In This Article
An ingrown toenail infection affects both adults and children all around the world and occurs when the corner/ edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. If left untreated, it can cause excruciating pain, swelling, and redness. In some cases, this infection needs surgical intervention. Therefore, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Continue reading this post on Effective Remedies to find out the most effective home remedies for ingrown toenails infection in adults and children.
- Effective home remedies for nail fungus removal
- Effective home remedies for foot fungus: athlete’s foot & toenail’s fungus
- Must-know ways to get rid of toenail fungus in children & adults
25 Effective Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails Infection In Adults & Children
I. Most Effective Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails
A. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails In Adults
1. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Turmeric
How Does It Work
Turmeric can help prevent the growth of bacteria and further infection. It possesses curcumin, which embraces anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial agents.[1] [2] These soothing and healing agents are beneficial for treating an ingrown toenail infection and the pain, inflammation, and pain caused by it. It further encourages the healing process.
Way 1
What You Need
- Turmeric – one teaspoon
- Water
How To Do
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Pick up the turmeric powder at first and later add sufficient water to it to create a fine paste. Begin applying it to your affected toenail. Remove it with warm water after 5-10 minutes. Follow the remedy twice to thrice a day.
Way 2
What You Need
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Mustard oil – ½ teaspoon
How To Do
Just combine both the ingredients well to attain a thick paste. Apply it to your affected areas and cove it with the support of a bandage. Rinse it off after roughly 30 minutes and use a clean towel to pat dry. For quick relief, redo it three times a week.
Way 3
Alternatively, you can lessen the swelling and inflammation of the ingrown toenails from the inside by consuming turmeric. You can add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk or warm water and enjoy it. Also, add it to dishes such as scrambled eggs when cooking.
Side Effects Of Turmeric
Turmeric in food is possibly safe. When taken at recommended dosages, turmeric & curcumin supplements are likely safe. Turmeric can enhance the uterus or stimulate a menstrual period, so avoid using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Epsom Salt
How Does It Work
Epsom salt is useful for making the skin around the nail softer, thus making it easy to cut.[3] It is also perfect for reducing the pressure on the nails and relaxing your foot muscles. In addition to this, it eases discomfort and reduces inflammation by decreasing irritation and friction in the nail wall thanks to its high magnesium content.
What You Need
- Epsom salt – one teaspoon
- One bucket full of water
How To Do
Just add the Epsom salt to the water and soak your feet in this solution for roughly 20 minutes. Rinse off your feet afterward and gently pat dry. For quick results, repeat this treatment 3 to 4 times per week.
Side Effects Of Epsom Salt
The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can contain a laxative effect. Taking it may result in bloating, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
3. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Hydrogen Peroxide
How Does It Work
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to help clean wounds since it’s a natural disinfectant. It further prevents infection in the toenail, as it is antifungal and antibacterial.[4] It also consists of has antiseptic properties, which can alleviate pain associated with ingrown toenails.
What You Need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide – ½ cup
- Warm water
What You Need
At first, fill a bucket with warm water and pour the 3% hydrogen peroxide in it. Next, soak your feet in the mixture for 15-30 minutes. Wash it off and gently pat dry. For effective results, redo it 2-3 times daily.
Precautions
Since it can rupture its healthy tissues, don’t apply undiluted hydrogen peroxide to the skin.
4. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Apple Cider Vinegar
How Does It Work
Apple cider vinegar works wonders in getting rid of ingrown toenails infection. It comprises powerful anti-inflammatory abilities, which are excellent for lowering the inflammation and pain. Along with that, it holds antimicrobial properties that give the ingrown toenails protection from fungal or bacterial infections.
Way 1
What You Need
- Apple cider vinegar – one tablespoon
- One bucket filled with water
How To Do
You mix the AVC in water and soak your feet for about 15 to 20 minutes in this solution. Use normal water to rinse it off and pat dry. Use this home cure once daily. For this home remedy, you can use a cotton ball. Just immerse it in some ACV and place it on your affected parts. Make sure to cover it by using a bandage for several hours before removing it.
Way 2
What You Need
- ACV – one tablespoon
- Water – 1 glass
How To Do
Combine the above components thoroughly and drink it once a day. You can add honey for taste.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Remember to dilute apple cider vinegar with some water before applying it because undiluted ACV can cause skin irritation.
5. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Oregano Essential Oil
How Does It Work
Oregano oil is full of antiseptic, antibacterial, and palliative agents, which make it an ideal option for the treatment of ingrown toenails. Besides, it can aid in healing and calming ingrown toenail pain. Moreover, it can treat other foot or nail problems owing to its antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
What You Need
- Oregano essential oil – 3 to 4 drops
- Olive oil – 2 to 3 drops
How To Do
Just mix the oregano oil and olive oil well. Start applying to the affected areas with this mixture and keep it for several hours before rinsing it off. You should apply this oil mixture at least thrice a day. Alternatively, add about two drops of oregano oil in water and drink it.
