The problem of an ingrown fingernail - how to treat it using medical and folk methods

The problem of ingrown fingernails worries many people, since the pathology causes a rapidly growing inflammatory process in the soft tissues, which can lead to serious complications such as necrosis or blood poisoning.

The disease has a medical name - onychocryptosis.

Ingrown nails into the side ridges can occur on one or several fingers. In the early stages, the pathology is successfully eliminated using conservative treatment methods, but in advanced forms, surgical intervention may be required .

To avoid the formation of scars and scars on your hands, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Causes of an ingrown toenail

The primary cause of the disease is a hereditary factor. The disease occurs after 30 years of age; in rare cases, children and the elderly are affected.

Other reasons for appearance:

• incorrectly chosen shoes. Constant pressure causes the nail to grow into the skin. Experts do not recommend wearing tight shoes or narrow-toed models or high heels. The disease occurs in closed shoes when used in the summer. Humidity causes softening of the nail plate, swelling of the epidermis and improper growth of the nail;
• fungus;

  
  Nail fungus is the main cause of ingrown toenails.

• various injuries;
• improper pedicure;
• individual characteristics of the body.

An ingrown toenail can be caused by excess weight and heavy physical activity. At the initial stage, the disease can be cured at home using conservative methods.

Treatment methods

The primary goal of therapy is to relieve acute symptoms of inflammation and eliminate infection if infection is present. In the future, additional correction is carried out to prevent re-growth. For these purposes, special staples, devices for reducing the thickness of the middle part of the nail, etc. can be used, but most often a laser is used.

Laser correction

Laser treatment of an ingrown toenail involves removing the problematic corner or part of the plate on the finger. The first method is considered less traumatic, but later the cut area grows back and can again penetrate into the soft tissue. Removing part of the plate is more reliable, since under the influence of the laser the growth zone loses its functions. This prevents the area from becoming bent and flaring up again.

The advantages of laser correction include the possibility of targeted treatment. The method allows you to reduce the degree of involvement of neighboring tissues. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure depends on the chosen technique and the patient’s condition, but in most cases, removal takes no more than 20-30 minutes.

During laser correction, the surgeon uses a special device to cut off the ingrown part or strip of the nail. Cauterization simultaneously disinfects tissues and stops bleeding. After the procedure, the specialist treats the problem area with an antiseptic solution and applies a bandage. The full recovery period may take from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Drug treatment

Medicines help get rid of the symptoms of the disease, but in most cases they do not eliminate the cause of its development. For onychocryptosis, the following drugs can be used:

1. Antibiotics. Used to eliminate infection or prevent its development. Most often, ointment is applied to the damaged area, since local preparations are more effective.
2. Antifungal agents. Used if the cause of an ingrown toenail is a fungus. If the underlying pathology is not treated, exacerbations will recur.
3. Softening agents. Used to remove horny deposits. Sometimes they help ease the growth of the nail, but in most cases they are used to painlessly remove the problem corner.
4. Anti-inflammatory drugs. Help eliminate symptoms in the early stages. Local drugs are used.

The use of medications by themselves most often does not lead to a positive result, so they are strongly recommended to be combined with other methods.

Symptoms

Human fingers have strong sensitivity. There are many nerve endings at the tips. The disease is characterized by severe pain when pressing on the nail.

The main symptoms are:

• pain;
• swelling;
• formation of redness, spots, color changes;
• compaction of the nail plate;
• suppuration.

Consequences

You should not remove nails with fungus on your own. This is a very risky procedure and should only be performed by professionals under appropriate conditions. If the patient decides to undergo removal at home, he needs to remember the following:

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• If you remove the nail yourself, this can lead to re-infection of the regrown plate with fungus, increasing the risk of bacterial tissue damage. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep your feet warm and dry after the manipulations.
• When applying bandages, you should wash your hands well with soap and water each time. Bandages need to be changed frequently to prevent them from getting wet and spreading infection.
• After the desired nail has been removed, the person faces severe pain. To reduce the level of discomfort, it is recommended to take Ibuprofen.
• Special antibacterial ointments or creams (Levomekol, Lincomycin, Erythromycin) will help prevent infection from entering a fresh wound.
• After the procedure, it is necessary to minimize the load on the legs in order to reduce the negative impact of external factors on the resulting wound.
• After removing the nail plate, the risk of its improper growth increases, which can only be corrected by a specialist.
• Accumulation of pus, swelling, redness in the intervention area is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

Proper care of the wound consists of frequent changes of bandages, antiseptic treatment and constant monitoring of the growth of new nails.

