If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you may know how painful it can be. You can try many ways to get rid of ingrown toenail, but it is usually better to talk to a general practitioner for help. Nevertheless, it is possible to treat a minor ingrown toenail on your own by using different home remedies.

Detailed Steps to Get Rid of Ingrown Toenail at Home

Again, it is possible to deal with a minor issue, but you should talk to your doctor if you notice any signs of complications. Here is how to get rid of ingrown toenail:

• Start by cleaning the area. When you have an ingrown toenail, the skin around it becomes tight and irritated. There may also be some inflammation. Therefore, it is important to clean the area first using water and some antibacterial soap to prevent any infection.
• Soak your toenail in warm water before you start to remove an ingrown toenail. This will help reduce any swelling and make it easier for you to remove the toenail.
• Only use sterilized tools to remove your toenail. You can simply wash your tools in a solution containing mild dish detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and then wash under running water. Use a lint free cloth to dry all those tools.
• See if it is easy to clip off your ingrown toenail. If possible, use a pair of nail clippers for the task. Ensure that you cut your nail into a curved or oval shape. This will ensure that your nail grows out normally.

More Remedies to Try

To learn how to get rid of ingrown toenail, you should also learn about some home remedies to handle the process well. Here are some remedies to try:

1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

You can easily find apple cider vinegar in your home and you can use it to help treat a variety of conditions, including ingrown toenails. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties – it also protects against bacterial infections.

Direction: Take a foot tub and fill it up with warm water. Add a quarter cup of ACV to it and soak your affected toenail in it for half an hour. Do not forget to dry your foot afterwards. Repeat thrice a day for good results. You can also soak a cotton ball in ACV solution and place it over the affected toenail with the help of a bandage. Remove it after 2-3 hours for good results.

2. Use Epsom Salt

Also called magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt works as a drying agent and helps heal and soothe your damaged skin. It also works as a disinfectant and prevents infections. Regular use can make the skin around your nail become soft.

Direction: Fill a foot tub with warm water and add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to it. Mix well and soak your affected toenail in it for half an hour. Then, dry your feet while paying special attention to the area surround the ingrown toenail. Do it thrice a week to promote healing.

3. Utilize Turmeric

Looking for ways on how to get rid of ingrown toenail? Turmeric has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that make it a good remedy for conditions like ingrown toenails. It works because it contains a compound called curcumin, which helps reduce pain and swelling caused by your ingrown toenail.

Direction: Combine some mustard oil and half teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply this paste directly to the affected area and leave it there. You can cover the area with a bandage. You should change the bandage twice a day, replacing the old one with a new, clean bandage. Keep repeating until you notice improvement.

4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide

You can always use hydrogen peroxide to help heal an ingrown toenail. As it acts as a disinfectant, it lowers risk of infection and relieves inflammation at the same time.

Direction: Fill a tub with warm water and add a half cup of hydrogen peroxide to it. Combine well and soak your foot in it for half an hour. Do it twice a day for good effects.

5. Try White Flower Oil

You can use white flower oil to reduce the pain associated with ingrown toenails. It is produced from different essential oils, including peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oil. Regular application may help even if you have already developed any infection around the affected area.

Direction: Take some white flower oil and soak a cotton ball in it. Rub it around the affected area. You should not apply it directly to the affected area or you may develop irritation.

6. Make Use of Cotton or Dental Floss

One great way for how to get rid of ingrown toenail and help them grow out normally is to use a piece of cotton. Take a piece of cotton, roll it, and place between your fingers in a way that it forms a small wick or roll. You can also use a piece of dental floss in place of cotton. Now, slowly move it under the ingrown edge of your toenail and slowly prop it up. This will ensure that the nail stops growing inwards because the dental flow or cotton works as a barrier. If you are using a piece of cotton, be sure to replace it each night.