Sophia Delgado
Ingrown fingernails are a common condition, affecting up to 5% of the general population and about 30% of people with diabetes. They occur when the nail grows into the soft tissue of the finger, causing inflammation and pain. While ingrown fingernails can often be treated at home with warm soaks and topical medications, severe cases may require medical intervention, including surgery. Dermatologists, doctors who specialize in skin, hair, and nail conditions, can examine ingrown fingernails and determine the best course of treatment. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown fingernails, including surgical removal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingrown nail | A condition where the nail grows into the soft support tissue of the finger or toe |
| Causes | Improper nail trimming, tight or ill-fitting shoes, repeated trauma to the toenail, excessive sweating, overly curved toenails, genetics |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness, inflammation, infection |
| Treatment | Home remedies such as soaking, physical manipulation of the nail, OTC topical medications; medical treatment such as medication, partial nail avulsion, chemical matricectomy, surgical removal |
| Prevention | Proper foot and nail care, cutting nails straight across, avoiding tight shoes, keeping feet and toes clean and dry |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown fingernails are usually treated at home
Ingrown fingernails are usually not serious and can be treated at home. They occur when one or both sides of the nail grow into the skin, which can cause pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated.
Home treatments include soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications such as antibiotic ointment, antifungal, or corticosteroid. It is important to keep the ingrown nail dry during the day. However, if an infection is present, keep the area covered with a sterile bandage to prevent further infection.
If you have long fingernails, scrub underneath the nails as they can accumulate more dirt and bacteria. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends soaking nails before trimming to prevent ingrown nails. Nails should be cut straight across, and cuticle layers should be left intact as they provide protection for the nails.
If home treatments do not help, a doctor may recommend non-invasive medical procedures such as placing tape on the affected finger to pull the skin away from the nail, providing relief from pressure and pain. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to remove a portion or the entire nail.
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Soaking the nail in warm water is a common home remedy
Ingrown fingernails are usually not serious and can be treated at home. Soaking the nail in warm water is a common home remedy. This involves soaking the affected finger in warm water three to four times a day for about 15-20 minutes. It is important to thoroughly dry the finger after soaking.
Soaking the nail helps to reduce swelling and soften the skin underneath the nail, making it easier to treat. It can also help the nail grow outward on its own, preventing it from growing into the skin. This method is suitable for mild ingrown nails that are not causing pain or other symptoms.
People with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation problems, should not attempt to treat ingrown nails at home and should seek medical attention instead.
If home remedies, such as soaking, do not help resolve an ingrown fingernail, a doctor may recommend medical treatment or surgery. This may include partially or completely removing the nail using special tools or chemicals to allow the infected area to heal.
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Surgery is rare but may be required for severe cases
Surgery is rarely required for ingrown fingernails. Ingrown fingernails are not usually serious, and home treatments are often enough to treat them. These home remedies include soaking the affected area in warm water, applying over-the-counter topical medications, and lifting the nail with dental floss or cotton.
However, in some severe cases, surgery may be required to treat an ingrown fingernail. If an ingrown fingernail is left untreated, it can lead to a chronic infection and long-term nail damage. Severe cases of ingrown fingernails can also result in permanent nail damage and infection of the tissues surrounding the nail, known as paronychia. If an ingrown fingernail develops into an abscess, surgery may be necessary to drain the pus and remove the infection.
If home treatments do not help relieve inflammation and pain, or if you have an infection, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may recommend surgery for an ingrown fingernail if other treatments are unsuccessful. Surgery typically involves removing a portion of the nail using special tools or chemicals to allow the infected area to drain and heal. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed.
It is important to note that ingrown fingernails are less common than ingrown toenails, and they can often be prevented by practicing proper nail care and handwashing techniques.
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Partial nail avulsion is the most common surgical procedure
Ingrown fingernails are not usually serious and can often be treated at home by soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications. However, if home remedies do not provide relief, a doctor may recommend medical treatment or surgery. Ingrown toenails are more commonly treated with surgery than ingrown fingernails.
The traditional technique for partial nail avulsion was more invasive and often required hospitalisation. However, modern techniques allow the procedure to be performed in a clinic setting, with the entire process taking approximately 30 minutes. Patients can usually walk right after the procedure and do not require painkillers. Partial nail avulsion is considered a safe procedure for young and healthy individuals with recurrent ingrown toenails. However, it may not be recommended for people with certain conditions, such as diabetes with diabetic foot complications.
It is important to note that partial nail avulsion does not prevent the nail from growing back, as the underlying nail root remains functional. To achieve a long-term solution, a chemical matrixectomy can be performed in conjunction with partial nail avulsion to destroy the nail root completely. This combined procedure ensures that the ingrown nail does not recur and provides a good cosmetic result.
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Ingrown fingernails are often caused by improper nail trimming
Ingrown fingernails are not usually serious and can often be treated at home. They occur when one or both sides of the nail grow into the skin. This can cause pain, swelling, and even infection. The most common cause of ingrown fingernails is cutting the nails too short, or not cutting them straight across. When people cut their nails too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail, causing the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut, or cut in a rounded shape, also tend to become ingrown because they don't have clear corners. As they grow, a new corner grows under the skin and gets stuck.
Home treatments for ingrown fingernails include soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications. Soaking the fingers may help the nail grow outward on its own. This works well for mild ingrown nails that are not causing pain or other symptoms. If the nail appears to be pushing into the skin or curving downward, it is likely an ingrown nail. People with diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation problems should not try to treat ingrown nails at home and should see a doctor for safe treatment.
If home treatments do not help, a person can see a doctor or dermatologist to remove the ingrown nail. The doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure, especially if the ingrown nail has developed into an abscess. Surgery for ingrown fingernails is rare, but it may include removing a portion of the nail using special tools or chemicals to allow the infected area to drain and heal. Sometimes, the entire nail may need to be removed.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown fingernail occurs when the side of your nail grows into the soft support tissue of your finger. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and even infection.
Ingrown fingernails can often be treated at home by soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications. However, if you experience severe pain or notice signs of infection, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. People with diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation problems should also seek medical attention.
Non-surgical treatments for ingrown fingernails include soaking the nail, using cotton or gauze to lift the nail, or placing dental floss under the nail to separate it from the nail bed. Antibiotic ointments can also be applied to prevent or treat infections.
Surgery for ingrown fingernails is typically recommended in severe cases that do not respond to non-invasive treatments. Surgical procedures may involve removing a portion of the nail or, in rare cases, the entire nail bed using chemicals.
The recovery process may involve applying antibiotic ointment and wrapping the affected area with gauze. It is important to monitor the area for any signs of infection and practice good handwashing techniques to prevent future infections.
