Ingrown toenails develop when part of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. The nail tears the skin and causes it to swell. It can be painful and lead to infections. You are more likely to experience pain when pressure is applied to the toe. Other symptoms of an ingrown toenail are an overgrowth of the skin around the nail, build-up of pus, and redness.
There are different home remedies you can try to treat a minor ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home if it’s still in its early stages. To do this, you must soften the ingrown toenail first before trimming it. This promotes proper growth of the nail. Below are some home remedies you can follow.
Warm Water Foot Soak:
A simple foot soak can help soften your ingrown nail and the surrounding skin. Soak your feet in warm soapy water for about 20 minutes three times a day. This will help reduce swelling and redness.
Epsom Salt:
Adding Epsom salt to your warm foot soak help soften and exfoliate the skin. Add half a cup of Epsom salt to your warm soapy water. You may also rub the salt directly on the surrounding skin to help exfoliate the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak:
Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to a small container of warm water. Soak your feet in the solution for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soften the ingrown toenail and prevent infection.
Dental Floss and Cotton:
Tuck a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss under the tip of the nail that is growing into the skin. This helps encourage the proper growth of the nail by lifting the toenail. This way the toenail will grow in the correct direction.
If home remedies do not help or if you see signs of infection, you should go see a doctor. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists. We have same-day appointments available at over 80 clinics nationwide.