Ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Home remedies and medication can help relieve symptoms and prevent future infections.
Ingrown toenails are a common problem, especially for those who wear shoes that are too tight or whose feet cannot breathe.
About 20 percent of people develop ingrown toenails at some point in their lives. Symptoms of ingrown toenails may include pain and swelling in the toe. Sometimes the nail can get infected.
There are many ways to treat ingrown toenails, from home remedies to surgery. In most cases, you can treat ingrown toenails at home with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, if the nail becomes infected or causes severe pain, it is necessary to see a doctor.
What affects nail growth?
Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or edges of your nails curl and grow into the surrounding skin. It can cause pain, redness, and swelling. This disorder is very common in both men and women. Your big toe is most likely to be affected.
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
Toe injuries, such as bunions
wearing shoes that are too tight
cutting toenails too short
cut toenails at an angle
poor foot hygiene
excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
certain drugs such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
It is important to treat ingrown toenails as soon as they appear to prevent infection. Mild cases may require mild treatment with home remedies. Severe cases may require surgical treatment.10 Common Foot Insoles
The following treatments can help relieve pain and help the ingrown toenail heal.
- Soak in warm soapy water
Soaking the affected feet can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can soak your feet in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time. Castile soap is a good choice. Adding Epsom salt to the water can bring extra relief. - Soak in apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy for almost everything these days, including ingrown toenails. Although scientific evidence is limited, it is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
To try this remedy, prepare a bowl of warm water by mixing 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Keep the sore feet for 20 minutes every day. Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing.
- Wrap the area with dental floss or cotton
Some experts recommend placing a small cotton ball or waxed dental floss under the edge of the ingrown nail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing sponges under the nail can increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to grow. Soaking a cotton swab or cotton swab in alcohol before use can help reduce this risk.
