Natural Cures for Ingrown Toenails

Even though Ingrown Toenails- medically known as "Onychocryptosis"- generally only affect the big toes on the feet, the pain and agony they cause can be excruciating. This medical problem is exactly what its name implies- the edge of the toenail grows into the skin around it. The skin first becomes tender and red. It may also become hard and swollen. If left untreated, the big toe can become severely infected. Normally, you can treat this condition at its early stages yourself, as long as you know some effective natural cures for Ingrown Toenails.

What causes Ingrown Toenails? There are two main causes: trimming your toe nails incorrectly and wearing tight or narrow shoes. When you trim your toenails, you should avoid cutting them too short. You should also avoid tapering the nails so they curve. Instead, to help prevent Ingrown Toenails, you should trim your nails so they are straight across. According to The Podiatry Institute, you can buy specially designed toenail clippers at your local drugstore. These clippers keep you from cutting into the corners of your toenails.

Wearing tight shoes can cause Ingrown Toenails because the footwear can press down on the nails. This pressure can cause the toenail to be pushed down into the skin. Once the nail begins to grow into the skin, you have a medical problem started.

There is one main natural cure for Ingrown Toenails that's quite effective. First, you can get immediate relief from the pain and soreness by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water. Or, soak your foot in warm water with table salt added to it. Do this for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Then, rinse well with cool water and pat your foot dry. The soaking will soften the skin around the Ingrown Toenail. The soap, especially if it's an antibacterial type, will help cleanse the area and prevent infection. It will also kill harmful bacteria. Table salt will do the same.