How to Treat an Ingrown Fingernail
When you think about ingrown nails, toes might be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, fingernails aren’t immune to this pesky problem. An ingrown fingernail occurs when the sharp edge of your nail decides to grow into the tender skin at the side of your finger—a situation that’s as uncomfortable as it sounds.
Ingrown fingernails often target teenagers and adults over 50. If you’ve got one, expect redness, pain, and possibly a bit of pus oozing from the inflamed skin. Most of the time, this issue stems from improper nail trimming—think cutting nails too short or shaping them unevenly.
Home-based remedies usually do the trick for ingrown fingernails. However, if pain and swelling spiral out of control, prescription medication or even minor surgery may be necessary. Proper nail care can stop these nuisances from making a repeat appearance.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Fingernail
Ingrown fingernails are far from a minor annoyance—they can be downright painful. And if you’re the type to pick at it, brace yourself for more misery. Severe cases closely mimic the symptoms of a bad ingrown toenail.
If infection sets in, you’re dealing with paronychia. Here’s what that looks like:
- Swollen, tender skin
- Persistent redness
- Throbbing pain
- Pus discharge
- Bleeding
Causes
Ingrown fingernails may be small in size but are mighty in discomfort. Some folks are just born with nails that don’t quite fit their fingers, making ingrown nails a lifelong battle.
Other culprits? Biting or picking your nails, trimming them too short, or accidentally cutting the skin around the nail bed. These tiny cuts are open invitations for bacteria. Common offenders like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes love to crash the party, but yeast and fungi like Candida can also be troublemakers.
Age matters, too. Teens and the 50-plus crowd see changes in nail thickness, and brittleness becomes more common with age. Meanwhile, heavy labor—whether it’s lifting objects or writing with constant pressure on certain fingers—can up your chances of getting one.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider, often a dermatologist, is your go-to for identifying an ingrown nail. If there’s an infection, they might call it paronychia, a condition linked to nail trauma—biting, improper trimming, using unclean nail tools, or being too rough on the cuticle.
Treating an Ingrown Fingernail
Treatment hinges on severity. A mild case that causes only slight discomfort? You can likely manage it at home. Gently lift the sharp edge of the nail and slide a bit of cotton between it and your skin. Soaking your hand in warm water several times a day and drying thoroughly can fend off infection. Pain relief? Reach for NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
But if pain escalates or other symptoms appear, it’s time to see a doctor. In some instances, they might trim the nail to relieve pressure. If infection is present, oral antibiotics could be prescribed. Rarely, a nail avulsion—complete nail removal—might be necessary. This procedure involves numbing the area before removing the nail; expect some residual pain afterward.
Preventing Ingrown Fingernails
When the root cause is genetic, ingrown nails may continue to haunt you. However, preventive measures can minimize occurrences:
- Trim nails following their natural curve.
- Avoid cutting too short or uneven.
- Keep nails no shorter than the fingertip.
Keeping nails clean and avoiding trauma also reduces risks.
Potential Complications
An untreated ingrown nail can evolve into something more serious. Severe infections may spread to nearby tissue (cellulitis) or even bone (osteomyelitis). Scarring around the nail area is another possibility.
In rare, stubborn cases, a doctor might perform ablation, applying an electrical current or chemical to stop the nail from regrowing in the problem area. While not common for fingernails, this option remains on the table.
A Quick Recap
Ingrown fingernails may strike repeatedly, especially during teenage years. Home remedies like warm water soaks often ease discomfort. But when the pain grows unbearable or infection looms, professional intervention—from nail removal to medications—can offer relief.