6 Old Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Onicoriptosis, better known as ingrown toenails, is a medical condition that occurs when the toenail becomes embedded in the skin of the toe.

This is a common ailment, especially for people who don’t wear comfortable shoes made from breathable and flexible materials.

Although it can occur in the hands, most of the time it appears in the big toe of one or both feet.

It’s usually accompanied by redness and swelling in the region and should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

While it doesn’t usually pose any major health risks, it’s important that you use some kind of remedy to minimize the risk of infection.

Because we know that a lot of people don’t know what to do about them, we want to share six old, homemade solutions for treating ingrown toenails.

1. Tea tree oil for ingrown toenails

Tea tree essential oil is a natural product that has become known as one of the best antibiotics and antifungals.

Its use on the skin around the nails can help soothe irritation and redness in ingrown toenails.

Ingredients

• 6 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 1 cotton ball
• 1 bandage

What should you do?

• Try removing the ingrown nail from the skin using a cotton swab or ball.
• Apply the tea tree essential oil and cover the area with a bandage.
• Leave it on overnight and repeat this treatment until you’re completely healed.

2. Garlic

Garlic is an herb that, in addition to making your food taste wonderful, has been recognized as a great natural remedy for many diseases.

Considering the fact that it’s a great antibiotic, it fights inflammation, and is soothing, it’s an excellent solution for ingrown toenails.

Ingredients

• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil (5 g)
• 1 bandage

What should you do?

• Mash the clove of garlic with a mortar and mix in the teaspoon of olive oil until you get a paste.
• Rub the paste on the affected area and cover it with a bandage to allow it to act for a few hours.
• Repeat this use every day to ensure you relieve the ingrown nail completely.

3. Bee’s honey

Honey is a natural product with antibiotic and antiviral properties that protect the skin against all types of infections.

While it’s not a solution for removing ingrown toenails, it’s a good alternative to speed recovery.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (5 ml)

What should you do?

• Prepare a smooth paste with these two ingredients and rub them on the affected area.
• Wait for 20 minutes before rinsing.

4. Epsom salts

Epsom salts are a popular treatment for anything that has to do with foot disorders.

They contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that help alleviate this painful conditions.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts (10 g)
• 1 capsule of vitamin E

What should you do?

• Combine the vitamin E capsule with a tablespoon of Epsom salts and use this mixture to exfoliate the affected area of your foot.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water, and dry the area well.
• Repeat this use at least three times a week.

5. Calendula tincture

Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties that soothe the irritation and infection that results from ingrown toenails.

Ingredients

• 10 drops of tincture of calendula
• 1 liter of hot water

What should you do?

• Pour the warm water into a bowl and add the tincture of calendula.
• When the temperature cools to something comfortable for your skin, soak your feet for 15 minutes.
• Rub them carefully and dry them well.
• Finally, add some petroleum jelly or lotion to keep your feet moist.

6. White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide

The combination of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide gives you an antifungal and antibacterial treatment.

Use this to reduce redness, pain, and the potential for infection.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (20 ml)
• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (20 ml)
• 1/2 cup of warm water (125 ml)
• 1 piece of cotton

What should you do?

• Dilute these two ingredients in warm water and rub them over the painful nail using the cotton ball or swab.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and repeat usage if you think it’s necessary.

Is this condition still bothering you? If the problem persists and is increasingly painful with time, see your doctor.

Sometimes the only solution for ingrown toenails is to surgically remove them.