An ingrown toenail (or onychocryptosis) is a fairly common condition. The big toe is most prone to ingrowth. It happens like this: as the nail grows and unnaturally bends, it puts pressure on the lateral nail fold. At first, there is only slight discomfort. However, over time, the nail becomes deformed and injures the adjacent layers of the epidermis, growing into the skin. As a result, pain occurs and swelling appears. If the above symptoms are responded to in a timely manner, complications can be avoided. However, if left untreated, onychocryptosis over time will make it impossible to wear shoes.
Causes of the disease
Usually, the cause of ingrown nails is improperly fitted footwear, flat feet, fungus, various orthopedic pathologies, failure to follow nail trimming rules, wearing high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes, toe injury, circulatory disorders in the legs, etc.
Risk group
Typically, pregnant women, elderly people (in old age, there is usually a deterioration of blood circulation in the lower extremities), as well as those suffering from diabetes, atherosclerosis, and people with varicose veins are at risk.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail
If the nail grows into the skin, discomfort and pain are felt when walking. The skin next to the ingrown nail turns red and swells. Swelling appears, and pus may ooze from under the nail plate. The skin color around the ingrown nail usually takes on a reddish-blue shade. The toe may increase in size, and the pain when walking ultimately does not disappear even at rest.
How to treat an ingrown toenail with folk methods
In case of serious suppuration on the toe with an ingrown nail, it is best to consult a doctor rather than self-medicate. However, if the symptoms are moderate, you can fight the ailment with the help of folk recipes, tested not only in practice but also over time. Various infusions, compresses, poultices, and baths are used for this purpose. The treatment course can last from 2-3 weeks to several months.
Honey-onion compresses
To use this method, a small onion is peeled and crushed into a paste, to which 1 tablespoon of honey is added. The affected nail is pre-soaked in a solution of baking soda, then wrapped with a bandage containing the honey-onion mixture inside. To prevent the paste from leaking out, the compress is wrapped with a piece of polyethylene and then with a bandage. Usually, this compress is applied before bedtime and removed in the morning, after which you can try to pull the ingrown edge of the nail outward. If this does not happen, the procedure is repeated.
Compress with plantain leaves
The feet are thoroughly steamed in warm water with dissolved potassium permanganate, then wrapped with crushed plantain leaves. A bandage is applied over the leaves, and a clean sock is worn. This remedy effectively relieves pain and inflammation.
Baking soda solution
To prepare a soda solution, 1 tablespoon of soda is added to warm boiled water (3 liters). The feet are kept in this solution for at least 20-25 minutes. After the nail softens, it can be tried to be pulled outward using a toothpick. A piece of toothpick or a small piece of dense cardboard should be left under the edge of the nail overnight, fixing it all with a plaster.
Vegetable oil with lemon juice
This is an excellent compress for softening the nails on the feet. A small amount of oil is heated and mixed with a few drops of lemon juice. After soaking a cotton swab in the oil, it is applied to the ingrown nail, wrapped with polyethylene and a bandage. Once the nail softens, the same procedure can be done as with a baking soda solution.
Aloe pulp
This is one of the most effective recipes for softening an ingrown nail, relieving inflammation, and eliminating pain. First, you need to break off a small piece of fresh aloe. The length of the plant should be approximately equal to the length of the nail. Aloe is cut lengthwise and heated over the fire. Then the plant is crushed into a pulp and applied to the ingrown nail. After covering the compress with film and bandaging, it can be left overnight. In the morning, the nail is carefully pulled outward.
Tea mushroom
The tea mushroom is divided into plates, one of which is applied to the ingrown nail and the surrounding area. Like in the previous recipe, the compress is wrapped with film and bandaged. Warm socks are worn over the compress. Before removing the compress, it is left for 2-3 days. Then the nail can be freed, feeling much less painful sensations than if all this were done without the tea mushroom.
Compress with cream butter
Before applying a compress with cream butter, the ingrown nail is soaked in a soda solution. Then a small piece of butter is applied to the affected toe, which is covered with a cotton swab, film, and bandage. The dressing is removed after a day, after which the nail is soaked again in a soda solution. Then the ingrown edge of the nail is released. A piece of cotton wool soaked in oil is placed under it. Everything is covered again with a cotton swab and film. The procedure is repeated as many times as necessary for the nail to grow out without touching the adjacent layers of the skin.
Compresses with pine oil
Compresses with pine oil are used to soften the nail, as well as to relieve inflammation and eliminate pain.
Salt baths
Warm baths with salt dissolved in water are good for softening nails and skin, as well as relieving pain. Even in the case of a serious inflammatory process, a salt bath helps to open the abscess.
In addition to treating an ingrown nail, folk remedies also include prevention of onychocryptosis. For example, compresses with motherwort oil and regular baths with infusions of chamomile, calendula, and celandine can prevent any inflammatory processes while also acting as an antimicrobial agent.
