How to get rid of an ingrown toenail overnight … just the facts.

Ingrown toenail… ​ou​ch! ​Very painful.

how to get rid of an ingrown toenail overnight

How many times a day do you stop to monitor the sensations and movement of your toes? 

Yeah… me neither. 

​But, here’s the problem:

​It’s totally different if you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail. 

In that case, you realize just how often the sides and tops of your toes come into contact with other stuff.

That’s because the slightest bump against the side of your shoe can cause an unreal amount of pain.

And what if someone accidentally steps on your foot?

You may have the sudden urge to pass out.

If you let ingrown toenails go…

…you could end up needing a doctor.

I won’t go into detail about the procedure involved, as it’s truly toe-curling.

how to get rid of an ingrown toenail overnight

Fortunately, most of us won’t need to deal with that.

But wait, there’s more…

I will show you….

How to get rid of ingrown toenails at home.

There’s plenty you can do to cure your own ingrown nails naturally, at home.

 

Today, we’re tackling an ordinary but painful foot condition.

How to get rid of an ingrown toenail fast. 

Do you have an ingrown toenail​?

How did you get it​?

​And how can you ​get rid of it?

Stay with me now and…

Let me break this down for you…

Ingrown Toenails: What They Are and What Causes Them

Something troublesome is afoot.

One side of your toe is red, and perhaps a little swollen, right at the edge of the nail bed.

ingrown toenail inflammation

It’s tender to the touch, and there may be a little clear fluid.

This is likely onychocryptosis, known colloquially as an ingrown toenail.

It’s said that they’re more common among teens and younger adults, but they can happen to anyone.

And they do!

Ingrown toenails are very common.

You get them when the edge of your toenail grows into the fold of skin next to it.

Eventually, it’ll puncture that skin and create the symptoms that alert you to the condition.

Typically, ingrown toenails are plopped into one of three categories:

Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3.

ingrown toenail stages

At Stage 1, you’re aware of your ingrown. That’s when the redness and swelling begin to occur.

Stage 2 brings with it more severe amounts of pain and fluid discharge.

Finally, Stage 3 involves even more pain, infection, and hypertrophy, which is a cellular swelling.

The infection at this stage definitely demands medical attention.

As an aside, if you’re diabetic, you should always see a doctor about any problems with your feet.

It’s widely known that diabetics are slow to heal.

Moreover, foot problems are a common concern with diabetics because of circulation issues and nerve damage.

In fact, nearly a quarter of all hospital visits made by diabetics are due to diabetic foot complications.

So in your case, skip the natural cure and see ​a Doctor ASAP.

For the rest of us, ultimately, how severe your ingrown toenail gets is up to you.

You don’t automatically contract a Stage 3 ingrown; it progresses to that stage when you do nothing about it.

It’s good to figure out why you have one, so that you won’t continue aggravating it.

​Stick with me here, because… 

​This is important:

Why We Get Ingrown Toenails

Here are several common reasons why we get ingrown toenails. ​

clipping toenails

1. You’re not clipping your toenails properly.

You’ve cut too far down, or cut down the sides to make a round shape.

Or worse, you didn’t use clippers at all – you use scissors or pick them off with your fingers.

2. Your shoes are too tight.

This one hits close to home.

That pair of shoes you have that are a little too tight about the toe can retard nail growth.

They can also push the toes together too tight, forcing the nail into your skin.

3. You got a sketchy pedicure.

This is similar to the first one, but in this instance it’s not your fault.

By and large, pedicures should be relaxing, so we may not pay attention to every move the technician makes.

If they don’t trim everything back properly, or are too rough, an ingrown can appear within days.

4. You have bone spurs, bunions, or other foot conditions.

​Is it true?

bunion

If so…

These can impact the way your feet are shaped, the way you walk, and more.

This places you at a higher risk of getting ingrown toenails.

5. You suffered an injury or there’s been foot trauma.

Something as simple as stubbing your toe can cause an ingrown.

​For instance…

​If you’ve had an injury that causes your toenail to fall off, the nail that grows in may become ingrown.

6. Your toenails are “pincer shaped” or curl in and down at the sides.

ingrown toenail pincer shaped

If the edges of the toenail naturally grow curving downward, that nail is more likely to grow into the skin.

Natural Cure for Ingrown Nails

If you have an ingrown right now, you may be tempted to just dig in and clip it back.

I would urge against this.

​Anyway, here’s the thing:

The risk of infection, as well as the pain, ask us to be more gentle and considerate.

​And the reason is simple:

Overall, it will be easier to remedy it if you take your time.

First, wash your feet with a mild, non-stripping soap​ – Shop now.

washing feet

From there, you’re going to soak your feet for 15-30 minutes using one (or two) of the ingredients I share below.

If your ingrown is in the very early stages, it may heal just through soaking and ointment.

So, if you want to stay that route and not touch it, do the soaks twice per day.

Follow it up with an antiseptic healing ointment and a bandage.

If you want to separate the toenail and the skin, use cotton or plain dental floss (not mint).

With cotton, just tear a piece off of a cotton ball and roll into an oblong, string-like shape.

​Does this ​sound crazy​?

​Boy, it sure looks like it, huh?

​Anyhoo, keep reading to find out.

Next, you may trim the toenail, but only if it needs it.

Be sure to trim it straight across, always starting at the edges.

If your toenail is already very short, please skip this step, as further clipping can make the problem worse.

Now, with clean hands, gently pull back the fold of skin around the nail.

If the skin is swollen, it may not give very much, but do not pull harder than it’s allowing you.

The soak should have softened the nail and skin, making it easier to work with.

Slip your floss or bit of cotton in between the offending nail and the skin of your toe.

This may help the toenail grow in a slightly different direction, and not into your skin.

