An ingrown nail on your hand can range from annoying to painful. An ingrown fingernail can even merit surgery if it gets bad enough. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent this condition. If you have an ingrown fingernail, consult a health care provider.
Identification
The medical term for an ingrown nail is onychocryptosis. A nail is considered ingrown if its edge grows into the skin next to it, according to Drugs.com. Your nails grow from the base of your nail underneath your cuticle. They are made of layers of keratin, which is a protein. As new nail cells grow, your older nail cells get hard and compacted and are pushed out toward your fingertips.
Causes
Trimming your nails incorrectly can cause an ingrown fingernail. Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges are frequent culprits, according to Drugs.com. It's best to trim your nails straight across. Also file down any thickened areas. Both filing and trimming are safer and easier when done after bathing or soaking your nails, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Considerations
You may be prone to ingrown fingernails due to the way your nails grow. If you have thicker or more curved nails you're likely to have more issues with ingrown nails. Same goes if your skin on the sides of your nails naturally overgrows, according to Drugs.com.
Expert Insight
Poor hygiene can be a factor in how often you suffer ingrown fingernails. If you don't keep your nails trimmed, clean and dry you are more likely to have problems, according to Drugs.com. Use proper tools to trim your nails including sharp clippers or manicure scissors and an emery board. Also remember that your nails need moisture. When you moisturize your hands also rub lotion into your nails, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Also keep your nails square-shaped but slightly rounded on the top. If your nails are dry you may apply moisturizer at bedtime and wear cotton gloves.
Solution
If your nail has not been ingrown for very long it can be lifted out and away from your skin. Your doctor may elect to surgically remove an ingrown fingernail if it is infected or just extremely painful, according to the "Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery," by Winter Griffith and Stephen Moore. This may be performed in your doctor's office or an outpatient facility. A local anesthesia is used. Your risk for complications during such a surgery is raised if you have diabetes, poor circulation or take certain medicines or supplements. You don't have restricted activity after fingernail surgery, but do need to keep the area dry until your doctor changes the dressing for the first time.
