How To Properly Treat Ingrown Nails

To begin with, we must know that “ingrown nails” is the popular term that has been given to a nail disease called onychocryptosis. This problem is characterized by being very painful and unpleasant, since it  mainly affects the nail of the thumb of the foot, due to which it produces an inflammation or, in older cases, an infection.

It is very important to treat ingrown toenails correctly so that they do not turn into a more serious problem. Therefore, below we want to share the complete procedure to treat ingrown nails and some tips that can help you alleviate this problem.

Steps to treat ingrown toenails

• First, find a container in which you can soak your feet in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use an antibacterial soap for best results.
• After the recommended time, dry your feet well and place a little dental floss under the nail. It is important to do this treatment frequently and to change the dental floss every day to allow the nail to grow over the edge of the skin.

• Cut your nails with a straight clipper and file them so that they are square and without any edges. Avoid cutting your nails in a round shape, as this increases the risk of an ingrown toenail.
• Use a local antibiotic for immediate pain relief. In pharmacies you can get it in the form of gel, cream or ointment.
• Finally, while the treatment lasts,  it is best to use open shoes that prevent the nail from rubbing and hurting more. Avoid wearing closed shoes and socks.

Home remedies to relieve ingrown toenails

In addition to taking into account the above steps to cure ingrown toenails, you can also consider some of the following home remedies that will help you speed up the recovery process.

• Onion juice

Extract the juice of an onion and apply it directly on the injured nails and let it dry on the nail, apply it frequently and you will notice the results in a few days.

• Water with salt.

Prepare a salt water solution and apply it to the affected area every night before going to bed, then bandage the finger and leave it to act until the next morning.

• Lemon.

Rub a lemon wedge directly on the affected area and hold it for a few hours with a bandage, bandage or gauze.

• Garlic.

Garlic is considered a very powerful natural antibiotic, which can help us fight infection in the nail and reduce the inflammation that occurs when it becomes incarnate. Crush some garlic and apply it directly to the affected area.

• Tea tree oil.

 This essential oil works as a natural antibiotic that can help you prevent infection. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected area.

• Carrot.

You should wash and mash a carrot into a paste, which should be applied directly to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and let it act for a few hours. Repeat this procedure twice a day.

Other recommendations

• If the pain becomes unbearable, the ideal would  be to consult your doctor to prescribe some type of pain reliever.
• In case of diabetes it is very important to act under medical supervision.
• When you are at home try to go barefoot. This will allow air to circulate freely and will help inhibit the growth of bacteria on the affected nail. Also, keep in mind that bacteria can spread easily in hot, humid environments, so avoid wearing closed shoes.
• Avoid wearing high heels or any other type of uncomfortable shoe. Because, it will be useless to look very elegant for your footwear if when you get home the pain is unbearable. Also, keep in mind that it is not okay to press down on your feet in shoes that cause pain.
• Finally, remember that nail hygiene is essential to avoid and combat ingrown nails. It is important that you check them frequently, clean them and cut them correctly to prevent this problem from happening again.