenails and help them get better by keeping your feet as clean as possible!

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Health

These 12 Foods Reduce the Effects of Arthritis

These Foods Can Help Fight the Effects of Arthritis

Include these 12 foods in your diet to reduce the effects of arthritis - they have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system.

Health

Natural Remedies That Citizens of Different Countries Use

15 Natural Remedies Used by Countries Around the World

Many of the natural items or methods on this list are highly popular in certain countries. Here are 15 natural remedies from around the world.

Health

14 Super-Simple Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Get Rid of Cracked Heels Using Natural Remedies

These 14 excellent home remedies will ensure that your feet are back in tip-top shape in no time at all.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Home Remedies that Encourage Hair Growth

Keep Baldness Away the Natural Way...

How do we stop our hair from falling out and encourage natural growth? I do it by using these tips!

Health

10 Natural Home Remedies to Relieve Strep Throat

What are the symptoms of strep throat and which natural home remedies can I use to fight it? Here is your strep throat guide.

Health

Watch Out! The Following 11 Places Are Full of Germs!

We come into contact with harmful bacteria every single day, even in places we'd expect it the least. Here are 11 places that are actually full of germs.

Health

Are Car Fumes Shortening Our Lives?

What are car fumes doing to our health?

Health

How Long Does it Take to See Results From Exercises?

To help clarify what realistic progress actually looks like, we spoke with Micky Lal, a public health professional with a master's degree in kinesiology and more than a decade of experience as a clinical health educator. Here's what he wants you to k

Send Comment

Related Topics: health, guide, home remedies, healthy lifestyle, medical advice

Quizzes

Geography Quiz

Clear your mind, grab your mental compass, and let’s see if you truly know your way around the globe!

Can You Identify the '60s Singer?

Look closely at the photos, trust your musical memory and tell us who the singer is!

General Knowlege Quiz

hether you’re here to test your wits, learn a few gems, or simply enjoy the ride, settle in and let’s see just how much treasure is stored in your mental attic.