Homemade Ingrown Toenail Ointment Recipe

Crafting an ointment at home using essential oils can accelerate healing. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 5 drops eucalyptus oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 1 drop oregano oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops peppermint oil
• 2 ounces aloe vera gel
• 2 ounces coconut oil

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a small glass bottle with a tight cap
2. Stir well with a small spoon until thoroughly blended.
3. After cleansing the toe, apply the ointment and allow it to air dry or loosely bandage, wearing flip-flops if possible.
4. Redress the area two to three times a day, washing hands after application.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Understanding the root causes of ingrown toenails is crucial. Some common triggers include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, cutting toenails too short or unevenly, injuring the toenail, having unusually curved toenails, toe deformities, subungual exostosis, and the use of isotretinoin for severe acne.

Medical Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

For advanced cases beyond stage 1, medical intervention may be necessary. Common surgical treatments include wedge resection, matrixectomy, and the Vandenbos procedure. Each procedure has its recovery time and addresses specific aspects of the ingrown toenail.

Risks, Complications, and Ingrown Toenails

Individuals with diabetes or poor blood flow to the feet are at increased risk of complications due to ingrown toenails. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to bone infection, especially concerning for those with diabetes due to impaired healing capabilities.

Other Diseases Affecting the Toenails

While ingrown toenails are prevalent, various foot diseases can also cause nail problems. Conditions like lichen planus, alopecia areata, and onychomycosis may present with nail-related symptoms and should be ruled out in diagnosis.