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Ingrown Nails: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

By on May 9, 2017

Only those who suffers from ingrown nails can very well describe how painful this condition can be. However, most of you must be wondering what it is???

What is Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails is also known as Onychocryptosis. It is a condition where the edges of the finger or toenails grow into the surrounding skin and curves into the skin that surrounds the nails. Thus the skin grows over the nail and this condition is termed as ingrown nails. Most commonly this condition affects the big toe, but may affect any of the fingers and toes.

What is Ingrown Nails

What is Ingrown Nails

Causes of Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails may be caused due to wearing ill-fitted shoes, cutting nails incorrectly, nail injury, heredity and having large nails.

Symptoms of Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails cause swelling, infection redness and tenderness around the nail.

What is the Treatment of Ingrown Nails

Simple home remedies are enough to treat ingrown nails. When you feel pain around the nails along with swelling and redness, try any of the home remedies listed below.

What are the Home Remedies to Treat Ingrown Nails

Ingrown Nails: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Ingrown Nails: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

1.Warm Water-

You need to soak your affected fingernail in the warm water. This will soothe the inflammation.

Boil some water and let it cool down. When it is warm soak your affected finger in it for 15 minutes. This is followed by drying it properly with a towel. Remember, if the finger is left moist it will provide a suitable environment for germs to thrive and may cause infection.

Feet in Warm Water

Feet in Warm Water

*You may also add salt to the water.

After a few days your nails along with the surrounding skin will get soft and then you can clip it off. This step is to be repeated following each home remedy discussed below. However, do this carefully because if the nail is pushed into the skin the problem will aggravate.

2.Vinegar-

Vinegar has proved itself best home remedy to treat skin infections. In the case of ingrown nails use it to prevent secondary infections. If vinegar is not available, you may use apple cider vinegar for the same purpose.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix one part of vinegar to 4 parts of water and soak your finger or affected toe in this solution. Leave it for 20 minutes and then dry it with a towel. Repeat this 2-3 times in a day.

3.Epsom Salt-

Epsom salt is known to decrease pain and inflammation. Add 2 teaspoon of Epsom salt to a quart of water and soak the affected toe in it for 20 minutes. This is followed by drying the affected toe and finger. Repeat this 3-4 times in a day.

Epsom Salt

Epsom Salt

4.Lemon-

Due to its acidic nature lemon is known to fight infections. To get rid of ingrown fingernails takes a lemon, cut it into a thin wedge. Place it over the affected part and the bandage. Leave it overnight and remove in the morning. Repeat this for a few days.

the benefits of lemon

Lemon

5.Hydrogen Peroxide-

Hydrogen peroxide is well known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It is easily available at pharma shops. Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to a half bucket of water and soak the affected finger or toe in it. This is followed by drying it with the towel.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide

6.Tea Tree Oil-

This essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal property. It will not only treat ingrown nails, but will also prevent infection. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to the water and soak your finger or toe in it for 20 minutes. After this dry the affected part properly. Repeat this 4 times a day

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

If the above home remedies do not provide relief and meet your doctor. Your doctor may recommend lifting the nail or partial or the complete removal of the nail and tissue. If ingrown nails in not treated in time it may cause the infection of the underlying nail.

removal of the ingrown nail and tissue

removal of the ingrown nail and tissue

How to Prevent Ingrown Nails

To prevent ingrown nails better keep your nails clean, Trim your nails straight across, do not wear ill-fitting shoes, do not cut your nails too short, File the sharp edges of nails, Do not rip off the edges of the nails, do not cut nails with scissors and do not round your nails.

One important point to keep in mind is that avoid salon treatments while you are suffering from ingrown nails.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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