How Epsom Salt Baths Can Improve Ingrown Toe Nails

Soaking in a magnesium sulfate bath, better known as an epsom salt bath, is a centuries-old treatment for a wide range of physical ailments.

First discovered during the 17th century in the English town of Epsom, these light-colored, bitter-tasting flakes of magnesium were initially used as a laxative.

It's said that later farmers noticed that wounded animals would seek out magnesium-rich water, and that injured cattle that stood in naturally-occurring epsom salt baths seemed to heal much quicker than expected.

This discovery led to human use of epsom salt baths as a treatment for common aches and pains, as well as for ingrown toenail removal and ingrown toenail treatment.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toe Nails

According to Dr. Botek, a Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) with the Cleveland Clinic, ingrown toenails can be exceptionally painful, and left untreated, can lead to serious infections.

The danger of complications from ingrown toenails is especially high among those with diabetes and other chronic conditions that impact the circulatory and nervous systems.

Dr. Botek explains people who need ingrown toenail treatment often have at least one parent who suffered from the condition.

Wearing shoes and/or socks that are simply too tight can also cause toe nails to become disfigured, which is the primary reason why ingrown toenails are relatively common among rapidly-growing teenagers.

If you've suffered a traumatic injury to your toe, such as stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy item on your foot, you could need ingrown toenail removal if the injury leads to deformation of your toenails.

And another very common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming of the nails, either at home, or at the hands of a pedicure technician.

When the toenails are trimmed too short, the skin along the sides of the nail often forms over the nailbed, and this can quickly lead to painful ingrown toenails.

At-Home Ingrown Toenail Removal

Thankfully, ingrown toenails can often be safely and effectively treated and removed in the comfort of your own home.

Start your at-home ingrown toenail treatment with an epsom salt bath. This involves simply filling up a clean bucket or foot bath with warm water, dissolving epsom salts into the water, and soaking the affected foot for between 10-15 minutes.

For maximum benefit, repeat this process a few times daily, and be sure to thoroughly dry your feet and cover the affected toe with a clean sock or light gauze dressing between your epsom salt baths.

Dr. Botek says that as long as the ingrown toenail isn't infected, you can use an epsom salt bath for ingrown toenail removal.

The Dr. explains, "First soak your feet in a very warm bath with Epsom salt. This softens the skin and reduces inflammation.

Using clean nail-cutting tools, you can try to clip the affected area and apply antibiotic ointment afterward."

Effective Ingrown Toenail Treatment Starts With Pure, Quality Epsom Salts

In order for an epsom salt bath to be effective as an ingrown toenail treatment, you need to start with pure, high-grade magnesium sulfate.

Here at Greenway Biotech, our specially-formulated, premium-quality epsom salts are ideal for use in your all-natural ingrown toenail removal routine.

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