Fixing Ingrown Nails: Tips For Healthy Fingers

Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that can often be treated at home with simple remedies. However, if left untreated, they can lead to permanent nail damage and infection of the tissues surrounding the nail, a condition known as paronychia. Ingrown nails can be identified by the nail pushing into the skin or curving downward, and they may cause swelling, pain, and infection. Soaking the affected area in warm salt water and applying over-the-counter topical medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. For more severe cases, a doctor may use special tools or chemicals to gently lift the nail and insert a small wedge of medicated cotton to separate the nail from the inflamed skin.

How to fix fingernails growing into the finger

Soak in warm salt water

Soaking the affected area in warm salt water is a common home remedy for ingrown toenails. It can be used as a standalone antiseptic treatment or in combination with antibiotics, depending on the severity of the condition. This method can also be used as part of post-operative care following ingrown toenail surgery.

To prepare a warm salt water soak, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon of salt per litre of water
• A kettle with cool, previously boiled water
• A clean container or bucket large enough to accommodate your toe or foot

• Prepare a clean bowl. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your bowl, you can pre-sterilize it using sterilizing tablets.
• Add the cool, previously boiled water to the bowl.
• Adjust the temperature by adding some freshly boiled water to bring it to body temperature.
• Mix in the salt until it is fully dissolved.
• Soak your foot or toe in the solution for about 10 to 20 minutes.
• After soaking, dry your foot and toe thoroughly.
• Apply an antibacterial or antiseptic cream to the affected area.
• If needed, cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing.

It is important to ensure that the salt concentration and water temperature are appropriate. Additionally, if your infection does not improve with salt water soaks, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or your GP, as soon as possible.

Use over-the-counter medication

Ingrown nails can be treated with over-the-counter medication. One such medication is Ciclopirox, a topical solution used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It belongs to a class of medications known as antifungals and works by inhibiting the growth of nail fungus. It is important to note that while Ciclopirox improves nail condition, it may not completely cure nail fungus.

Ciclopirox is typically applied once daily, usually at bedtime, to ensure consistent usage. Before the initial application, it is crucial to properly trim the nails. The solution is applied evenly to the affected nails, including the underside of the nail and the surrounding skin using the applicator brush provided. It is imperative to allow the solution to dry for about 30 seconds before putting on socks or stockings. For subsequent doses, apply Ciclopirox over the existing medication on the nails.

It is important to follow the directions on the prescription label and consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification if needed. Users should be cautious not to use more or less of the medication than prescribed. Additionally, it is advised to avoid nail cosmetics, such as nail polish, on nails treated with Ciclopirox. It is also recommended to refrain from bathing, showering, or swimming for at least eight hours after application.

Ciclopirox should be removed from the nails once a week using a cotton square or tissue soaked in rubbing alcohol. Afterward, any damaged nail should be removed using scissors, nail clippers, or nail files. It is important to note that Ciclopirox may cause side effects such as irritation, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, or oozing at the application site. If any unusual problems occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Apply antibiotic ointment

Ingrown fingernails are a common issue and can often be treated at home with simple remedies. However, if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation problems, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before attempting any home treatment.

If you have an ingrown nail, it is important not to remove it on your own as this could lead to further injury, infection, or complications. Instead, you can try soaking your finger in warm salt water and then applying an antibiotic ointment. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing. Cover the area loosely with a bandage.

If your ingrown nail is not improving or you develop symptoms of an infection, such as swelling, pain, or redness, you should see a doctor or healthcare professional. They may use special tools or chemicals to remove the ingrown nail and treat the infection.

Additionally, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and keep your hands and nails clean to prevent bacteria or fungi from entering your body through any breaks in the skin. This can be done by regularly washing your hands with soap and water and scrubbing underneath your nails, especially if they are long.

In summary, ingrown fingernails can usually be treated at home by soaking the affected finger and applying an antibiotic ointment and a bandage. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical advice to prevent further complications.

Insert cotton or gauze under the nail

Ingrown fingernails are nails that grow into the sides or corners of your skin. They can cause swelling, redness, pain, and infection, and may make everyday tasks such as typing or washing up painful. Ingrown nails are usually not serious and can be treated at home, but if an infection develops, medical treatment or surgery may be required.

One home remedy for ingrown fingernails is to insert cotton or gauze under the nail. This method can help relieve pressure and pain, and separate the nail from the skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Soak the affected finger in warm salt water: Fill a clean container with warm water and add some salt. Soak your finger in it for a few minutes to soften the nail and surrounding skin.
• Prepare the gauze or cotton: After soaking your finger, take a small piece of clean, sterile gauze or cotton. It should be small enough to fit under your nail but large enough to be handled easily.
• Insert the gauze or cotton under the nail: Gently lift your nail and place the gauze or cotton underneath. This may be easier to do after soaking your finger, as the nail and skin will be softer. The gauze or cotton should be snug enough to create separation between the nail and the skin but not so tight as to cause discomfort or pain.
• Secure the gauze or cotton, if needed: Depending on the location and size of the affected nail, you may need to secure the gauze or cotton with tape or a bandage to keep it in place.
• Replace the dressing regularly: Change the gauze or cotton at least once daily, or more frequently if it becomes soiled or wet. Continue this process until the nail has grown out and healed.

It is important to note that you should not try to remove an ingrown nail on your own, as this could lead to further injury or infection. If you are unable to insert the cotton or gauze, or if your condition does not improve or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for advice.

See a doctor

If you have diabetes or other circulatory issues, closely monitor your nails and make an appointment with your doctor if you experience an ingrown nail. Thick, overgrown nails, known as Onychogryphosis or Ram's horn nails, may require cutting and treatment from a podiatrist or dermatologist. See a doctor if your nails have stopped growing, as this could indicate a nutrient deficiency or an underlying condition such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

A change in the colour, texture, or shape of your nails can be harmless, but it can also indicate a more serious condition. For example, a new or changing dark streak on your nail could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment of melanoma are crucial, so it is essential to consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes.

Additionally, if you experience a fever, injury, chemotherapy, or significant stress that causes your nails to grow slowly or stop growing, it is advisable to see a dermatologist or primary care physician. They can help identify and address the underlying cause, and your nails may resume normal growth once the cause is eliminated.

In some cases, nail changes may indicate a disease that affects your entire body. For instance, dents or pits in your nails, known as Pitting or Onycholysis, could be a sign of alopecia areata or another systemic disease. Yellow nails, or Yellow Nail Syndrome, can be caused by smoking, wearing red nail polish without a base coat, lung disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. If you notice any of these changes, it is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently asked questions