Epsom Salt for Ingrown Toenail Get Rid of the Stench and Pain.
There’s no denying it – having stinky feet can be embarrassing, not to mention uncomfortable. But did you know that there’s a natural remedy that can help with both the smell and the pain of ingrown toenails? That remedy is Epsom salt, and in this article, we’re going to explore how it works and how you can use it to get the lavender treatment for your feet.
What is Epsom Salt?
Contrary to what its name may suggest, Epsom salt isn’t actually salt at all. It’s a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate that was discovered in the early 17th century in Epsom, England. The name stuck and since then, Epsom salt has been praised for its numerous health benefits, from relieving sore muscles to soothing skin conditions.
How Does Epsom Salt Help with Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and even infection. Epsom salt can help with this condition in a number of ways:
- Reducing swelling: Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling around an ingrown toenail.
- Softening the skin: By soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt, you can soften the skin around the ingrown toenail, making it easier to remove the nail and also easing the pain.
- Drawing out toxins: Epsom salt can help to draw out toxins and impurities in the skin, which can reduce the risk of infection.
How to Use Epsom Salt for Ingrown Toenails
Step 1: Cleanse Your Feet
Before starting any treatment, make sure your feet are clean to avoid any risk of infection. You can do this by washing your feet with warm water and mild soap.
Step 2: Soak Your Feet
Fill a bowl with warm water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt. Soak your feet in the water for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has cooled down. As you soak your feet, you can use a washcloth to gently rub the affected area, which will help to further soften the skin and reduce the swelling.
Step 3: Repeat the Soak
Repeat the soak for 2-3 times a day until the ingrown toenail has healed. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the water for added relaxation and the classic lavender aroma that will make you feel like you’re at a spa.
Other Ways to Use Epsom Salt for Foot Care
Epsom salt can be used for more than just ingrown toenails. Here are some other ways to use this miraculous mineral compound for your foot care.
1. Foot Scrub
One of the simplest ways to use Epsom salt for foot care is to create a foot scrub by mixing 1/2 cup of Epsom salt with 1/4 cup of olive oil or almond oil. Massage the mixture onto your feet in a circular motion for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This will exfoliate your feet and keep them soft.
2. Foot Soak
A regular foot soak with Epsom salt can help to relax your tired feet after a long day of walking or standing. Fill a tub with warm water and add 1 cup of Epsom salt. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off and dry your feet thoroughly.
3. Callus Treatment
If you have calluses on your feet, you can use Epsom salt to soften them up before removing them. Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt for 10-15 minutes, then use a pumice stone to gently remove the calluses.
The Benefits of Using Epsom Salt for Foot Care
If you’re still not convinced that Epsom salt is a wonder product for foot care, then here are some benefits that might persuade you.
- Soothes tired feet: A foot soak with Epsom salt can help to soothe sore and tired feet, making them feel more relaxed.
- Exfoliates skin: Epsom salt can help to exfoliate dead skin on your feet, revealing softer, smoother skin underneath.
- Reduces inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of Epsom salt can reduce the inflammation in your feet, particularly if you have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
- Improves circulation: A foot soak with Epsom salt can improve blood circulation in your feet, which can help to reduce swelling, pain, and muscle cramps.
Is Epsom Salt Safe for Everyone?
While Epsom salt is generally safe for most people to use, there are some precautions you should take:
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage, avoid using Epsom salt without consulting your doctor first.
- If you have open sores, cuts, or wounds on your feet, do not use Epsom salt as it may cause irritation or infection.
- If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation after using Epsom salt, stop using it and consult your doctor.
Conclusion
Epsom salt is a natural remedy with numerous benefits for foot care, particularly in the case of ingrown toenails. It can help to reduce swelling, soften the skin, and draw out toxins, all of which can make the healing process faster and more effective. Whether you’re looking to soothe tired feet, exfoliate dead skin, or reduce inflammation, Epsom salt is a must-have in your foot care routine.
Table
| Foot Soak Recipe | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Warm water | 2 cups |
| Epsom salt | 1 cup |
| Lavender oil | 5-10 drops |
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321198
- https://www.healthline.com/health/epsom-salt-foot-soak
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/epsom-salt-for-feet/