Stages

Experts define 3 stages of disease progression:

1. When moving, a person feels a slight pain, which subsides when removing shoes. There is slight swelling and redness;
2. The condition of the nail changes - the acute angle on the nail plate increases, swelling and redness increase, throbbing pain is accompanied by decay;
3. The disease becomes chronic; the advanced process is intensified by swelling, pain, change in the natural color and hardening of the nail.

In the third stage, bleeding is observed. Initial forms are amenable to conservative treatment. If the condition is advanced, surgical intervention will be required.

Skin grows

The appearance of skin under the nails is actually a fairly common symptom, although not all cosmetologists and dermatologists are aware of its features. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors:

• Various growths and formations under the nails are often found when affected by fungal diseases. Such growths may not cause any discomfort, but greatly worsen the appearance. And as the pathology progresses, detachment and destruction of the nail plate may occur. You can suspect the occurrence of fungal infections by itching, destruction and thickening of the nail, as well as a change in its color. Similar ailments are often manifested by excessive peeling of the epidermis (near the nail). Much more often, fungal diseases affect the toenails.
• Sometimes the skin under the nail is nothing more than an overgrown hyponychium. This term is used to refer to the growth layer of the epidermis, which forms the subungual bed. Normally, the hyponychium lasts until the area where the nail plate separates from the bed and passes into the free edge. However, in some cases, such a layer grows further and is attached to the nail from the inside (by several millimeters). If its integrity is violated (for example, during a manicure), you may experience bleeding. An overgrown hyponychium can cause discomfort and even pain. And manicure experts say that this problem is most often observed in girls who extend their nails to excessive length. The exact reasons for the occurrence of such a disorder are unknown; perhaps it is an individual characteristic of the body, or perhaps its protective function.

To determine why the skin under the nail is growing, you need to consult a cosmetologist and dermatologist. The doctor will send the patient to the laboratory where, using a simple test, it will be possible to confirm or deny the presence of a fungal disease.

Diagnostics

An ingrown toenail can be diagnosed by a surgeon, namely a podiatrist. The doctor performs orthonyxia - a non-surgical method of correcting the nail with a flexible plate - it hooks and pulls the edges of the nail to the top. Ultimately, the shape of the nail is corrected.

At the initial stage, surgical intervention is not necessary; conservative treatment is sufficient. There will also be no need for testing. They are prescribed in case of surgical necessity. Blood and urine tests will assess the level of inflammation. Sometimes it is necessary to donate blood for sugar.

If pus is present, a bacteriological study may be necessary to evaluate the resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antibacterial drugs. In some cases, an x-ray is performed - the procedure allows you to identify the disease and prevent other diseases in case of relapse.

What will happen if left untreated?

Without proper treatment, the disease progresses. Complications lead to the spread of infection, rotting of the limb, resulting in amputation of the nail, and in serious cases, the finger. Prolonged inflammation provokes the appearance of other diseases. The infection spreads to other parts of the body, causing the emergence of new diseases. A severe case is the formation of gangrene.

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What complications can it cause?

Ingrown toenails can cause the following complications:

1. Lymphadenitis. Infectious agents spread through the bloodstream and affect the lymph nodes. When the big toes are damaged, the inguinal and popliteal structures most often become inflamed due to their close location. The progression of the pathology is accompanied by periods of remission and exacerbations. Most of the time, pathogens remain in the lymph nodes in an inactive state, but with immunodeficiency, the colony develops rapidly. This causes inflammation, swelling and pain. Possible limitation of mobility.
2. Osteomyelitis. Pathology develops if the infection spreads to bone tissue. An accurate diagnosis is made after receiving the results of an x-ray examination. The disease is difficult to treat and often leads to amputation of the affected phalanx.
3. Abscess. Inflammation affects soft tissues. Most often, the infection spreads along the entire finger. On examination, redness is detected; in advanced cases, fistulas are formed for the outflow of purulent exudate. For an abscess, surgical intervention is most often performed. Sometimes amputation becomes necessary.
4. Gangrene. With prolonged development of onychocryptosis and the concomitant occurrence of complications, blood circulation in the damaged area worsens. This leads to tissue necrosis. The finger turns black. The only treatment is amputation. It is possible to remove only one phalanx or the entire finger.