Precautions
During pregnancy, don’t use oregano oil. People allergic to sage, marjoram, thyme, basil, or mint must avoid this remedy. Children under the age of five must avoid this oil.
6. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Listerine
How Does It Work
Listerine is abundant in compounds such as thymol, eucalyptol, and menthol, which all contain anti-inflammatory and soothing agents that can help to soothe the pain caused by an ingrown toenail. Moreover, it can inhibit further infection due to its antifungal and antibacterial effects.
What You Need
- Listerine – one tablespoon
- Water – one tablespoon
How To Do
Get the above components and mix them well. Pick up a cotton ball and dip it in this resultant solution. Begin applying it to your ingrown toenails with downward strokes. Do this procedure 2 to 3 times every day for fast relief.
Side Effects Of Listerine
Using Listerine may not be suitable for everyone. It can cause mild irritation if your skin is sensitive. Thus, test a small area of the skin with Listerine before using it.
7. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Tea Tree Oil
How Does It Work
You can use tea tree oil to deal with various skin infections and conditions. It can effectively deal with ingrown toenails, as it comes with antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.[5] [6] Along with that, it is helpful to alleviate inflammation. It also kills germs because it serves as a natural disinfectant. Last but not least, it is effective in preventing infections from developing.
What You Need
- Coconut oil – one tablespoon
- Tea tree oil – 2 drops
How To Do
Combine the tea tree oil with the coconut oil and slightly apply it to your affected toenails. Use a breathable bandage to cover it. Repeat this way thrice per day.
Precautions
Before applying, dilute this oil with any carrier oil since it may irritate the skin.
See more: 75 health & beauty benefits of tea tree oil – its uses & side effects
8. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Indian Lilac
How Does It Work
Indian lilac or neem is highly useful for reducing swelling thanks to its anti-inflammatory characteristics. It further has pain-suppressing properties, which can help calm the pain caused by ingrown toenails.
What You Need
- Indian lilac leaves – 1 handful
- Water – 4 cups
How To Do
You put the leaves of Indian lilac in the water and bring it to boil. Then, strain and wait for this mixture to cool down. After that, soak your foot in it for roughly fifteen minutes. Redo it twice a day to heal your toenail and prevent infection.
Side Effects
Neem can result in an adverse reaction in some people with sensitive skin and a skin disorder such as eczema.
9. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Baking Soda
How Does It Work
Baking soda keeps your toenail infection-free since it possesses natural antiseptic and sanitizing qualities.[7] Plus, it is effective in preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria on the infected toenail because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
What You Need
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Water – a few drops
- A bandage or sanitary gauze
How To Do
Create a thick paste by mixing the baking soda and water well. Then, you take this paste and apply it to your cleansed toenail & the skin around it. Afterward, cover it by using a sanitary bandage or gauze. To remove the ingrown toenails soon, do this method 1-2 times daily.
Side Effects Of Baking Soda
Since it can interfere with the pH level of the skin, baking soda can cause some side effects on the skin such as overdrying of the skin, and skin irritation and inflammation.
10. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Camphor
How Does It Work
Using camphor is considered as one of the best natural home remedies to cope with the ingrown toenails. Also, it helps to give relief to the itching, fungus infection, pain, and other symptoms of an ingrown toenail.
What You Need
- Melted camphor – ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon or coconut oil – ½ teaspoon
How To Do
The first step is mixing the melted camphor with coconut or cinnamon oil. The next step is applying it to your problem areas and leaving it overnight. In the morning, rinse it off. You can follow this home treatment every day before sleeping.
Side Effects Of Camphor
For most adults, camphor is likely safe when applied to your skin in a lotion or cream in low concentrations. It can cause a few minor side effects including skin redness and irritation.
11. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Ginger
How Does It Work
Ginger contains an active component called gingerol, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help decrease the ingrown toenails. It further assists in soothing the pain and reducing redness.
What You Need
- Ginger root oil – ½ teaspoon
- Sesame oil – ¼ teaspoon
How To Do
Combine the two elements to make a mixture and apply it to your toenails. Rinse off after 2 to 3 hours with water. Follow the simple method once daily.
Side Effects Of Ginger
Ginger can cause allergic reactions in some peoples. Some of the common allergic reactions to it include a skin rash, skin inflammation, and skin redness.
12. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Sea Salt
How Does It Work
Sea salt can manage the pain and irritation caused by ingrown toenails because it is an anti-inflammatory and relaxing ingredient. In addition to this, it guards the skin against infections and removes the extraction of the nail.
