Ingrown nails occur when part of the big toe nail bends and is embedded in the soft tissue. Medically, it is known as onychocryptosis, and generally it  develops from a two-sided infection in the soft tissue around the nail.

Most of the time it is painful and gets red and inflamed. However, when it develops and is uncontrolled, it can  form a yellow liquid or pus, which means there is a source of infection.

This may be due to poor nail care, use of inappropriate socks, or small lesions that were left unattended.

It could also be genetic in some cases. For example, if you have a family history of deformed nails.

The good news is that thanks to the properties of special ingredients,  you can use various home remedies to relieve them in a short amount of time.

Below we would like to share 6 of the most effective remedies with you so that you can apply them when you notice the first sign of this problem.

1. Garlic

Garlic has antibiotic properties  that can help control an infection caused by ingrown nails.

Its sulfuric acid compounds reduce inflammation and accelerate healing in the affected areas.

Ingredients

• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 self-adhesive bandage

What to do?

• Crush a clove of garlic in a mortar and apply the paste on your nail.
• Cover with the adhesive bandage and let it work overnight.
• Repeat the treatment every day until you experience complete relief.

2. Onion juice

Natural onion juice has properties similar to those in garlic. It also  controls bacterial and fungal growth. 

Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties control redness in the damaged area, and within a few days, it helps to return to its normal state.

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium onion
• A few drops of lemon juice
• 1 cotton ball

What to do?

• Blend onion with a few drops of lemon juice. Be sure to extract all the juice.
• Sift it with a cloth and apply the liquid using a cotton ball.
• Get it on twice a day, every day.

3. Epsom salts

Epsom salt baths not only soothe tired legs, it can also  repair corns and prevent nails from becoming overgrown. 

Ingredients

• 60 g Epsom salts
• 2 liters of water.

What to do?

• Heat the water to a temperature acceptable to your feet. Add Epsom salts.
• Take a foot bath with this for 15 minutes. Then dry them and cover them with socks.

4. Hydrogen peroxide

As it is a powerful disinfectant,  hydrogen peroxide is one of the best allies to soften and rejuvenate the skin around the ingrown nail. 

Using it will soothe the pain and prevent bacteria and fungus from developing an infection.

Ingredients

• 125 ml. hydrogen peroxide
• 1 liter of water.

What to do?

• Heat the water and mix it with half a cup of hydrogen peroxide.
• Take foot baths in this for 15 to 20 minutes, then dry them.
• Put on some socks or wear a bandage over the affected toe.
• Repeat treatment every day for as long as necessary.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is the second of the effective remedies that prevent ingrown nails from becoming an even bigger problem.

Its antibacterial properties protect the infected area and reduce inflammation, which causes sensitivity. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 liter of water.

What to do?

• Add apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of warm water, then bathe your feet.
• Bathe them for 20 minutes, then dry them.
• Repeat this process every day for at least a week.

6. Vicks vaporub

This classic menthol ointment is a bactericidal product that  soothes irritation and pain in the affected toenails. 

One can use it in itself to reduce pain, but it can also be combined with a bit of garlic for stronger and faster results.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. Vicks vaporub
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 bandage

What to do?

• Crush the garlic cloves and mix them with ointment to make a paste.
• Rub the ingrown nail and cover with a bandage.

• Let it sit overnight, then repeat the same process for 5 days.

Remember that to achieve the best results with these means, you need to  cut and file the nails like a square.  If the infection persists, see your doctor as soon as possible.