Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are an issue of when a toenail grows and cuts into the skin of the toe instead of growing out as it should. Ingrown toenails make that particular toe hurt and become extremely susceptible to infection.

Some individuals are more susceptible to ingrown toenails than others, but it can happen to anyone. Although ingrown toenails are a hassle, there are natural ways to beat and prevent the issue.

Give Your Toe an Epson Salt Soak

One of the first steps you can take at home to help beat an ingrown toenail is to soak the toe in warm water mixed with Epson salt for approximately 10 minutes per day. Epson salt helps bring out the infection if there is any and reduce inflammation in the toe making it more comfortable and helping the toenail to resume natural growth.

Trim Nails Straight Across

Although curved nails are a common fashion trend, they are not good for ingrown toenails. Since your natural body weight puts pressure on your toes when you walk, if your nails are trimmed in a curved manner, the natural pressure from walking can cause the nail to dig into the skin of the toe and result in an ingrown toenail.

Only Wear White Socks When Dealing with an Ingrown Toenail

White socks may not be the most stylish fashion statement but they will help an ingrown toenail. Colored socks have dyes in them that can bleed if they become wet while on your feet and cause further irritation to the ingrown toenail. White socks help keep any foreign dyes from getting to the toenail while it is healing and growing out.

Wear Shoes That Will Not Pinch Your Toes

According to Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, properly fitting shoes help ensure that ingrown toenails not only heal but also do not reoccur. When shoes are too tight and pinch the feet, they can put unnecessary pressure on the skin of the toes and force the toenails to grow into the toe instead out naturally out.

Shoes that fit properly are big enough to not pinch the feet and allow for proper toenail growth to allow ingrown toenails to heal and avoid future ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can be an inconvenience, but with a few easy tips, they can be naturally treated and prevented. These are just a few of many different tips to help treat and prevent ingrown toenails in the future.