With onychocryptosis, it is important to promptly seek help from a doctor, since in most cases the disease does not go away on its own and becomes chronic with further development of complications.

How to remove an ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail can be removed in various ways - it all depends on the stage of the disease, contraindications, and doctor’s recommendations. Methods for eliminating the disease can be conservative and surgical.

Radio wave method

The main advantage of the radio wave method is its painlessness. In addition, after the procedure the risk of the disease appearing again is unlikely. Depending on the severity of the disease, the time for the operation is determined - 3-5 minutes. Another advantage of the radio wave method is that the patient is not transferred to a hospital; the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Painlessness is characterized by the use of local anesthesia. An injection is made into the finger, after which the tumor is removed and the nail matrix and growth zone are treated with radio waves. At the end of the procedure, an antiseptic bandage is applied and the patient is sent home.

Upon returning home, the bandage is not allowed to get wet. They change it in the first 5 days. The wound heals within a week. The patient may feel pain, but this is a completely normal condition.

Removal completely or partially with a scalpel

The surgical method is used in the absence of a positive result of therapeutic treatment. Complete removal, or resection, is necessary when soft tissue suppuration occurs. If the nail does not fester, but is only thickened, partial removal is used.

The patient is given local anesthesia, the doctor uses a scalpel to cut out the diseased area and treat the wound with an antibiotic. After the operation, gentle treatment and dressings are recommended. Full recovery usually occurs within a month.

The advantage of surgery is the prevention of bone tissue suppuration. This method has many disadvantages. The most important thing is the long recovery process; healing occurs only after the new nail has fully grown. This method is used very rarely; modern procedures are less painful.

Laser treatment

The most gentle method of removing ingrown toenails is laser. The procedure has many advantages: there is no need to take sick leave, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require bed rest afterwards.

The procedure takes about 20 minutes. After the operation, the person does not experience pain. Laser removal reduces the risk of abnormal nail growth.

Operation according to Schmieden

One of the popular methods is the Schmieden operation. Its main advantage is that after the procedure, the risk of the disease is again reduced to a minimum. The operation is performed under anesthesia, the nail is cut with scissors, an incision is made on the soft tissues, and the granulation is removed. The infected area is removed and stitches or a bandage are applied.

Complete healing occurs after 7 days, during which you need to limit physical activity. A change of bandage is also necessary. If a relapse occurs, antibacterial therapy is prescribed.

Treatment

To get rid of an ingrown toenail permanently, you can resort to radical treatments that involve surgery. However, in the first stage it is recommended to use drug treatment. The doctor prescribes the necessary medications after the examination. Treatment of an ingrown toenail at home using traditional medicine should also be carried out with the permission of a specialist. Folk remedies are often auxiliary in nature, but they cannot replace the treatment itself.

Treatment at home

At home, treatment can be carried out at any convenient time and with the desired frequency, for example, during a relapse, to numb the finger. However, in case of complications, outpatient treatment is prescribed.

If there is no suppuration and the pain is mild, you can get rid of the problem yourself. To remove an ingrown toenail at home, you can do the following procedures:

1. Soda and soap baths. Pour 2 liters of warm water into a small bowl, add 5 tsp. baking soda and 2 tbsp. l. grated laundry soap. They lower their feet into the bath and wait until the skin and plate become softer, after which, freeing the tip of the nail from under the skin, it must be carefully trimmed. The finger must first be treated with an antiseptic, for example, hydrogen peroxide.
2. Compresses based on ichthyol ointment. This remedy for ingrown toenails will help remove the pus. This will clean the wound and eliminate inflammation. The product is smeared onto a napkin, applied to the affected area and wrapped with a bandage. Apply a compress at night. In the morning, remove and wash the area.
3. Salt and soda baths. Dissolve 2 tbsp in 2 liters of warm water. l. salt and soda. Legs are held for 15 minutes. The effect of this remedy is that the nails and epithelium become softer. After the bath, the feet are treated with antiseptics, after which a medicinal ointment for ingrown toenails is applied.
4. Antibiotic-based products. The ointment or cream is applied to the periungual fold, and then carefully fixed with a bandage. Dimexide and Levomekol are most effective; for ingrown toenails, they help relieve inflammation. However, these drugs have contraindications, so you should consult your doctor before using them.
5. Herbal ointments. For example, Nogtinorm is applied to the affected area after a softening bath. It will not only relieve pain, but also help normalize the growth of the nail plate.
6. Vishnevsky ointment. It is used when suppuration is observed on the finger. The product helps to quickly cleanse the wound. It will help kill all pathogenic bacteria and improve tissue regeneration.

