Combat Ingrown Toenails With These 6 Home Remedies

In addition to reducing inflammation in the area and promoting healing, thanks to its active ingredients, ginger also helps us soothe the pain and redness of ingrown nails

Ingrown toenails, known in medical terms as onychocryptosis, are a common complaint that occurs when one of the nails becomes embedded in the skin of the finger.

In the following space we want to share 6 good options so that you do not hesitate to apply them when this problem afflicts you.

What are ingrown toenails?

Its main symptom is pain and redness in the affected area. However, it can also be accompanied by inflammation, pus, and other complications from your infection.

Its appearance is related to the continued use of inappropriate footwear. These almost always use rigid materials that prevent perspiration of the foot.

It can also appear as a result of trauma, a bad nail cut or if we do not step properly, among other things.

Although it is not considered a serious problem, timely treatment is always recommended to avoid further problems.

Fortunately, there are 100% natural ingredients whose properties accelerate your recovery. Plus, at the same time, they can help you create a protective barrier against germs.

1. Honey from bees
The application of honey from bees on ingrown nails provides an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect. Thus, it can be useful for your recovery.

These properties help prevent infection and, incidentally, soften the skin to facilitate nail removal.

How to use it?

• Take a small amount of organic honey and then rub it on the affected nail.
• Afterwards, let it act for 30 minutes and rinse.
• Repeat its use 2 times a day, every day, until the problem is controlled.

2. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a product with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can help us improve the condition of ingrown toenails.

Its application helps to reduce inflammation of the finger and relieve pain.

How to use?

• Dampen a cotton ball with eucalyptus oil and then apply it to the affected finger.
• Later. wait 30 minutes for it to work, or cover it with a bandage for 2 hours.
• Use it every day until the nail heals.

3. Garlic

The sulfur compounds in garlic can be used as a natural solution against inflammation and pain caused by buried nails.

These properties prevent infection of the affected skin and soften the corns to promote their relief.

How to use?

• First, crush a clove of garlic and then fix the paste with a bandage on the affected area.
• If you like, combine it with a little olive oil to enhance its moisturizing and repairing effect.
• Afterwards, let it act for at least 4 hours and rinse with cold water.
• Repeat the treatment every day.

4. Sea salt

Sea salt is a relaxing and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Thus, it can help you  control the irritation and pain caused by this condition.

Its use protects the skin from infections. In addition, later, it can facilitate the removal of the nail.

How to use it?

• Add half a cup of sea salt to warm water and then soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• Optionally, combine the salt with a little coconut oil and use it as an exfoliator on the affected nail.
• Exfoliate very carefully so you don’t hurt yourself.
• Repeat its application at least 3 times a week.

5. Ginger infusion

Gingerol, one of the active ingredients in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They can help us reduce this problem.

Its direct use on the affected area calms pain and reduces redness.

How to use?

• Add a piece of ginger root to hot water and then let it sit for several minutes to concentrate.
• When it reaches a bearable temperature, dip your feet in the liquid and leave them for 20 minutes.
• Finally, dry well and repeat its use every day.
• If you like, get ginger oil and apply it directly to the sore nail.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Applying apple cider vinegar to your nails can help prevent fungal infection. In addition, it prevents redness and inflammation.

Its natural acids help to change the pH of the affected skin, thus eliminating bacteria. This is why this ingredient can  promote relief from buried nails.

How to use?

• Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to a bowl of warm water, then soak your feet for 30 minutes.
• If you like, moisten a piece of cotton in the product and apply it directly.
• Repeat the treatment every day until you find improvement.

Ready to tackle this problem? Try any of the remedies mentioned and discover that you can treat its symptoms without resorting to aggressive treatments.

However, if these do not work for several days, consult your doctor for other alternatives.

Also, try to find out what caused the problem to change your habits. Thus, you will avoid aggravating or suffering ingrown toenails in the future.

Main image courtesy of © wikiHow.com