Ingrown nails and hangnails are conditions that can cause pain and irritation around the affected nail. An ingrown nail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin and is most common on the toenails. A hangnail occurs when excess skin that is around the nail partially detaches. This condition is most common on the fingernails.
Cleaning
Hangnails and ingrown nails are prone to infections because of the breaches in the skin. Cleaning the affected areas thoroughly is necessary to prevent infection. You can use an antibacterial soap to clean the area two to three times per day.
Soaking
Hangnails and ingrown nails are prone to infections because of the breaches in the skin. Cleaning the affected areas thoroughly is necessary to prevent infection. You can use an antibacterial soap to clean the area two to three times per day.
Soaking
Soaking can help to treat an ingrown nail. According to Healthwise, you should soak the ingrown nail in warm water two to three times per day for 15 minutes each session. You can add Epsom salt to the water if desired.
Wedge
An ingrown nail can sometimes be lifted up. If this is possible without damaging the inflamed skin around the nail, you can insert a small piece of dry cotton under the nail, states the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). This will act as a wedge to keep the nail from growing into the skin. Change the wedge each time you wash the area.
Antibiotic Ointment
Ingrown nails and hangnails are prone to infections. One way to help prevent these infections is to apply an antibiotic ointment onto the affected area according to the manufacturer's directions.
Bandage
Applying a sterile bandage to the affected area can help a hang nail or ingrown nail to heal. You should change the bandage as often as necessary to keep the area clean. If you are applying antibiotic ointment on to the area, change the bandage each time you apply the ointment.
Trimming
In some cases, trimming a hangnail or the corner of an ingrown nail that is just starting to grow into the skin can help to reduce the irritation and pain associated with the conditions. If you choose to do this, make sure the manicure scissors are clean and that you don't dig into the skin.
Prescriptions
If the hangnail or ingrown nail is severe or if the area is infected, prescription medications may be necessary to treat the condition. Oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed.
Surgery
For severely ingrown nails, surgical treatments may be necessary. This may include removing the entire affected area of the nail. In some cases, such as when the ingrown nail is recurring, the nail bed tissue will also be removed, states the Mayo Clinic.
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