Ingrown Toenail: Discover 4 Natural Tips to Relieve the Pain

If you've ever suffered from an ingrown toenail, you know just how painful it can be when the nail 'forgets' its role and starts growing crookedly into the flesh. This often results from improper nail trimming, but sometimes it has genetic or hereditary causes, foot injury, or wearing shoes that do not fit the foot over time.

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail are unmistakable: local sensitivity in the area, irritation and redness, swelling, and especially – intense pain that is felt with even the slightest touch. Neglecting the condition and not treating it is very dangerous, as an ingrown toenail can cause infections in our body.

The conventional way to remove an ingrown toenail is by a certified doctor – who anesthetizes the nail area with local anesthesia and removes the toenail without the patient feeling the pain associated with the surgical procedure.

Many people think they can manage this themselves, suffering through the immense pain involved, but our advice is not to cut the toenail yourself and not to take the unnecessary risk (which can sometimes get complicated).

How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail? Watch

1. Application of Tea Tree Oil on the Painful Area

Tea tree oil was discovered at the end of the 18th century by a group of sailors on an expedition to discover new continents. In Australia, the sailors discovered tea tree oil, extracted from the leaves of the tree, which contains antibacterial and antifungal components.

The active ingredient found in the oil is an organic compound called Terpinen-4-ol, and studies on its effectiveness in healing various skin diseases have yielded particularly positive results. Additionally, this oil contains compounds called terpenoids, known for their remarkable skin-disinfecting abilities against various pests and contaminants.

To ease the pain of an ingrown toenail, skin sores, or various skin diseases – you can drop a few drops of tea tree oil on the affected area and repeat the action whenever the pain arises.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Baths

Apple cider vinegar is specialized in healing and relieving pain caused by various skin diseases, including ingrown toenails. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is recommended by many alternative therapists. To relieve the pain of an ingrown toenail, fungal infections of the nails/feet, and any associated pain, dissolve apple cider vinegar in a basin with water at a 1:2 ratio and soak the feet in the natural bath for about an hour every day. After treatment, dry the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

3. What About Cotton Balls?

The pain resulting from an ingrown toenail creates pressure between the nail and the toe. What you can do to alleviate the pain is to insert a sterile cotton ball in the gap between the nail and the toe (this can be done by lifting the nail with tweezers, but only if this is indeed possible and there is such a gap).

4. Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt is a natural mineral from England, composed of magnesium and sulfate. It is not intended for consumption but for external use, and you can obtain it over-the-counter at the pharmacy or a health store.

Its specialty is everything related to healing skin diseases, from removing hard skin on the feet to easing the pain of ingrown toenails and softening them. All you need to do is soak your feet in a warm water bath with a cup of Epsom salt, for twenty minutes to half an hour every day. It is very important: after the treatment, dry the feet thoroughly, including between the toes.