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Some people don’t have problems with nails on their hands or feet throughout their lives, but others, on the contrary, struggle with this sensitive part of the human body for various reasons.
One of the most common problems is an ingrown nail, which can appear on any finger, but is typical, due to their thickness, especially for the big toes, and on their outer edges. The causes of this condition are varied; common ones include
- incorrect nail care, especially cutting too far down to the skin
- hereditary tendencies
- certain illnesses, for example infectious or oncological, and also
- too tight footwear.
An ingrown nail is by no means just an aesthetic problem: it is often painful, and the skin can become so irritated as a result that unpleasant inflammations can arise and progress.
If this problem troubles you, you can try some of the methods listed below, which can help remove it or at least alleviate it. However, if your difficulties persist nonetheless, you should definitely seek professional medical help.
Salt bath
A very suitable remedy is a bath of warm water in which salt is dissolved, either classic table salt or bath salt, for example Himalayan. Salt helps fight infections and can thus prevent the onset of unwanted inflammation. A positive effect of salt is also pain relief. However, if an inflammation has already developed, avoid hot water and replace it with lukewarm water.
Beneficial Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a light-colored essential oil obtained from the leaves of a type of tree growing in Australia. It has a number of beneficial effects on the human body, including preventing infections, and it also has a softening effect that will help soften rough nails, particularly on the big toes.
Apple cider vinegar
In addition to a salt bath and applying Tea Tree oil, you can also try a bath in apple cider vinegar, which likewise prevents infections and also reduces swelling.
Cotton and alcohol
Alcohol is generally known for its cleaning and disinfecting effects and you can also use it when caring for an ingrown nail. Soak cotton or gauze with pure alcohol or alternatively hydrogen peroxide and carefully clean the entire nail bed and the cuticle at the sides. This effectively prevents the development of an inflammatory condition.
