Ditch the remedies that don’t work. Here’s How to Use Essential Oils for Ingrown Toenail so you can get relief from the discomfort!
There are tons of ways that essential oils make your life easier, and this is one of them. Here’s everything about using essential oils for ingrown toenails, from the right ones to pick, and how to use them on the area.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
Before we get into using it, it’s best to know if you really have an ingrown toenail or something else. An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is a condition where the edge or corner of the toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin.
Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe but can also occur on other toes. This usually happens due to improper toenail trimming, wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit well, toe injuries, naturally curved or thick nails, obesity, diabetes, and genetic predisposition.
Ingrown toenails can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection, which may produce pus, making it even more painful. But don’t worry—you can use essential oils for an ingrown toenail. Here are the best ones.
Best Essential Oils For Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be painful and irritating. Thankfully, essential oils can offer relief and promote healing. Tea tree oil and lavender oil are two of the most popular essential oils for this.
Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties–it can help prevent infection, which is a common concern with ingrown toenails. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and pain.
On the other hand, Lavender oil is famous for its soothing and calming effects. It can help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail.
Note: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, before applying them to your skin to help prevent any kind of irritation. Consult a healthcare professional if you have a severe ingrown toenail or experience worsening symptoms.
How to Use Essential Oils for Ingrown Toenails
They’re pretty simple to use. Start by cleaning the affected area with warm, soapy water and drying it thoroughly. Then, dilute your chosen essential oil with the carrier oil. About 3-4 drops in a tablespoon of the carrier is fine.
Gently massage the diluted oil into the area around the ingrown toenail. You can repeat this process several times a day or as needed. For best results, try soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt before applying the essential oil. It softens the skin and reduces inflammation.
Essential oils can be a great addition to your ingrown toenail treatment regimen. However, they are not a cure-all. They can provide relief and support the healing process, but they may not completely resolve the underlying issue, especially if the ingrown toenail is severe. So, use it and seek medical help at the same time for a permanent solution.