An ingrown toenail is something really unpleasant that a person can experience. Although a small injury, it can cause great pain and discomfort. If not treated in the proper manner, the ingrown nail can recur.
What is an Ingrown Nail?
This is a condition where the corners of the nail grow into the skin thus irritating the skin. It also causes tenderness, redness, swelling, and even some infection.
What Can Cause an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail can result from improper footwear, foot injury, or simply heredity. It is a common condition that can sometimes be hard to prevent.
Fortunately, some natural remedies can relieve discomfort and pain. However, make sure you consult your physician before you try some of these home remedies.
1. Soak Your Feet in a Warm Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt bath removes all the bacteria from your teeth and soothes the skin. Soak your feet for 20min in this salt bath. Make sure you use lukewarm water in order to soften the nails.
2. Use Cotton Ball or Floss to Reduce The Pressure Between The Nail and Toe
Lift your nail using dental floss or tweezers and place some sterile cotton balls underneath. Place the cotton ball gently under the nail but do not press it.
Bear in mind to change the cotton ball regularly because it can absorb bacteria. However, make sure you consult your doctor before you apply this temporary solution.
3. Use Some Antibiotic Ointment
To prevent infection, apply some antibiotic ointment at this particular spot. If not kept clean, the feet are the most vulnerable to germs and bacteria.
You can protect and keep the nail sterile with some bandage.
4. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Because of its potent disinfectant properties, tea tree oil will remove the bacteria beneath the nail. You just have to add a few drops of it and soothe the irritated spot.
All of these natural remedies will soothe the irritated ingrown toenail and will relieve the discomfort. However, make sure you do not cut the toenail before you consult your doctor because it can do more harm than good.
Source Medicine Net | Medical News Today
Image Source Mayo Clinic