Best Way to Treat an Ingrown Fingernail

Though less common than ingrown toenails, ingrown fingernails are incredibly painful and occasionally cause severe infections if not treated properly. The condition develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, swelling, and redness. Home remedies, such as soaking and manipulation, are effective. It is best to consult a doctor for medical treatment if they do not work.  

This article explores the best ways to treat an ingrown fingernail, e.g., home remedies, medical treatments, and preventive approaches. Continue reading for more details. 

Causes of Ingrown Fingernails

Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown fingernails. These include;

• Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting the nails too short and rounding their edges encourages the nail to grow deep into the skin, causing ingrown fingernails. 
• Injury: Nail trauma, such as an aggressive manicure or stubbing a finger, often leads to ingrown fingernails.
• Genetics: Many people naturally have curved nails that are highly prone to becoming ingrown. As it is impossible to change genetics, resorting to other measures is necessary. 
• Nail Conditions: Fungal infections and nail diseases alter the shape of the nail and increase the risk of ingrowth. The important medical conditions causing ingrown fingernails are onychomycosis, paronychia, onychogryphosis, psoriasis, onychauxis, and pincer nails. 

Symptoms of Ingrown Fingernails 

Ingrown fingernails are highly painful, and infections develop in untreated cases. The local infections cause more severe signs. Common symptoms of an ingrown fingernail are:

• Tenderness and pain along the side of the ingrown nail
• Redness, swelling and warmth around the nail and in the skin surrounding the nail.
• Infection, causing more pain and pus.
• Thickening and hardening of the skin around the nails
• Bleeding and discolouration of the infected skin.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Fingernails

For mild cases of ingrown fingernails, many home treatments effectively alleviate pain and promote proper nail growth. The home remedies to try are; 

Warm Soaks

Soaking the affected fingernails in warm & soapy water for 15-20 minutes at least twice daily helps relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. A better option is to soak three to four times daily for at least 15-20 minutes. Adding Epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda to the soak further reduces inflammation.

Proper Nail Trimming

Careful trimming of the nail straight across helps prevent further ingrowth. Avoid cutting the nails and refrain from rounding the corners, which exacerbates the problem. Soften the nails by soaking them in warm water before cutting, and use the right clippers and scissors for the job. 

Dental Floss or Cotton Method

After soaking it in warm water, lift the ingrown edge of the nail and place a small piece of dental floss or cotton underneath it. This procedure helps guide the nail to grow above the skin's edge. Replace the floss or cotton regularly after each soak to ensure proper hygiene.

Topical Antibiotic

Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment helps prevent local infection and hasten wound healing. After applying the ointment, use a bandage to cover the nail to ensure proper cleanliness.

Medical Treatments for Ingrown Fingernails

Medical intervention is necessary when home remedies have failed or are insufficient or when the ingrown nail has become infected. The medical treatments for ingrown fingernails are;

Total Nail Removal

In recurrent and severe cases, total nail removal is recommended. It involves removing the entire nail to allow a new and properly grown-up nail to form. However, it is a last-resort option due to the associated discomfort and more healing time. Sometimes, corticosteroid injections are administered to lower the inflammation.

Partial Nail Removal

The doctor performs this minor surgical procedure to remove a part of the ingrown nail. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, removing and trimming the offending nail edge.

Antibiotics

Doctors prescribe oral antibiotics to treat local skin infections. Completing the entire antibiotic course is necessary to prevent the disease from returning. Medicated ointments and creams containing antifungals and antiseptics are also applied.

Matrixectomy

It is a permanent option and involves removing and destroying the part of the nail matrix to prevent its regrowth. It is often combined with partial nail removal for better effects.

Laser therapy

It is used to remove part of the nail matrix. It is less invasive and requires less recovery time than traditional methods.

Preventive Measures

Prevention of ingrown fingernails is way easier than treatment. Here are some effective preventive measures:

• Correct Nail Trimming: Avoid cutting the nails too short and cut them straight across. This prevents the nail from growing inwards. 
• Avoid Nail Biting: Nail biting damages the skin around the nail, increasing the risk of ingrown nails. This bad habit is thus a cosmetic blemish as well as a health hazard. 
• Be Gentle to the Teeth: To prevent traumatic nail injuries, handle the nails gently, particularly during manicures.
• Wear Gloves while handling nails: When performing tasks that pose the risk of nail injury, such as washing dishes and gardening, always wear protective gloves.
• Avoid using Tight Gloves: Wearing gloves that are too tight puts pressure on the nails, leading to ingrown nails. 
• Keep Nails Dry and Clean: Proper nail hygiene prevents fungal infections and other nail conditions that cause ingrown nails.
• Use Nail Moisturisers: Use hand creams that contain moisturiser regularly to keep the nails and the surrounding skin less likely to crack, soften, and irritate. 

When to See a Doctor

While many cases of ingrown fingernails are easily manageable at home, some critical situations need professional medical attention. The sensitive conditions that require medical attention are;

• Swelling or Severe Pain: Severe swelling and pain indicate a serious infection that needs immediate medical attention. Consult your healthcare provider. 
• Red Streaks and Pus in the Nails: These are the typical signs of local infection that need medical intervention.
• Recurrent Ingrown Nails: If the frequency of ingrown nails is too high, consult the doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
• Poor Circulation and Diabetes: People with diabetes, circulatory problems, and other related issues are at higher risk for nail complications and must seek medical care promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does an ingrown fingernail heal automatically on its own? 

Yes, most ingrown nails heal on their own. To hasten recovery, soak the finger in warm water for 10-20 minutes at least twice daily and apply antibiotic ointment. Please keep it clean and dry. 

What is the most common treatment for ingrown nails? 

The doctors carefully place dental floss, splint, or cotton under slightly ingrown nails. This separates the nail from the underskin and allows it to grow above the skin's edge within 2-12 weeks. 

Is it OK to pull out an ingrown nail? 

An ingrown nail is incredibly annoying and painful. It can be removed at home if it causes swelling and severe pain. Still, it is advised to avoid pulling it, as it sometimes causes infection and pain, and consult the healthcare provider in case of swelling and infections.

How can one permanently get rid of the ingrown toenail? 

Chemical matrixectomy is the procedure used to cure the ingrown nail permanently. In this process, the entire toenail or the portion of the ingrown toenail is removed. 

What happens if one ignores the ingrown fingernail? 

If left untreated, the ingrown fingernails continue digging deeper into the skin, causing more pain than expected. Infections can occur, leading to complications, such as open sores and pus drainage. 

How long does the ingrown nail last? 

In a healthy person, the infected fingernail lasts just two weeks. However, the healing period is much longer for people with peripheral artery disease, poor circulation, and diabetes, who need treatment for their existing conditions.

Which water is the best-ingrown nail? Hot or cold? 

A warm water bath soak is the most commonly used treatment for ingrown fingernails. Regular soaking in warm water for 10-20 minutes at least twice daily lowers the swelling and softens the skin under the nail, making treatment manageable and reducing pain. 

Conclusion

Ingrown fingernails are highly disruptive and painful, but they can be easily treated and prevented with a better approach. Proper fingernail care, appropriate home remedies for minor cases, and medical help make it quick and easy to manage ingrown fingernails and maintain pain-free and healthy nails. 

If a person is in doubt about the severity of the ingrown nail condition or if an infection is present, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate care and treatment. Visit Welzo today for convenient healthcare service from the comfort of your home by visiting our website. Our health professionals are always there to help you.