5 Ways to Treat Ingrown Nails at Home, Also Know the Causes and Symptoms

Kapanlagi.com - Ingrown nails are a common condition that occurs in someone. Ingrown nails grow on one side of the nail or the nail tip that enters the flesh around the nail. This condition is characterized by pain, swelling, and redness in the area around the ingrown nail. And usually, ingrown nails most often occur on the big toe. Actually, if it's not severe, there are several ways to treat ingrown nails.

Yes, you can treat ingrown nails yourself at home. However, if the condition is already too severe, it is better for you to come to the hospital. Because the more severe the ingrown nails, the more difficult it will be for us to walk. Because the pain and swelling will affect your activities. Treating ingrown nails is not difficult, KLovers, just do it regularly so that the ingrown nails heal.

Therefore, based on various sources, here are 5 ways to treat ingrown nails at home along with the causes and symptoms. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Causes of Ingrown Toenail

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

Before knowing how to overcome ingrown nails, you need to know the causes of ingrown nails themselves. Usually, the cause of ingrown nails is abnormal nail growth, causing the nail to grow into the skin and press on the surrounding skin and tissue. This incorrect nail growth also occurs due to various factors. And here are some factors causing ingrown nails:

1. First, cutting the nails in the wrong way. For example, cutting them too short or penetrating the edges of the nails.

2. Using shoes or socks that are too tight. This can press the toenail and make it grow into the skin.

3. Neglecting foot hygiene. Such as wearing footwear when the feet are wet or sweaty, which can cause fungal infections on the feet, making it easier for bacteria to enter.

4. Experiencing nail injuries, for example, due to tripping or being hit by a heavy object.

5. Having an unusual nail shape, such as curved toenails, which can potentially grow and pierce the flesh around the nail.

6. Furthermore, you have a family history of ingrown toenails. Yes, ingrown toenails can occur due to hereditary factors. For example, the shape of the same toenails.

7. Having a profession that requires repeated pressure on the nails, such as soccer players.

8. And finally, having a condition that causes the feet to sweat easily, such as hyperhidrosis.

2. Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

There are also symptoms that you may experience when you have an ingrown toenail. Yes, these symptoms can worsen if no action is taken. Therefore, here are several symptoms of ingrown toenail that you may experience:

1. The first symptom of ingrown toenail is that your affected toenail will feel painful when touched or under pressure. Usually, you will feel pain when wearing tight shoes, and it can get worse if you stand for a long time.

2. The second symptom of ingrown toenail is that the skin around the affected toenail will swell, turn red, and harden. Once it reaches this stage, it will be difficult for you to wear shoes or stand and walk for too long.

3. And the third symptom is the last stage of severe ingrown toenail. There will be a buildup of fluid around the swollen area. This can also cause your skin to bleed or pus.

3. Soaking Feet in Warm Water

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

The first way to treat ingrown toenails is by soaking your feet in warm water. Yes, if the ingrown toenail you have is not too severe, you can treat it at home by using warm water.

The process is also not too difficult, you just need to soak the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Do this 3 times a day to soften the flesh and nail, so that you can easily cut it using nail clippers.

4. Soaking Feet in Apple Cider Vinegar

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

In addition to soaking with warm water, you can also soak your feet using apple cider vinegar. Besides softening the skin and nails to make it easier to cut when ingrown, apple cider vinegar also contains antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties that can heal ingrown toenails.

The way to treat ingrown toenails is easy, KLovers. You only need to mix a quarter cup or about 60 ml of apple cider vinegar into a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes, then dry them. Do this regularly so that your feet can heal quickly.

5. Applying Antibiotic Cream

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

Applying antibiotic cream or ointment to an ingrown toenail can actually help with healing and prevent infection. You can apply the antibiotic cream or ointment three times a day to the ingrown toenail. However, it is important to always use a gauze bandage on your toenail.

In addition, during the ingrown toenail, it is recommended to wear socks that fit properly. It is even advisable to wear sandals for a while until the ingrown toenail is completely healed. Besides the ointment, you can also take pain relievers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

6. Use Cotton or Gauze

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

The ingrown toenail should be wrapped with a bandage, KLovers. Covering the toe with a bandage at least helps maintain nail hygiene and prevent dirt from entering and infecting the damaged nail, as well as worsening the ingrown toenail.

Using cotton or gauze is not too difficult. You just need to take a small piece of cotton or gauze, then roll it up. Next, gently lift the edge of the nail and place the cotton or gauze underneath the ingrown nail.

Try to place the cotton ball below the nail border to shift the nail in the right direction. Cotton and gauze at least help reduce pressure on the affected flesh. Although this method may be uncomfortable, it can reduce pain in the ingrown toenail area.

7. Avoid Using Tight Shoes

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

And the last way to overcome ingrown nails is by avoiding using tight shoes. Yes, using tight shoes will worsen the condition of your ingrown nails, KLovers. In fact, the pain in the ingrown nails can be very severe.

In addition, tight shoes can also press on the ingrown nails, worsening the condition. Not only shoes, you also need to avoid using high heels for the same reason.

Those are 5 ways to overcome ingrown nails at home. If the ingrown nails you are experiencing are not too painful, then treat them as soon as possible, KLovers. But if it's severe, you need to consult a doctor.

(kpl/dhm)