Natural Relief for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can often be caused by tight shoes and friction or incorrect nail cutting. Epsom salt is thought to help ingrown toenails by softening the nail, which reduces friction and irritation in the nail wall, therefore easing discomfort and reducing inflammation.

Our steps to treat mild ingrown toenail naturally:

Note: If you have moderate or severe ingrown toenails, please do not follow the below steps, but contact a health professional. Stage 2 and 3 Ingrown toenails require medical attention.

1. See a doctor / podiatrist / chiropodist to correctly cut the nail / apply cotton splint if appropriate. This should help reduce the discomfort and ensure the nail grows back correctly. We don’t advise trying to cut the toenail yourself unless under guidance of a health professional.
2. Soak feet in a warm solution of Epsom salt 2-3 times a day. Use approx ½ cup Epsom salt in a 5 litre foot tub. We also find that adding ¼ cup Himalayan salts is a great way to purify the skin and help prevent infection. You may need to do this for a few weeks until the ingrown toenail has grown out a little.
3. Wash with a Castille soap which is natural, olive oil based nourishing soap to help soften skin.
4. Apply a natural antiseptic after each foot soak, such as diluted apple cider vinegar.
5. Wear sandals during the summer, and loose fitting, comfortable shoes during colder months – no tight, pointed shoes or heels.

Caution: Ingrown toenails can become very quickly and easily infected, so if you see any sign of infection such as pus or fluid leaking from the nail, are in great discomfort, or the redness starts spreading - contact a health professional immediately.