An ingrown fingernail occurs when a sharp edge of your nail grows into the soft skin of your finger. Although you may be able to treat the problem at home, some ingrown fingernails can cause further complications or be too painful to handle alone.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, ingrown toenails are more common, thanks to pressure of tight-fitting shoes. However, fingernails aren't immune to growing into the skin. Unusually curved or deformed nails, nail injury, long nails, nail biting, sharp nail edges and poor nail trimming are primary causes of ingrown fingernails. Two ways to decrease your chances of having an ingrown fingernail are to keep your fingernails at a moderate length and cut them straight across, rather than rounding them.
Symptoms
Initially, a feeling of tenderness and some swelling around the nail can be symptoms of an ingrown fingernail. When the nail enters the skin, sharp pain is likely, and the skin around the nail may become red and more swollen. If the ingrown fingernail becomes infected, you may see drainage, which contains pus, leaking from the side of the nail.
Home Treatments
An ingrown nail may be treated with some home remedies. Start by soaking the affected finger in warm water for about 20 minutes each day a few times every day. Prevent infection by using an antibiotic ointment and make sure the affected nail is dry between soakings. A recently ingrown nail may be lifted away from the skin and held above the surface with a small wedge of cotton. If the nail becomes infected, seek assistance from a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
An infected finger may or may not produce visible pus. Health Square online recommends seeing a doctor if the affected finger isn't better within a week. It also recommends getting professional assistance if the pain, redness and swelling become more severe. Moreover, if the affected area feels warm or you develop a fever, chances are your body is trying to fight off an infection.
Medical Treatments
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your finger is infected or may become infected. He may also aid in removing part of the ingrown nail or a portion of the nail with some underlying tissue to prevent that portion of nail from returning. Some procedures can be painful and are performed with help of a local numbing agent.
Member Comments