What You Need
- Sea salt – ½ cup
- Tepid water
- Coconut oil
How To Do
Mix the sea salt with enough tepid water at first and next, submerge your feet for about 20 minutes. You can also add the salt with some water and then us the mixture as an exfoliant on your affected nail. It’s best to repeat the application thrice a week.
Precautions
Don’t overconsumption of any kind of salt if you suffer from hypertension.
13. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Garlic
How Does It Work
Garlic holds the sulfuric components that are used as a natural solution to fight off the pain and inflammation caused ingrown toenails.[8] Also, these properties are useful for preventing the affected skin from infection and relieving calluses by softening them. It additionally has allicin that exhibits antimicrobial agents, which can protect the ingrown nails from infection and damage. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties help to speed up the recovery.
What You Need
- Garlic clove – 1
- A bandage
- Olive oil
How To Do
Grind the garlic clove and apply it to your affected region with the bandage. Also, you can combine it with a little of olive oil to help increase the restorative and hydrating effect. Let it act for at least four hours and rinse it with enough cold water. Follow the method daily for best effects.
Side Effects Of Garlic
Prolonged contact with garlic can cause skin irritation because of its enzyme called alliin lyase.
14. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Eucalyptus Oil
How Does It Work
Eucalyptus essential oil comes with antimycotic and antibacterial qualities, which all aid in improving the condition of ingrown toenails. It also lowers the inflammation and soothes the pain. Besides, it is an antiseptic that can keep the nails and feet free of debris coming with a fungal infection.
What You Need
- Eucalyptus oil
- One piece of cotton wool
How To Do
Wet the cotton wool piece with some eucalyptus oil. Afterward, apply it to your affected toe and let it work for half an hour or cover it by using a bandage for two hours. Follow it daily until your nail is cured. Remember dilute it with water before applying.
Side Effects Of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is perhaps unsafe when taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin without first being diluted. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning can include dizziness, stomach pain and burning, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, small eye pupils, and some others.
15. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Honey
How Does It Work
Honey is excellent for treating all types of infections owing to its antibiotic and antiviral properties. Along with that, honey offers an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to recover from the ingrown toenails. These properties are also ideal for making extracting the nail easier by softening the skin.
Way 1
What You Need
- Organic honey
How To Do
Pick up a tiny quantity of organic honey at first and later rub it on your affected nail. Allow it to work for about 30 minutes before rinsing it. Redo it twice a day until this problem is under control.
Way 2
What You Need
- Honey – one tablespoon
- Lemon juice – one teaspoon
How To Do
Combine the honey and lemon juice well to prepare a smooth paste. Rub this paste on your affected toenail. Wait for about 20 minutes before rinsing.
Side Effects Of Honey
Symptoms or signs from a honey allergy include rash, hives, itchy throat, watery eyes, runny nose, swelling, and bumps on the skin.
16. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Onions
How Does It Work
The presence of allicepin in onions possesses antifungal activities, which can be used to prevent the growth of fungus on the infected toenail. Additionally, they own strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, which work effectively in preventing further infection and providing immediate relief from the inflammation and pain.
What You Need
- Onion – 1
- A sanitary bandage or gauze
How To Do
Slice the onion and apply a sliced onion piece directly to your ingrown toenail. Then, use the sanitary bandage or gauze to cover it and leave it on an entire night. The next day, rinse it off. Do the process once every day before your bedtime.
Side Effects Of Onion
A few people may experience skin rashes and irritation while applying onion juice on their skin. So, test onion on a small part of the skin before its application.
B. Effective Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails In Children
Home remedies for ingrown toenails in children are efficient when they can eliminate the pressure, pain, and irritation of an ingrown nail. This infection in children can be properly treated by using topical antibiotic cream and warm water soaks. For this remedy, fill a small plastic container or tub with warm water containing a squirt of antibacterial soap. After that, place the affected foot of your child in it and let the nail soak for roughly 20 minutes. Do this treatment two to three times daily to give your little one some relief. Alternatively, take a dry cotton piece under the affected region of the child’s toenail. Also, apply OTC antibiotic cream to inhibit infection. Use painkiller to give your child relief from the pain. Keep in mind never use aspirin for kids below the age of 16.
Warnings
Don’t attempt home remedy for ingrown toenails removal if your child has poor blood circulation, nerve damage or diabetes because these health problems may make your little one more prone to undergo ingrown toenail complications. Take your kid to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if he or she undergoes excessive pain, or you see signs/symptoms of infection, such as pus red streaks branching beyond his or her affected toenail.
II. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Must-Know Tips
1. Soak In Warm Water
Warm water is an ideal remedy to alleviate pain and inhibit the spread if bacteria. It additionally makes the nails smooth and soft. For this purpose, soak your feet in sufficient lukewarm water for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse off your feet afterward and pat dry with a towel. Try following it once per day.
