6 Home Remedies To Relieve Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are painful and can become infected. Both to prevent infection and to alleviate it when it has already appeared, there are very effective home remedies

Ingrown toenails occur when a portion of the toenail folds over the skin and becomes embedded in soft tissue. In medical terms it is known as onychocryptosis and generally develops from microbial inflammation of the soft areas around them.

Most of the time it generates a sensation of pain accompanied by redness and inflammation. However, as it progresses without being controlled, a yellowish fluid or pus can be produced, indicating that there is a strong infection.

This can be the result of poor nail care, wearing inappropriate footwear, or minor injuries that were neglected. In addition, in certain cases it can be genetic, for example if there is a family history of nail deformity.

However, thanks to the properties of some ingredients, we can make home remedies to relieve ingrown nails in a short time. We want to share the 6 most effective so that you do not hesitate to apply them when you notice the first sign of this problem.

1. Remedy for ingrown toenails with garlic

Garlic is an ingredient with antimicrobial properties  that can help us control the infection caused by 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?

• Crush a clove of garlic in a mortar and apply the paste on your nail.
• Cover it with an adhesive bandage and let it work overnight.
• Repeat the treatment every day, until you feel complete relief.

2. Onion juice

The natural onion juice has properties similar to those of garlic, as it also controls bacterial and fungal growth.

In addition, it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that control the redness of the damaged area and contribute to recovering its normal state in a matter of days.

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 its 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.

3. Epsom salts

Epsom salt baths not only relax tired legs but repair cuticles and prevent nails from digging in.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of Epsom salts (62 g)
• 2 liters of water

What should you do?

• Heat the water to a temperature bearable for your feet and add the Epsom salts.
• Soak your feet for 15 minutes, pat them dry, and cover them with socks.

4. Hydrogen peroxide

Because it is a powerful disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best allies to soften and recover the skin around the buried nail.

In addition, 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?

• Heat the water and mix it with half a cup of hydrogen peroxide.
• Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes and pat them dry.
• Put on some socks or wear a bandage over the affected toe.
• Repeat the treatment every day for as long as necessary.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another of the infallible remedies to prevent ingrown nails from becoming a major problem. Its antibacterial properties protect the infected area and reduce 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 to the liter of hot water and submerge the feet.
• Let them soak for 20 minutes and pat them dry.
• Repeat the procedure every day, at least one week.

6. Vicks VapoRub

The classic menthol ointment is an antiseptic product that somewhat calms the irritation and pain in the affected nails. 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Vicks VapoRub
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bandage

What should you do?

• Crush the garlic clove and mix it with the ointment until you get a paste.
• Rub it on the ingrown toenail and cover it with a bandage.
• Leave it on overnight 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, see your doctor as soon as possible.