Those who wear tight-fitting shoes and don’t trim their nails properly can face ingrown toenails. ROSHANI DEVI shares a few simple and easy to follow home remedies to treat the affect toe
An ingrown toenail can be very painful especially if you ignore it for a long time; in that case, one may have to resort to a surgery. But there are a few simple and easy things to do at home to nip the problem in the bud.
The first rule is to wear proper footwear. Ensure that there is some space where your toes are. Wriggle them and check for comfort level. If there is even the slightest pinch, go for a larger shoe size.
Second, cut your toenails in a straight line. Don’t dig in and cut them. The nail line should not be less than the size of the toe. Prevention is better than cure.
But if you do end up with an ingrown toenail, this is what one can do.
Epsom salt helps. It helps soften the skin around the affected area, which makes it easy to draw out the ingrown nail. It brings down the swelling as well. Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a tub filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Remove and dry your feet properly. Do this three-four times in a week.
You can also use turmeric. Make a paste using half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mustard oil. Smear the paste all over the affected toe and cover it with a bandage. Repeat two-three times daily.
One can also drink haldi-doodh to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process.