2. Use Antibacterial Soaps
Antibacterial soaps are beneficial for destroying the bacteria and preventing the further infection. It’s a remarkable treatment to fix the ingrown toenails. You fill a tub with warm water and mix a squirt of antibacterial soap in it. Then, soak your foot in the solution for ten minutes and pat dry properly. Place a cotton piece under the ingrown toenail and after that, apply an antibacterial ointment. Cove the area with a bandage and leave it for several hours. Reapply it once every day.
3. Use Cotton Wedge
You pick up a cotton wedge and place it under your affected areas to assist it in growing above the skin after warm water soak. This will even calm pain and encourage the healing process. Just soak your affected nails in warm water and dry them. Lift the affected nail carefully with one blunt pair of tweezers. Afterward, place a small rolled cotton piece between the nail & the skin. You need to replace the cotton whenever you soak the feet to prevent infection.
4. Sensible Footwear
It’s suggested to wear open-toed sandals or shoes to give the affected toenail extra room and let it breathe to heal quickly when experiencing an ingrown toenail infection. Consider wearing sensible footwear to inhibit ingrown toenails. In fact, wearing tight and poorly fitting footwear is one of the primary causes of this painful nail problem. Women should avoid wearing high heels to eliminate the pressure on the toes.
III. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – FAQs
1. What Is The Best Cream For The Treatment Of An Ingrown Toenail?
A doctor can prescribe ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin. But, if you are seeking for natural substitutes to resolve your condition, you can opt for any of the treatments mentioned in this article such as tea tree oil, coconut oil or lemon juice.
2. What Kind Of Salt Can Treat An Ingrown Toenail Infection?
Salts such as baking soda, Epsom salt or table salt can be quite helpful for curing the ingrown toenail since they comprise antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. What Is The Recovery Time For An Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
After surgery, the recovery time can prolong anywhere for 6-8 weeks.
IV. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Prevent From Recurring
In addition to the above-mentioned home remedies, you should also follow these tips and tricks to avoid ingrown toenails.
- You should wash your feet with a soap solution three to four times per day. Just use a foot scrub or pumice stone on a daily basis. It’ll aid in preventing the build-up of dead and hard skin.
- Always keep the feet moisturized and apply a good or high-quality moisturizing agent. It’ll keep the area soother and soft, making it easier for you to cut your ingrown toenail.
- Using OTC antibiotic cream or ointment can facilitate healing and help lower the risk of infection. Just apply the ointment to your affected toenail following the instructions of the manufacturer, usually up to thrice daily.
- Open-air footwear is ideal for healing the ingrown toenails infection. However, it is not suitable for all the terrains since wearing open-toed sandals or shoes in the city can make your toe more likely to infection.
- Avoid wearing colorful socks, as the dyes used in them may worsen the condition. It leads to further complications and affects people sensitive or allergic to dyes. Instead, wear white colored socks.
- Trim your nails correctly to inhibit recurring ingrown toenails. Always trim them straight across and always start with the edge part, not the middle when trimming. Don’t trim your toenails too short and always keep them at a moderate length.
V. Home Remedies For Ingrown Toenails – Diet For Healthy Toenails
Your toenails are important for supporting and guarding the tissues around the toes. Healthy toenails are crucial since toenails can become brittle or infected if they aren't supported with good nutrition or aren’t cared for properly. Thankfully, there are various kinds of foods, which are excellent for your toenails because they are chock-full of numerous minerals and vitamins that are potent in keeping your toenails healthy.
- Vitamin C Rich Foods: Being an antioxidant vitamin, vitamin C helps to protect your nails from free radicals that harm your cells and organs. Free radicals also make the nails brittle. Low levels of vitamin C can contribute to hangnails. Foods high in vitamin C are mangoes, oranges, red peppers, cooked leafy greens, and winter squash.
- Biotin Rich Foods: You can find biotin in foods such as beans, mushrooms, nut butter, whole grains, and cooked eggs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin can help to keep the nails strong and can be ideal for treating the nails.
- Vitamin B 12 Rich Foods: Vitamin B 12 is vital for your nails, and a lack of this vitamin can result in the nails becoming brittle or dry and cause them to break easily. Foods such as beef, eggs, shellfish, liver, and pork are rich sources of this vitamin.
- Zinc Rich Foods: Because it’s an antioxidant mineral, zinc helps to protect your nails from the damage of free radicals. Low quantities of zinc in the body can cause white spots on your nails. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, white spots on nails can indicate a medical or infection condition. Foods rich in zinc are tofu, soybeans, pumpkin, green beans, oysters, and cheese.
In conclusion, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to discomfort and complications if not treated. So, use the home remedies listed here to handle it immediately. However, see a doctor if you have diabetes or other medical conditions resulting in poor blood flow to the feet or you experience discomfort in the toe. Besides, share with us if you have other effective home remedies for ingrown toenails infection in adults or children.