How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home: 3 Effective Methods

Ingrown nails are a painful condition where the edge of the nail plate digs into the surrounding skin. If not treated promptly, inflammation can develop, potentially leading to an abscess. To avoid such complications, it is important to address the problem as early as possible. Below are three effective home remedies that can help manage an ingrown nail.

Important! If the condition is advanced, it can only be resolved during a podiatrist’s appointment — in severe cases, surgical intervention may even be necessary.

However, if you have encountered this problem at an early stage, this article provides effective methods to help you deal with it on your own.

Baking soda solution

Add 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda to 3 liters of water. Bring the solution to a boil, then let it cool down a bit. When the temperature is comfortable, soak the affected foot in the water for 30 minutes.

After that, gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail using a toothpick. Place a small piece of sterile cotton under the lifted corner of the nail. Secure the nail with a bandage and leave it overnight.

Repeat the procedure daily until the nail grows out and comes free from the skin.

Kombucha (Tea mushroom)

Leave the kombucha (tea fungus) at room temperature until it develops a slight sourness. Then cut off a small piece and apply it to the affected area of the nail. Secure the compress with a cloth bandage or a plastic bag to retain moisture. Leave it on for several hours or even overnight.
Kombucha has the ability to soften the ingrown nail, making it much easier to trim after the procedure.

Salt solution

Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 liters of hot water and soak your feet in this solution for about 30 minutes. This method helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but it does not eliminate the root cause of the problem. Therefore, be sure to complement it with the main treatment.

Published: 30.07.2025 08:12 Times Read: 30

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