Another remedy for an ingrown toenail is as follows: after a softening bath, use a file to make a small hollow in the middle of the plate. After some time, the nail will come out of the epithelium on its own, after which it must be carefully trimmed.

It should be remembered that if you have onychocryptosis at home, you should not put your feet in baths with a water temperature above 40°C. This will increase inflammation, swelling, and contribute to the occurrence of complications.

You should not make compresses, which increase the likelihood of developing infections. Nail injuries from improper filing pose a great danger. Do not apply polish to damaged nails.

Surgical methods

If it is not possible to get rid of the ingrown plate using special means, frequent relapses are observed, accompanied by severe pain. The doctor often prescribes an operation in which the plate is completely removed. This type of surgical intervention is often used: under local anesthesia, depending on the severity of the pathology, the nail plate is excised completely or partially. During the operation, the overgrown tissue is also removed.

After this, a course of painkillers is prescribed, as well as gels and ointments that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Orthopedic and hardware techniques

Sometimes you can get rid of the problem of an ingrown plate using special means. Special devices will help make the plate more even. To do this, you need to fix it on your leg. The device consists of metal brackets and plastic plates. The osteopath will select a device that will not cause inconvenience or pain to the patient. Wearing such equipment does not affect human activity in any way. In addition, you can even get a pedicure or paint your nails with polish.

However, with this type of therapy, cases of relapse cannot be excluded. There is a possibility of re-ingrowing of the nail.

Laser and radio wave removal

Advances in modern medicine make it possible to remove an ingrown nail plate without surgery. In this case, a radio wave knife is used, which is a minimally invasive technique. Excision of the damaged nail is performed.

Another way is to use a laser. It will not only eliminate injured tissue, but also eliminate re-ingrowth.

Corrective devices

An ingrown toenail can be treated without surgery. Medical practice offers new methods for removing ingrown toenails - staples and plates. The devices are attached to the leg without causing any discomfort. There is a rapid rehabilitation period.

Current plates:

• Oniclip – epoxy-coated fixture. The main advantage is that the pressure of the plate can be adjusted by the patient himself. Used for all stages of the disease, even in the absence of a nail;

• golden goldspang – the small steel plate is practically invisible when worn. Fastened to the nail with glue, used at all stages of the disease;

  
  

• Podofix – after installing the device, the patient immediately feels relief, pain subsides, and there is no feeling of constriction.

In addition to plates, modern medicine offers braces as an alternative treatment method. They differ in the installation method and design. The bracket is a device in the form of a thin nickel or chrome-plated wire. The procedure is painless, quick, and practically does not cause complications.

The bracket is made individually for the patient, depending on the shape of the nail. The disadvantage of this method is the need to make a correction - tighten or loosen the bracket.

The most common staples:

• Milling cutter - wire with thin, hook-shaped ends. Places it under the edges of the nail and secures it;
• Combiped - used in case of unilateral development of the disease. One end fixes the nail with a hook, the other is glued to the nail plate;
• 3TO - a staple consisting of 3 parts - the side ones are fastened to the edges of the nail, the loop formed between them regulates their tension.

The plates and staples look quite aesthetically pleasing and do not require long-term recovery, anesthesia, or sick leave . After installing the device, the patient can engage in daily activities, sports, swimming and even paint their nails. The disadvantages include the high price and the inability to use the method in advanced stages.

How to understand that a nail is ingrown?

At the very beginning of the disease, mild discomfort appears. There may be slight swelling or even redness. If you wear closed shoes, the pain intensifies when you walk for a long time. I want to take these shoes off as soon as possible.

