An ingrown toenail can turn from a small nuisance into real daily torture. That is exactly what happened to me. Walking became uncomfortable, shoes were painful to wear, and even the touch of a blanket at night made me wince. I visited salons and dermatologists more times than I can count, and eventually I became tired and discouraged. At some point, I could no longer afford repeated visits, and I decided I had to find another solution.
Surprisingly, the answer came from an unexpected place. An 83-year-old woman I know shared a simple home method that she had used for years. I tried it, and for the first time in a long while, I felt genuine relief. Before I describe the method, it is important to understand what an ingrown toenail is, why it develops, and what symptoms to watch for.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail most commonly affects the big toe. It can occur on one or both sides of the nail. The edge of the nail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. The skin around the nail becomes red, swollen, and sensitive to touch. Pressing on the toe can be painful, and walking may become difficult.
Other possible symptoms include:
- inflammation of the skin at the tip of the toe
- swelling or accumulation of fluid around the toe
- overgrowth or thickening of the skin around the affected area
- tenderness when wearing shoes
- in more advanced cases, discharge from the affected area
Even when symptoms are mild, the discomfort can interfere with daily life. If symptoms become severe, medical attention is important.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Many different factors can lead to an ingrown toenail. The most common include:
Improper nail trimming – Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners may allow the surrounding skin to cover the nail edge. As the nail grows, it digs into the skin instead of growing straight.
- Tight shoes, socks, or stockings – Constant pressure on the toes pushes the nail into the skin.
- Excessive sweating of the feet – When the skin around the toe is soft, the nail can more easily penetrate it.
- Toe injuries – Stubbing, crushing, or repeated pressure on the toe can change how the nail grows.
- Genetic predisposition or nail shape – Some people naturally have more curved nails that are prone to ingrowth.
For me, it became a real torment. I tried different solutions and spent time and money at salons and clinics, but the problem kept returning. That was when the elderly woman I mentioned shared her traditional remedy.
A simple home remedy I was taught
She explained everything calmly, step by step. The method is gentle and does not involve painful procedures. Of course, it is important to note that severe infections or medical conditions such as diabetes require professional care. But in my situation, the remedy helped significantly.
Here is what she advised.
First, I had to wash my feet thoroughly using laundry soap and warm water. Then I soaked my feet in a warm solution of water and baking soda. This softens the skin and nail, making the next steps easier. After soaking, the foot needs to be dried carefully with a clean towel.
On the dry toe, I applied one tablespoon of butter or margarine. The idea is that the fat softens both the nail and the surrounding skin, reducing pressure and pain. After applying it, I wrapped the toe with a small piece of plastic so that the nail would stay covered. I left it overnight.
In the morning, I gently wiped away the remaining butter. She told me to take a clean, sharp nail file or thin instrument disinfected with alcohol. The goal was not to cut deeply or injure myself, but simply to try to lift the corner of the nail slightly from the skin. If I felt pain, I stopped immediately.
She warned me: if the pain is strong, or the redness spreads, repeat the softening process for another night or two. After two or three sessions, the curved edge of the nail usually becomes easier to lift and trim carefully in a straight line.
In my case, I really did feel relief after a few days. The pressure decreased, and walking stopped being a constant source of pain.
Why this method can help
Warm water and baking soda soften the nail and surrounding skin. Fat (butter or margarine) further moisturizes the area and reduces friction. When the nail softens, it can sometimes be gently guided out of the skin edge, relieving pressure.
However, while this method may help many people, it is not magic and not a substitute for medical care in complicated cases. There are situations when home treatment is not recommended.
When you should see a doctor immediately
You should seek medical care if you notice any of the following:
- severe redness spreading beyond the toe
- strong throbbing pain
- fever or feeling unwell
- thick yellow or green discharge
- if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve problems
- if the toe is extremely swollen or very hot to the touch
In these cases, professional treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
How to prevent ingrown toenails in the future
After I managed to solve the problem, I also learned how to prevent it from coming back:
- cut toenails straight across, not rounded
- avoid cutting nails too short
- wear comfortable shoes with enough space in the toe box
- change sweaty socks regularly
- keep feet clean and dry
- avoid tearing nails by hand
Simple habits can save you from a lot of discomfort.
Final thoughts
An ingrown toenail may look like a small problem, but the pain and inconvenience can seriously affect everyday life. For me, it truly became torture until I found this simple method shared by a wise 83-year-old woman. Gentle soaking, softening, and careful lifting made a big difference. Most importantly, I learned to listen to my body and take proper care of my feet.
If your symptoms are mild, home care like this can bring relief. But if there are signs of infection or worsening pain, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. Health always comes first.
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