Get Rid of an Ingrown Fingernail

Ingrown fingernails can be painful, frustrating, and affect daily tasks, from typing to shaking hands. An ingrown fingernail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes infection. Though more common in toenails, especially the big toe, fingernails can also develop this condition. Understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention of ingrown fingernails can help you take better care of your hands and avoid future problems.

Causes of Ingrown Fingernails

Ingrown fingernails can be caused by several factors, many of which are preventable. These include:

• Improper Nail Trimming: One of the most common causes of ingrown fingernails is cutting nails too short or rounding the corners. This can lead to the nail growing into the skin instead of straight out.
• Injury or Trauma: Finger injuries, such as hitting your finger or getting it caught in something, can alter the natural growth pattern of the nail.
• Tight Gloves or Improper Use of Hands: Constant pressure from wearing tight gloves or overusing your hands, especially in tasks involving repetitive gripping or typing, can push the nail into the skin.
• Genetics: In some cases, the shape of your nails can predispose you to ingrown nails. If your nails naturally curve more than others, you may be more susceptible to developing this condition.
• Nail Infections or Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections can cause the skin around the nails to become inflamed or damaged, making it easier for the nail to grow inward.

Symptoms of Ingrown Fingernails

The symptoms of an ingrown fingernail typically progress as the condition worsens. At first, you might notice tenderness or mild swelling around the nail. As the nail continues to grow into the skin, symptoms may include:

• Redness and Swelling: The skin around the ingrown nail may become red and swollen as the body reacts to the irritation.
• Pain: Ingrown fingernails can be quite painful, especially when pressure is applied, such as when typing, gripping, or even touching the area.
• Infection: If the nail breaks the skin, bacteria can enter, leading to an infection. Signs of infection include pus, increased redness, swelling, and warmth in the area. The pain may also become more severe.
• Nail Deformity: In chronic cases, the nail may become thickened, discolored, or deformed due to the ongoing irritation and inflammation.

How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Fingernail

The keyword phrase “Get rid of an ingrown fingernail” often appears in searches for quick remedies. Fortunately, there are both at-home treatments and professional interventions that can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent complications. Here’s what you can do to treat an ingrown fingernail:

At-Home Treatments

For mild cases, you can try the following remedies to manage pain and help the nail grow out properly.

1. Soak in Warm Water: Soaking your finger in warm water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day can soften the skin and nail, reducing inflammation and encouraging the nail to grow out.
2. Use Antiseptic Solutions: After soaking, apply an antiseptic ointment to prevent infection and keep the area clean. This is particularly important if the skin is broken.
3. Lift the Nail Gently: If you notice the nail growing into the skin, you can gently lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath. This method encourages the nail to grow outward instead of into the skin.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort, especially if inflammation is present.
5. Avoid Tight Gloves or Activities that Aggravate the Finger: Reducing pressure on the affected finger will help alleviate pain and prevent further irritation.

When to Seek Professional Help

If at-home remedies fail to provide relief or if you notice signs of infection, it’s time to seek professional care. In some cases, the ingrown nail may require more advanced treatments or procedures.

• Drainage of Infection: If the ingrown nail has caused an abscess or pus-filled area, a healthcare provider may need to drain the infection to relieve pressure and prevent it from spreading.
• Partial Nail Removal: In cases where the nail continues to grow into the skin, a partial nail removal procedure may be necessary. A professional will trim away the portion of the nail causing the issue, allowing the skin to heal properly. If the ingrown nail is on the toe, the keyword “ingrown toenail removal procedure” is often associated with this type of treatment, although similar methods apply to fingernails as well.

Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle care, frequently treats patients dealing with painful ingrown nails. While ingrown toenails are more common, Dr. DiNucci and other specialists also provide care for individuals suffering from ingrown fingernails. In severe cases, removing part of the nail is necessary to alleviate the problem and prevent it from reoccurring.