And here it is important to grasp this moment and regard it as a signal to action. It will be enough to simply trim the nail correctly and remove the ingrown piece without resorting to the help of doctors.

If you missed this moment, then the finger begins to swell more and more and noticeable redness appears. If you press on this place, pus will appear from under the nail. Here, perhaps, simple circumcision will not help and you will have to contact a surgeon.

But if you miss this moment, convincing yourself that you don’t have time or are afraid, then the worst thing will begin. The disease becomes advanced, and the inflammation takes on a chronic form: the skin around the nail hardens, the finger swells, pus appears without pressure, it becomes difficult to walk, and closed shoes are a living hell.

Why is it scary if you don’t see a doctor urgently? Pus is a kind of infection. If you don’t get rid of it and the cause of its appearance in a timely manner, it will spread to the finger bone, gangrene will begin and the doctor will be forced to make the only possible diagnosis - amputation. Why? Because such an advanced stage of the disease can no longer be treated. The skin and cells of the finger simply die, and the bone tissue begins to decompose.

Uses of capolin

A special material, capolin, is prescribed to reduce pain and speed up wound healing. A soft fabric device lifts the edges of the nail and fixes its position. Before use, fabrics are softened with saline solution. The tampon moves deeper into the affected area and is fixed.

Capolin is changed daily until the corner of the nail can be cut off. The treatment is long-term, but more gentle. This method is most effective in the early stages, as well as for prevention.

Pharmacy ointments and gels

Various gels and ointments are used in the therapeutic method.

The most effective drugs:

• Nogtinorm - this substance contains palm oil, licorice and St. John's wort extracts, which have a healing effect. When applying the ointment, the nail plate softens, inflammation is relieved, and nail growth is normalized. Use the product daily after steaming your feet. The cost of the ointment is 180-250 rubles;
• Demixide in the form of a gel has an anti-inflammatory effect and is applied to the affected area. The procedure does not take much time, does not require bandages, and is performed once every 2 days. The gel should not be used in case of hypersensitivity, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or eye diseases. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children. Cost – 50-230 rubles;
• Vishnevsky ointment – ​​stops the development of infection, kills fungus, relieves swelling and pain. The product has a strong aroma due to the birch tar it contains. The ingredient is antimicrobial and antiseptic in nature. Xeroform dries the inflamed area. The ointment is applied to gauze and applied to the area, secured on top with plastic wrap and a bandage. The cost of the product ranges from 50-70 rubles. per tube;
• Ichthyol ointment – reduces inflammation, pain, destroys germs. Apply to the affected area, cover with gauze (napkin), and secure with a bandage. It is better to use at night. Repeat the procedure until complete recovery. The price of the ointment is 30-120 rubles;

• Levomekol – has a calming and antibacterial effect. Apply in the same way as Vishnevsky ointment. The product is allowed to be used during pregnancy and for people with allergic diseases. The price of the drug ranges from 80 to 140 rubles.

How to remove a nail affected by fungus using pharmaceutical products

Therapy of onychomycosis is carried out with special drugs, most of which have a complex effect:

• antifungal;
• antiseptic;
• keratolytic;
• softening.

Removal of nails affected by fungus is carried out with softening varnishes, ointments or plasters. In 80% of cases, damaged parts can be removed in 2-3 procedures.

Before applying the drug, all areas affected by the fungus are treated with antiseptics - Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Furacilin solution.

Plasters

A patch is a nail remover that softens the stratum corneum on the fingers. Facilitates the removal of layers infected with fungus. Most patches contain:

• keratolytics – trichloroacetic and salicylic acids, urea;
• antiseptics – miramistin, ammonia, chlorhexidine;
• antimycotics – bifonazole, miconazole, ketoconazole.

When treating fungus, the following keratolytic plasters are used:

• Mycospor is a patch with a pronounced antifungal and keratolytic effect;
• Onychoplast is a patch with urea, paraffin and beeswax, which additionally disinfects the skin in affected areas;
• Ureaplast is a urea-based product that softens nails and destroys fungal spores;
• Fungiplast is a drug with a fungicidal and softening effect that makes it easier to remove part of the infected nail.

To remove all layers of fungus, it is recommended to apply for at least 5 days.

