6 Home Remedies to Relieve Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown nails produce pain and can become infected. Both to prevent infection and to relieve it when it has already appeared, there are very effective home remedies (remedios para unha encravada).
Ingrown nails are produced when one of the portions of the toenail bends the skin and is embedded in the soft tissue.
In medical terms it is known as onychocryptosis and, in general, it develops from a microbial inflammation of the soft areas surrounding them.
Most of the time it generates a sensation of pain accompanied by redness and inflammation. However, as it goes unchecked, a yellowish fluid or pus may be produced that indicates a strong infection.
This may be the result of poor nail care, the use of inappropriate footwear or small injuries to which attention was diverted.
In addition, in certain cases it can be genetic, for example if there is a family history of nail deformity.
The good news is that, thanks to the properties of some ingredients, we can make several home remedies to alleviate them in a short time.
Next we want to share the 6 most effective so do not hesitate to apply them when you notice the first sign of this problem.
- Garlic
Garlic is an ingredient with antibiotic properties that can help us control the infection that occurs because of ingrown toenails.
Its sulfur compounds reduce inflammation and accelerate the recovery of affected areas.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 adhesive bandage
What should you do?
- Grind a clove of garlic in a mortar and apply the paste on the nail.
- Cover it with an adhesive bandage and let it work all night.
- Repeat the treatment every day, until you feel complete relief.
- Onion juice
The natural juice of the onion has properties similar to those of garlic, since it also controls the bacterial and fungal growth.
Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties control the redness of the damaged area and, in a matter of days, helps it to recover its normal state.
Ingredients
- ½ onion
- 5 drops of lemon
- 1 cotton
What should you do?
- Blend the onion with the drops of lemon juice and make sure you get all your juice.
- Pass it through a cloth strainer and apply the liquid with the help of a cotton ball.
- Repeat the application twice a day, every day.
- Salt of Epsom
Baths with Epsom salts not only relax tired legs but also repair cuticles and prevent nails from burying.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of Epsom salts (62 g)
- 2 liters of water
What should you do?
- Heat the water to a bearable temperature for the feet and add the Epsom salts.
- Soak the feet for 15 minutes, dry them and cover them with socks.
- Hydrogen peroxide
Because it is a powerful disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best allies to soften and recover the skin around the nail.
Its application calms the sensation of pain and prevents bacteria and fungi from developing an infection.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (125 ml)
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Put the water to heat and mix it with the half cup of hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak the feet for 15 or 20 minutes and dry them.
- Put on socks or use a bandage on the affected finger.
- Repeat the treatment every day for as long as necessary.
- Apple cider vinegar
The apple cider vinegar is another infallible remedy to prevent ingrown toenails becomes a bigger problem.
Its antibacterial properties protect the infected area and reduce the inflammation that causes sensitivity.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar (62 ml)
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Add the apple cider vinegar in the liter of hot water and dip the feet.
- Let them soak for 20 minutes and dry them.
- Repeat the procedure every day, at least a week.
- Vicks
The classic menthol ointment is an antiseptic product that soothes irritation and pain in affected nails.
This can be applied on its own to reduce pain, but it can also be combined with a little garlic for more powerful and quick effects.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of Vicks
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 band
What should you do?
- Grind the clove of garlic and mix it with the ointment until you get a paste.
- Rub it over the buried nail and cover it with a bandage.
- Let it work all night and repeat the same process for 5 days.
Remember that for an optimal result of these remedies you must cut and file the nails in a square shape. If the infection persists, consult the doctor as soon as possible.