An ingrown fingernail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin. An ingrown fingernail is usually painful. You may notice redness, swelling or pus pockets around the ingrown area. If the nail is infected or has grown far into the skin, seek medical care. Medical treatments include cutting off part of the nail, removal of the nail and antibiotics to combat the infection. If you notice that your fingernail is becoming ingrown early and no infection is present, it is safe to try to treat your nail at home.
Step 1
Soak the affected finger in warm water, recommends Drugs.com. This will soften the nail and allow you to bend it without breaking it or causing pain.
Step 2
Wipe down a pair of tweezers with alcohol. Use the tweezers to gently push a small piece of cotton or gauze under the part of your nail that is ingrown. This separates the ingrown part of the nail from your skin and keeps it from slipping back down. If you experience pain or if you are unable to complete this step, stop and see your doctor.
Step 3
Soak your fingernail three or four times per day to help prevent an infection, called paronychia. According to FamilyDoctor.org, ingrown nails can cause bacterial infections in the skin around the nail. Replace the cotton under your nail after each soaking, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to your fingernail and keep it covered with a bandage. Change the bandage if it gets wet. Remove the bandage at night, recommends ClevelandClinic.com, to allow it to air out.
Step 5
Keep your finger clean and dry, and avoid putting your finger in your mouth. Sucking, biting or chewing on your ingrown nail can cause infection. While it is healing, wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing other chores that may keep your finger wet.
Step 6
Cut your nails straight across to prevent this nail and other nails from becoming ingrown in the future. If the nail becomes ingrown again, you may be prone to ingrown nails due to the shape of your fingernails. Ask your doctor for advice.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton or gauze
- Rubber gloves
- Fingernail clippers
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