Lucky

Products in the form of varnishes act similarly to keratolytic patches. They are applied in several layers after steaming the hands or feet. Most varnishes contain fungicidal components. Therefore, they treat not only the areas infected with the fungus, but the entire surface of the horny plate. Periodically, the softened layers are cleaned off with nail scissors, a file, or a milling cutter.

To remove the nail plate with nail fungus, the following are prescribed:

• Batrafen;
• Mikozan;
• Loceril.

Keratolytic varnishes should not be confused with varnishes designed to kill fungus.
The former soften the horny covering of the fingers, and the latter destroy the fungal infection. Compared to other forms of keratolytic agents, varnishes are easier to apply. Before the procedure, the periungual fold is not covered with adhesive tape or treated with fatty creams. The risk of getting a chemical burn when using varnish is minimal.

Ointments

With advanced onychomycosis, the deep layers of the nail are affected. To defeat the infection, all layers of the plate are removed down to the affected area. Ointments and creams have better penetrating ability.

To remove nails use:

• Loceryl is a cream with amorolfine and urea, which is intended for the gentle removal of nails with fungus;
• Nogtivit is a product with urea and essential oils that has disinfecting and keratolytic properties;
• Nogtimycin - cream for removing nails for fungus with keratolytic and fungicidal activity;
• Mycospor is an ointment with bifonazole and urea, which is intended for non-surgical nail removal.

When treating affected areas with keratolytic ointments, the following recommendations should be followed:

• the product is applied to the lesions in a thin layer once a day;
• the treated areas are sealed with adhesive tape;
• the dressing is changed every 24 hours;
• between changing bandages, steam your legs or arms;
• the exfoliating parts of the horny cover are removed with a scraper;
• After the procedure, the nails are covered with a layer of ointment.

Therapy is carried out for at least 2 weeks in a row. When the subungual space acquires a smooth structure, this indicates the destruction of the fungus.

Pharmacy liquids for treating ingrown toenails

In addition to gels, various liquids are used:

• Dimexide is an anti-inflammatory agent. Based on it, compresses are made and applied to the affected area. You can wash the wound with the solution, the cost of the drug is 50-100 rubles;
• Scholl liquid – softens the nail plate, removing germs and fungus. Apply twice daily. The effect of the procedure is noticeable after 7 days. The price of the product ranges from 700-1000 rubles;
• Gehwol liquid is effective at an early stage, prevents ingrown nails, softens the plate, reduces pain. Before use, the finger is cleaned, dried, and 2 drops are applied to the area. The price of the drug is 800-2500 rubles.

Preparing for removal

There are several ways to remove horny plates affected by the fungus. To make the procedure less painful, they undergo a preliminary preparation stage:

• Steaming. The first step is to steam your foot in a hot bath. To do this, use a chamomile decoction or a solution of laundry soap and baking soda. The procedure is performed for at least 25-30 minutes.
• Removing the top layer. The softened parts are cleaned off with nail scissors, a nail file or a scraper for better penetration of pharmaceutical products into the lesions.
• Skin protection. Most drugs for removing horny plates contain aggressive additives. Therefore, before applying them, the periungual fold is covered with an adhesive plaster.

After preparation, softening agents are applied to nails with fungus.

How to treat an ingrown toenail at home

Treatment and prevention of the disease can be done independently at home.

Recommended:

• use baths at intervals of 20 minutes. in 3 days. The procedure reduces the signs of the disease;
• lift ingrown edges using cotton wool;
• use antibiotic-based ointments;
• choose the optimal shoe size, avoid pointed-toe shapes and excessive heels;
• drink painkillers.

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Baths

Ingrown toenails on big or other toes are treated with special baths:

• chamomile based – 60 g of plant per 1 liter of water. The herb is infused for half an hour, the procedure lasts 30 minutes. To reduce pain, apply a piece of gauze;

• saline solution – 60 g of salt per 1 liter of water. Procedure time – up to 20 minutes. After using the bath, swelling, pain, and inflammation are relieved;
• with baking soda - 30 g of product per 3 liters of water. The procedure time is half an hour. Baking soda dries the skin, reducing pain and swelling.

Bath recipes

Treatment of an ingrown toenail with folk remedies involves several types of drugs, which differ in the method of application. One of them is the use of medicinal herbs and some products for local water procedures.

