The feet are often the most neglected parts of the body. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that ingrown toenails are a fairly common problem for a lot of people.
Also known as onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail is a pathologic condition in which the toenail grows abnormally into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation.
If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to serious foot infections.
This is why it is essential to take the right treatment measures at the first signs of an ingrown toenail.
The longer you wait to treat the condition, the harder it will get to fix it.
In the initial stages, you can easily treat an ingrown toenail at home with foot soaks. Quick, easy, and relaxing – a foot soak is a perfect solution to your problem.
It is not only an easy way to treat ingrown nails but a relaxing foot soak can also help you unwind.
Furthermore, foot soaks can help with other concerns, including hard and dry skin, foot-odor, cracked heels, etc.
The effects of a foot soak vary based on the ingredients you use.
In other words, if you are looking for a foot soak recipe to help you get rid of ingrown nails, adding certain ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, can help speed up the treatment process.
Scroll down to take a look at the ultimate foot soak recipe for treating ingrown toenails with apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak For Ingrown Toenail
You may be surprised to know that the solution to most problems associated with the feet is resting in your kitchen – apple cider vinegar.
Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar has been used to treat multiple ailments and conditions for hundreds of years.
Even today, it is often used as the star ingredient for various home remedies for treating skin and even hair problems.
How It Works
Apple cider vinegar is a diluted form of acetic acid, which can be used for cleaning, cooking, and treating our dirty, aching feet.
It balances the pH level of the skin along with killing bacteria and fungi.
Treating ingrown toenails with apple cider vinegar will prevent fungus or infection from spreading.
Due to its antibacterial properties, it is known to slow down the growth of bacteria that can lead to infections.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Treating Ingrown Toenails With Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar is the key ingredient in this foot soak recipe, you can also add other ingredients to gain maximum benefits.
Here’s a list of items that you will need for treating ingrown toenails with apple cider vinegar.
- Warm water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Epsom salt
- Dental floss
- Moisturizer
- Pedicure equipment
Step 1 – Prepare Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
The first thing you need to do is prepare the apple cider vinegar foot soak. Fill a small container with hot or warm water.
For a relaxing foot soak, make sure that the container can hold enough water to soak your feet completely till the ankles.
Add about a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water and soak your feet. The ideal ratio for optimal results is one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water.
The ingrown toenail should be fully submerged in the water for at least 20 to 25 minutes.
This will give apple cider vinegar enough time to reach and kill bacteria and fungi.
You can soak your feet for up to 4 times a day to relieve pain, prevent infection, and encourage a quick recovery.
Step 2 – Scrub The Feet With Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a magnesium compound that works as a healing agent and pain reliever.
This makes it the perfect ingredient for our apple cider vinegar foot soak recipe.
You can dissolve it in the apple cider vinegar and water solution that you prepared for your foot soak or you can use it as a gentle scrub.
Either way, it will help reduce the symptoms of an ingrown toenail.
Apart from that, it will also exfoliate the skin, ensuring that your feet remain soft and supple.
Step 3 – Rinse, Dry, And Moisturize
Rinse your feet with warm water and use a soft cloth or towel to dry them thoroughly.
Apply a good-quality moisturizer to make sure your skin doesn’t dry out due to salt or vinegar.
While apple cider vinegar is likely to take care of bacteria and prevent infection, if you are particularly concerned about it, apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream on the affected toe.
Step 4 – Encourage Healthy Growth
The final step of treating an ingrown toenail with apple cider vinegar takes things further than softening the toenail and caring for your feet.
It involves actively encouraging the toenail to grow in the right direction.
Start by scraping the dead skin around the nail and trimming the toenail.
The apple cider foot soak is known to soften the skin and nail, so you shouldn’t have any problem while scraping or cutting.
Use dental floss to gently lift the ingrown nail and place a piece of cotton underneath.
Don’t forget to soak the piece of cotton in apple cider vinegar or alcohol before placing it under the nail to eliminate the chance of developing an infection.
This simple 4-step guide can help you treat an ingrown toenail at home.
Generally, treating an ingrown toenail with apple cider vinegar can take up to 20 to 25 days.
However, if you don’t see any signs of recovery, it is advisable to consult a doctor about your condition.
People with diabetes are also recommended to see a doctor before treating an ingrown toenail with apple cider vinegar.
The apple cider vinegar foot soak will reduce the inflammation, alleviate pain, prevent infection, and promote healthy growth of the nail.
It will also keep your feet in optimal health and odor-free. Apart from that, a foot soak is an excellent way to relieve stress and unwind.
So, take action quickly and try the apple cider vinegar foot soak as soon as you notice the first signs of an ingrown toenail.
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