Apply your ointment of choice and a bandage, but don’t wrap it tightly.

toe bandage

If you have to wear shoes, it might be best to wear a toe cap​ – Shop now.

You will need to change the cotton or floss daily.

So, what natural ingredients can we use with this basic method of handling an ingrown?

Not to worry.

All I’m sharing here are easy to find, inexpensive, and are easily incorporated into the above “extraction method”.

  • Epsom Salts. Baths and soaks with Epsom salts are a tradition we got from our great-grandparents. Magnesium sulfate is incredibly healing, and you can also consider it a “drawing” solution.  ​​It’s an old remedy for drawing out foreign objects, like splinters. Many people also believe it draws out toxins from the body, making it a popular choice for a full-body bath. Even if it doesn’t detoxify, it’s wonderful for sore muscles!  ​​To soak your feet with Epsom salts, just add two tablespoons to roughly a gallon of warm water. ​
  • Hydrogen Peroxide. If your ingrown is obviously progressing to a Stage 2, treat it with hydrogen peroxide. It can help clear up fungus and infection, as it’s one of humanity’s most trusted antiseptics. ​​Initially, it softens skin, but afterwards can be rather drying. Therefore, be sure to moisturize well before you complete your treatment. Pour half a cup into approximately one gallon of water for your soak.  ​
  • Tea Tree Oil. Once your soak is over, you want to treat the area with something potent enough to prevent infection. Tea tree oil has a centuries-long reputation for clearing up various problems and can be less irritating than OTC ointments. ​​As a natural antibacterial, it’s good for cuts, scrapes, bug bites, acne, and more. It will also reduce any redness and swelling you experience at the site. Gently dab a drop onto the toe with a cotton swab between soaking and bandaging. 
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV can help strengthen nails that are weak, in part due to the trace minerals and vitamins. Weak nails that split easily are just one of many ways you increase your risk of an ingrown toenail.  In addition, it’s a mild antibacterial. Therefore, it’s good for washing the area, and perhaps soaking, but something stronger should be used for infections. You can actually combine the Apple Cider Vinegar with your Epsom salts for the soak. 

BONUS: Create your own healing ointment with just five natural ingredients!

Begin with the coconut oil, making sure it’s soft or melted.

lavender oil

​lavender oil

Drop in the other oils and stir well.

Apply at least twice a day to the clean area and store in your bathroom cupboard.

Wash your hands after applying – these oils can burn if you forget and rub your eyes!

Don’t have lavender or eucalyptus oil?

That’s okay; just leave them out. The two you absolutely shouldn’t miss are tea tree and oil of oregano.

However, any combination of the above oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut.

Also, because it is an oil mixture, wait awhile before bandaging.

I believe you’ll find that letting the area “breathe” as the solution soaks in is more effective.

Tips for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

After you implement the natural way of healing ingrown toenails, you want to prevent them from reoccurring.

Stay comfortable on your feet by following this advice.

1. Clip your toenails the right way.

You might like a round look for your toenails, but your toes hate it.

Always cut your nails straight across.

clip toenails

Avoid cutting them down anywhere near the quick. The further down the edge of that nail goes, the better chance it has of growing into the skin.

That said, you still need to trim your nails.

Overlong nails, especially the pincer-shaped kind, can also cause ingrown toenails. Trimming once or twice a month is good enough for most people.

​See more toenail cutting tips here.

2. Go bare more often.

As we’ve learned, ingrown toenails can happen when the feet are generally stressing out.

If you’re at home, don’t wear shoes or socks. Let the toes fall where they may instead of dealing with constant pressure.

This is especially crucial if you run or participate in any high-impact exercise.

After you’re through, remove your shoes and let feet rest.

3. Update your shoe wardrobe.

Yes, I’m advising you to buy new shoes.

Don’t choose shoes that make your feet sweat or push your big toe inward.

For heels, skip pointy-toe styles and try a round or almond shape instead.

For sneakers and running shoes, opt for a mesh or breathable fabric up top.

Try them on in a store and stand up, making sure you have wiggle room.

Be mindful of any shoes that make your feet roll inward.

The same goes for your socks and in some cases, tights.

When it’s cold, those thick wool socks are a must. But unfortunately, tight, occlusive socks are another culprit.

Stretch them out or size up!

4. Go easy on pedicures.

pedicure

One of the things that comes to mind for me when we say “foot trauma” are instruments like cuticle clippers.

Pushing and cutting into the sensitive areas around the toenail is not conducive to nail health.

If you can’t find a technician that’s sanitary, gentle, and provides the results you’re looking for, consider taking care of your feet yourself.

Soak and scrub your feet at home.

After, if you must manage cuticles, use a pusher with a rubber tip​ – Shop now.

toenail cuticle pusher

Be very conservative with how far back you go.

It’s like when you push your cuticles back on your finger nails to help avoid a hangnail.

Okay, that’s enough ​Health Nutrition Secrets on… ​

​How to Get Rid Of an Ingrown Toenail Overnight

Although they say ingrown nails are most common with teenagers, some adults still get them over and over again.

For this reason, it’s important to learn how to care for them yourself, the natural way.

  • Wash and soak your feet daily 
  • Be gentle with the area when separating the skin and nail 
  • Use antiseptics twice a day to prevent infection 
  • Wear more comfortable shoes, if you can’t get away with going barefoot 
  • Clip nails straight across and don’t be rough with nail beds 
  • If you’re diabetic, always see your doctor first thing 

It’ll be okay…

​We all learn what to do about ingrown toenails the hard way.

The pain and restriction in what we can do (like walking normally!) is temporary if we catch them early.

How often do you get ingrown toenails?

Why do you think you get them?

Are there any natural cures or methods you’d like to share?

​Share with us below!

Talk soon.