Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An ingrown toenail is a condition characterized by the growth of the nail into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain.

This condition often results from improper toenail cutting, tight footwear, and fungal infections, which can lead to further complications such as infection and abscesses, ultimately affecting one's mobility and quality of life. Herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and calendula can help to soothe and heal the affected area, while preparations like chamomile compresses and Epsom salt baths can provide relief from pain and inflammation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of ingrown toenail, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of ingrown toenail?

The main causes of ingrown toenail are a combination of genetic predisposition, tight or poorly fitting shoes, and improper trimming techniques, which can lead to the nail digging into the surrounding skin.

Poor foot hygiene, such as not keeping the feet clean and dry, can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. In addition, conditions like athlete's foot, fungal infections, and nail trauma can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Furthermore, hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can cause the nail to grow abnormally, leading to ingrown toenails.

Ultimately, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, are more susceptible to ingrown toenails due to poor circulation and nerve damage.

• Poorly Trimming: Poorly trimming the toenail, where the edges are left sharp or the corners are cut too short, can cause the nail to dig into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation and inflammation.
• Tight Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or don't fit properly can cause the toes to be compressed, leading to friction and pressure on the nail, which can cause it to grow into the surrounding skin.
• Sweaty Feet: Sweaty feet, especially in warm or humid environments, can create an ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria that can infect the nail and cause it to become ingrown.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some people may be more prone to ingrown toenails due to their genetic makeup, with a family history of the condition increasing the likelihood of developing it.
• Nail Shape: A curved or V-shaped nail can be more prone to ingrowth due to its shape, as the edges of the nail can dig into the surrounding skin more easily.
• Nail Thickness: Thick or hard toenails can be more likely to become ingrown due to their rigidity, making it more difficult for the nail to grow naturally and increasing the risk of it digging into the surrounding skin.
• Foot Structure: Abnormalities in the foot structure, such as a high arch or hammertoe, can cause the toes to be misaligned, leading to pressure and friction on the nail and increasing the risk of ingrowth.
• Infection: Infection of the nail or surrounding tissue, often caused by bacteria or fungi, can cause the nail to become ingrown as the body tries to fight off the infection.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or puberty, can cause changes in the nail growth and increase the risk of ingrowth.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation, can increase the risk of ingrown toenails due to changes in the skin and nail growth.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for ingrown toenail?

The main medicinal herbs used for ingrown toenail are Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Hypericum perforatum, Cinchona officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Teucrium chamaedrys.

Calendula officinalis is used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects that help to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, while Melaleuca alternifolia and Eucalyptus globulus exhibit antimicrobial properties that prevent infection. Hypericum perforatum may help to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing due to its flavonoids and tannins, while Cinchona officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce pain and swelling.

Plantago lanceolata and Teucrium chamaedrys have been traditionally used to treat skin and wound infections, and their antimicrobial properties may help to prevent infection in ingrown toenails.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with ingrown toenail due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain associated with ingrown toenails.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with ingrown toenail by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation with its soothing gel that can be applied topically to the affected area.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with ingrown toenail due to its antimicrobial properties that prevent infection and promote a healthy environment for the toenail to grow.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with ingrown toenail by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with ingrown toenail by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with ingrown toenail due to its immune-boosting properties that prevent infection and promote a healthy environment for the toenail to grow.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with ingrown toenail by reducing pain and inflammation with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be applied topically to the affected area.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis helps with ingrown toenail by reducing inflammation and pain with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can be applied topically to the affected area.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata helps with ingrown toenail by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing with its anti-inflammatory properties that can be applied topically to the affected area.
• Teucrium chamaedrys: Teucrium chamaedrys helps with ingrown toenail by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing with its anti-inflammatory properties that can be applied topically to the affected area.

What are the main herbal preparations used for ingrown toenail?

The main herbal preparations used for ingrown toenail are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Ointure, Salve, Poultice, Capsule, Gel, Tea, Compress.

Decoction of Willow bark contains salicylic acid which reduces inflammation and pain, while Cream of Aloe vera gel soothes and calms the affected area. Tincture of Goldenseal root has antibacterial properties that prevent infection, and Ointment of Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing. Salve of Plantain leaf reduces swelling and Poultice of Epsom salt draws out pus and debris, while Capsule of Turmeric contains curcumin which reduces inflammation.

Compress of Chamomile tea reduces pain and inflammation, and Gel of Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and promotes tissue repair.

• Decoction: A decoction made from the roots of the plant Hamamelis virginiana can help alleviate ingrown toenail by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: An emollient cream containing extracts from the plant Aloe barbadensis can help soften and moisturize the skin around the toenail, reducing friction and irritation that can contribute to ingrown toenails.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Calendula officinalis can be applied topically to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing, helping to resolve ingrown toenail issues.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Plantago major can help soothe and calm the skin around the toenail, reducing inflammation and irritation that can contribute to ingrown toenails.
• Salve: A salve containing extracts from the plant Echinacea purpurea can be applied topically to the affected area to promote healing and reduce inflammation, helping to resolve ingrown toenail issues.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Stachys officinalis can be applied to the affected area to draw out infection and reduce inflammation, helping to alleviate ingrown toenail symptoms.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the plant Berberis vulgaris can be taken orally to reduce inflammation and promote healing from the inside out, helping to resolve ingrown toenail issues.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Ginkgo biloba can be applied topically to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing, helping to alleviate ingrown toenail symptoms.
• Tea: Drinking tea made from the plant Echinacea angustifolia can help reduce inflammation and promote healing systemically, contributing to the resolution of ingrown toenail issues.
• Compress: A compress soaked in a solution of the plant Chamomilla recutita can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing, helping to alleviate ingrown toenail symptoms.