1. Soak or Wash the Foot: Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water multiple times a day can help keep the area clean and aid in drawing out the toenail.
2. Wash with Castile Soap: Alternatively, washing the foot and affected nail twice daily with soap and water, preferably Castile soap, helps maintain cleanliness.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Wash: Utilizing apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment involves adding it to warm water for a foot soak or direct application to conditioned ingrown nails, combating potential bacterial formation.
4. Dental Floss Under the Nail: Placing cotton wisps or dental floss under the ingrown nail border can encourage proper nail growth direction, alleviating discomfort.
5. Avoid High Heels and Tight Shoes: Steering clear of high heels and tight-fitting shoes aids in faster healing by minimizing pressure on the affected area.
6. Use Essential Oils: A blend of essential oils, including melaleuca, cyprus, clove, lavender, and rosemary, with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, can be gently massaged onto the affected area for natural pain relief and a conducive healing environment.

How to Cut an Ingrown Toenail

Cutting an ingrown toenail requires caution and, preferably, assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Soak the Feet: Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt or Castile soap for around 20 minutes to soften the toenail and reduce swelling.
2. Push Back Swollen Skin: Gently push back swollen skin from the nail border using clean fingers.
3. Cut Nail Straight Across: Cut the nail straight across, starting with the edges, not the middle.
4. Place Cotton Between Nail and Skin: Insert a small piece of cotton between the ingrown nail and skin to prevent recurrence.
5. Apply Ointment: Apply the provided essential oil ointment and bandage the toe carefully, opting for loose-fitting shoes to aid healing.