1. A bath of baking soda and salt helps soften the skin around an ingrown toenail. It is necessary to mix 100 g of salt and 50 g of soda in a small basin, pour hot water over this mixture. The water temperature should be approximately 39-40 °C to achieve a steaming effect, but without causing burns to inflamed tissues. The bath lasts 10 minutes.
2. A bath with chamomile will help reduce inflammation and relieve swelling. To prepare it, 9 tbsp. l. Pour 3 liters of boiling water over dried chamomile flowers, let it brew for an hour, then strain. The solution is used for baths, heated to a comfortable temperature.
3. Baths with St. John's wort herb have an antiseptic and healing effect. Pour 10 tbsp into a saucepan with 2 liters of boiling water. l. dried crushed St. John's wort and leave for 30 minutes in a water bath, then strain. The infusion can be used for local foot baths.

In addition to baths, it is advisable to wash your feet several times a day in warm soapy water and also wipe them dry. Throughout the day, it is important to keep your feet clean and sweat less.

Folk remedies

Traditional folk remedies are considered more effective:

• aloe – the leaf is cut in half and applied to the desired location overnight;
• butter – rub in after using the bath in the evening. You can put a piece of butter on gauze and wrap it around your finger. A bath with saline solution is recommended in the morning;
• onion and honey – chopped onion is combined with honey, applied to the affected area overnight;
• plantain - after the bath, wrap your finger in the plant and bandage it;
• badger fat - applied to gauze and then to the affected area. Best used at night;
• potassium permanganate – combine a few drops with water and steam your feet;

• castor oil - dissolves in 3 liters of water, 100 ml of the drug. The legs are immersed in the solution for 15 minutes;
• lemon zest - grated zest is combined with vegetable oil and applied to the affected area.

Traditional medicine methods

If you need to quickly relieve pain, you can resort to folk remedies.

Baths

You can soften the nail on your big toe using baths with various products:

1. Soda baths. For 3 liters of warm water take 2 tbsp. l. soda The feet are immersed in this solution for 20 minutes. With its help you can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Remedy with chamomile. Add 6 tbsp to 1 liter of hot water. l. dry pharmaceutical chamomile. The infusion is left for 20 minutes, after which it is filtered. Then pour the resulting liquid into 1 liter of clean hot water. Take 20-25 minutes.
3. Bath with castor oil and salt. You need to take 2.5-3 liters of water, dissolve 1 tbsp in it. l. salt, then pour 100 ml of castor oil into it. Keep your feet in this solution for 20 minutes.
4. Product with potassium permanganate. The solution should be light pink. Baths are done at least 3 times a day. Keep your feet in the water for no longer than 15 minutes. With their help, you can disinfect the affected areas, reducing the risk of suppuration. In addition, a liquid with added potassium permanganate will make the nail softer.

If you can steam your nails well, it will be easier to remove deformed areas of the nail.

Applications and compresses

To get rid of pain, you can use bandages with specially applied products on them. Thanks to this, it will be possible to prevent the entry or development of infection, free the tip of the nail and remove it.

Applications are made with the following plants:

1. Aloe. You need to cut off a fresh leaf, pour hot water over it, and then cut it. The pulp is applied to the abscessing finger and secured with a bandage. This compress is best done at night. In the morning the bandage is removed.
2. Tea mushroom. You need to divide the mushroom into layers, after which one of the layers is applied to the nail. A film is carefully placed on top, after which a bandage is applied. Apply before bedtime for 3 days in a row.
3. Plantain and sea buckthorn oil. After taking a softening bath, smear the damaged area with a small amount, wrap your finger in plantain and secure it with a bandage. This remedy will relieve swelling and swelling from the periungual fold.

After a foot bath with the addition of a decoction of chamomile and calendula, carefully lift the nail and place a cotton wool tourniquet soaked in sea buckthorn oil under it.

Prevention

If the cause is hereditary, then it is almost impossible to influence it.

In other cases, you must adhere to the following rules:

• perform a pedicure correctly - do not round the shape, do not cut off the ends too much, approach a straight line

• wash your feet thoroughly;
• choose the right shoes;

Ingrown toenails bring not only pain, but also a feeling of discomfort. This disease can be cured in various ways. Many of them allow you to avoid relapse in the future.

Author: Tatyana Makoveeva

Article design: Vladimir the Great