If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, you understand it’s not something to ignore.
While the idea of a mere toenail issue might seem minor, an ingrown nail can be extremely painful and even debilitating. Our toenails, by nature, can sometimes be unpleasant, cracking or even becoming infected.
The issue with ingrown toenails is the pain they cause, often leading people to ignore the problem for too long, which can make it worse.
Naturally, misguided attempts at home treatment can also result in mishaps. I’ll always remember the time my dad decided to “treat me” using a Swiss Army knife.
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a common condition that most of us are familiar with.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this pesky problem occurs when “the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection.”
Ingrown toenails usually occur on your big toe because that nail tends to be the thickest and strongest, and is more likely to be the main victim of overcrowding in shoes.
Home Remedy 1: Epsom Salt Soak
Soaking your feet can be beneficial even if you don’t have an ingrown toenail.
That being said, soaking your feet is one of the initial steps you should take to treat your painful condition.
According to the Epsom Salt Council, this multipurpose powder is useful for soothing muscle pain, reducing swelling, and softening skin.
Soaking your ingrown toenail in warm Epsom salt water will help reduce the pain and swelling.
This method can effectively address a mildly ingrown toenail on its own, or it can help soften the skin in preparation for further treatments.
Home Remedy 2: Cotton Ball Method
Because ingrown toenails are caused by the nail growing too closely to the skin, it makes sense to want to separate the two.
According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors often choose to gently lift the toenail and then place a small piece of cotton ball underneath the nail to promote growth away from the skin.
If you choose to do this at home, make sure to soak the cotton in an antiseptic treatment and replace the dressing daily.
Soaking your toe in Epsom salt between cotton changes will also help relieve pain and soften hard, unruly skin.
