6 ways to treat and avoid ingrown toenails

Most of us know the uncomfortable and painful feeling of ingrown toenails. While healing, toenails should be well looked after to avoid infection and reduce the need for surgery.

People with diabetes or circulation problems are best to ask their doctor how to treat their ingrown toenails.

For others, here are a number of simple but effective ways to help manage the healing process:

1. Soak your feet twice a day

To relieve soreness, soak your feet in a basin of warm water in the morning and evening. Try adding a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts to the water to soften the skin. Make it a relaxing foot bath with a tranquil soundtrack.

2. Cut your nails properly

Toenails cut too short can dig into the skin, often times becoming ingrown. It’s important to cut your toenails properly, meaning cutting across in a straight line, as opposed to curved with the toe. And contrary to the old wives’ tale, you don’t need to cut a ‘V’ in the top of your nail to relieve pressure.

3. Wear white socks

Keep it simple when it comes to socks. Colour-dyed socks may run on a hot day and leak into the wound. To avoid sensitive reactions and infections around your toe, you’re best served wearing plain white socks.

4. Choose sensible footwear

While allowing your toe to heal, you should wear shoes that either breathe (such as sandals) or don’t pinch the affected area. High heels may look good and give your toe healthy exposure to the air, but the pressure it adds to your toes isn’t going to help recovery. A sturdy heel, no higher than an inch, will help relieve your feet.

5. Lemon slices

Lemon’s acidity have great healing powers for internal and external ailments. Before bed, cut a slice of lemon and secure it to the wound, applying tape or a bandage. Sleep with the bandage on and check the results in the morning.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an all-round lifesaver but is also helpful in the problem of ingrown toenail. All you need to do is mix a few tablespoons with water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Or directly apply to ACV to your ingrown toe.

Have you tried any of these remedies? What worked best for you?