Have you developed swelling or redness around your toenail? Do you experience discomforting pain in your toenail? If yes, you might be suffering from an ingrown toenail. And, if you are wondering what ingrown toenail is, what its causes and symptoms are, and how to treat it with home remedies and homeopathy, think no further. Keep reading to learn all about it.
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What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a physical condition of the skin wherein the edges or corners of your nails grow into the skin next to the nail. An individual’s big toe is most likely to get an ingrown toenail. Generally, ingrown toenails can be treated at home, but the patients with a history of diabetes or problems related to poor blood circulation in the feet may need medical treatment.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails are observed in men and women due to the following reasons:
1.Sweaty feet
2.Poor foot hygiene
3.A hard and repetitive physical activity by using feet, such as playing football, kabaddi, and kickboxing.
4.Irregular or curved toenails
5.Footwears inducing more pressure on the big toes
6.Injury to the toenail, such as toenail being stubbed accidentally or by any other reason.
7.Age: Toenails are generally found to become thick as age increases.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails:
These external visual symptoms are the most common in ingrown toenails. They include:
1.The pain in the toe while applying pressure
2.Skin becoming hard or swollen next to the nail
3.Pus formation with bleeding in case of high infection
4.Excess growth of the skin around the toe area
The diagnosis may include a visual examination of the affected area followed by an X-ray to confirm the extent of growth of the nail into the skin.
Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails:
As mentioned earlier, the best remedy for Ingrown Toenails can be home remedies. The most commonly adopted techniques are:
1.Soaking feet in the warm water mixed with a pinch of salt for about 10 to 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day.
2.Application of oils, such as olive or coconut oil, on the affected areas to loosen the skin.
3.Walk barefoot to expose the affected area to the natural air. This can help in reducing the growth of bacteria around the affected area since the chances of bacteria getting multiplied in the cold condition is less than that in the warm condition.
However, it is observed that these remedies can be of some relief if the disease condition is identified or diagnosed in the initial stages. Further, it is always recommended to consult a medical practitioner if you experience symptoms as explained above.
Homeopathic Treatment for Ingrown Toenail
The most recommended homeopathic remedies for the treatment of ingrown toenails include:
1.Magnetis Polus Australis: Ingrown Toenails causing extreme pain in the toenail along with pulsating, sharp pain, and intense soreness around the affected area indicate Magnetis Polus Australis.
2.Graphites Naturalis: Graphites is a very effective remedy for skin complaints and ingrown toenails, wherein the nails become thick and rough.
3.Nitric Acid: On physical examination, if we notice nails that are curved, yellow, or distorted, Nitric acid is recommended as a remedy. It also helps the patient who may experience the splinter-like sensation.
4. Silicea and Myristica Sebifera: Silicea and Myristica Sebifera are medicines prescribed for patients with symptoms, such as ingrown toenails followed by infection and pus discharge in the affected nails. These medicines show excellent results in relieving you of the pain and clearing up the discharge.
5.Teucrium Marum Verum: Teucrium Marum Verum is a common remedy recommended for treating ingrown toenail successfully when it is accompanied by a suppurated toenail.
6.Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum: Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum is a common remedy recommended when an ingrown toenail is followed by toenail infection. This remedy is indicated when the patient experiences severe splinter-like pain in the affected area. This medicine also helps to hasten the suppuration and shorten the period. Also, when pus discharge is found to be thick, yellow, and offensive, Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum is the best suitable remedy to treat the condition.
Normally, the chance of ingrown toenails recurring is pretty high even after getting complete relief with medication. However, the following good practices can further help in controlling the further recurrence of toenails. These healthy practices include:
1.Trim the nails properly. Practice not to cut the nails too short. Avoid cutting your toenails at an angle. Cut the nail straight across.
2.Wear socks and shoes that are the correct fit. Avoid wearing tight shoes.
3.Start soaking the toe in the water if one experiences discomfort, such as skin hardening.
Now that you know how effective homeopathy is in treating ingrown toenails, opt for homeopathic treatment for ingrown toenails, if any time you happen to suffer from the condition and obtain relief.
