Ingrown toenails are actually an infection and they are medically referred to as onychocryptosis. This condition usually affects the nail on the big toe. In this kind of an infection, the toe nail bends downwards and it starts growing into the skin.

There are some more causes for ingrown toenails like if you wear extremely tight shoes and socks, the nails may be forced to grow inwards. A foot injury, especially on the toe, could also divert the growth of the toe nail.

Some of the symptoms of the condition are the toe is swollen and red in color. It also hurts quite a bit like when you are trying to wear shoes or socks. Depending on the severity of the infection, you can treat such a type of infection at home also.

You can soak the affected foot in vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:4. You can also mix some Epsom salt in the solution. Dip your toe nail in a mixture of Clorox and water to cure the redness and the fingernail. When you soak for a while the skin on the toe becomes soft and then you can turn the nail to the right direction. It will not hurt you much when you do this after the skin has become soft and pliable. You can also soak a little bit of cotton in hydrogen peroxide to clean the infected part of the foot.

Another home remedy to treat ingrown toenails is to soak the foot in warm water and salt for around 30 minutes. This procedure should be followed for about 15 days. Each time after soaking your foot, gently remove the overgrown skin from the nail with the help of tweezers. Then, make a small ball of cotton and insert it between the skin and nail to facilitate normal nail growth. The cotton should be changed everyday without fail.