They are extremely common and can be hard to prevent. Luckily, if you are currently dealing with an ingrown toenail, there are home remedies that will ease your pain and discomfort. Consult a doctor before attempting any of these remedies and your feet will be back on track in no time.
Soak your foot in warm bath containing epsom salts
Epsom salts help to disinfect your foot from bacteria and will soothe irritated skin. Use lukewarm (not hot) water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. The water will also help soften the nail.
Use floss or a cotton ball to relieve pressure between your toe and your nail
Use tweezers (or dental floss wrapped around the nail) to carefully lift your nail enough so that you can place a sterile cotton ball underneath. Don’t try to jam the cotton under the nail. Place it gently so that the nail rests comfortably on top. Be sure to change the cotton ball regularly as it will become a magnet for bacteria. This is only a temporary solution and should only be done if you have consulted a doctor.
Apply antibiotic ointment
Regularly apply antibiotic ointment to the area to prevent infection. Our feet come in contact with a lot of germs, so keep the area clean, especially when your skin is vulnerable and sore. Apply a bandage to keep your toe sterile.
You can also use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant. Use just a few drops on your toe to remove the bacteria that can make your ingrown toenail worse. These home remedies should ease the discomfort caused by an ingrown toenail. Do not attempt to cut or trim your toenail before receiving medical advice, as it could cause more damage to your toe. Consult your doctor for the best and safest way to remove an ingrown toenail.
