Ava Monroe
Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that can cause pain and inflammation where the nail meets the skin. While ingrown fingernails usually heal on their own, they can become quite painful if left untreated. Home treatments include soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications or antibiotic ointment. If home care does not help, a healthcare professional can remove the part of the nail that is causing the issue.
How to treat an ingrowing fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Cutting nails too short, nail brittleness, physical labour-heavy jobs |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, tenderness, mild to severe |
| Treatment | Soak in warm water, use antibiotic ointment, keep dry, use cotton wicks, use roomy shoes or sandals, take pain relievers |
| Prevention | Wash hands thoroughly, practice good hand-washing techniques, keep nails trimmed, soak nails before trimming, use clean and sharp tools, cut nails straight across, avoid cutting cuticles |
| When to see a doctor | Signs of infection, severe pain, blood or pus leakage, ingrown nail recurs |
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What You'll Learn
Soak the nail in warm water
Soaking the nail in warm water is a highly recommended home remedy for treating ingrown fingernails. This simple procedure can help relieve inflammation, prevent infection, and encourage the nail to grow outward on its own.
To start the process, fill a deep bowl or a clean container with warm water. For optimal results, consider adding salt to the water, as this can further aid in reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, not hot, to avoid any potential skin irritation.
Once you have prepared the warm water, soak the affected finger or hand in it. Aim for a soaking time of around 15 to 20 minutes. If you are unable to submerge your hand, you can focus on soaking just the affected fingernail. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times daily for the best results.
After each soaking session, be sure to rinse the ingrown fingernail with fresh water and gently pat it dry. Keeping the nail dry during the day is important to prevent any bacterial growth. You can also apply over-the-counter topical treatments, such as antibiotic ointment, after soaking and drying the nail.
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Use antibiotic ointment
Ingrown fingernails are usually mild and can be treated at home. However, if left untreated, they can cause severe pain and lead to serious infections such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis. Therefore, it is important to treat ingrown fingernails promptly and properly.
To treat an ingrown fingernail, you can soak your hand in warm water 3-4 times daily to keep it safe from infection and help the nail grow outward on its own. After soaking, you can apply an over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotic ointment to prevent local infection and help the nail heal faster. You can also apply a warm compress to the area. It is important to keep the ingrown nail dry during the day after applying the ointment. However, if you have an infection, keep the infected area covered with a sterile bandage to prevent further infection.
In addition to soaking and ointment, you can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. If your pain is too intense to be treated at home or you notice signs of infection, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for treatment. They may recommend non-invasive medical procedures or, in rare cases, surgery.
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Keep the area dry
Keeping the area dry is an important step in treating an ingrown fingernail. Ingrown fingernails can be treated at home by soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications. However, it is crucial to ensure that the area is thoroughly dried after soaking to prevent further complications.
The soaking process helps to soften the nail, making it easier to treat. By soaking your hand in warm water 3 to 4 times daily and then drying it well, you can keep the area safe from infection. This is because bacteria and fungi can enter through breaks in the skin caused by ingrown nails, and drying the area helps prevent their accumulation and multiplication.
After drying the area, you can apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help prevent local infection and promote healing. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Additionally, keeping the area dry throughout the day can aid in the healing process. This means avoiding moisture and ensuring that the area remains clean and dry. If you need to wash your hands or perform activities that may get the area wet, be sure to gently pat the area dry afterward.
Keeping the ingrown fingernail area dry is an essential step in the treatment process. It helps prevent infection and promotes healing. By following these steps and keeping the area clean and dry, you can effectively manage and treat your ingrown fingernail.
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Take over-the-counter painkillers
Ingrown fingernails are a painful condition where the nail grows into the skin. The most common cause of ingrown fingernails is cutting the nails too short. If you have an ingrown fingernail, you may want to take over-the-counter painkillers to help manage the pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are recommended for pain relief.
You can take over-the-counter painkillers at any stage of the treatment process, but they are especially useful if you are experiencing severe pain. If you are experiencing unbearable pain, you should seek medical attention. In the case of an extremely severe infection, a doctor may recommend surgery.
If you are taking over-the-counter painkillers, it is important to follow the instructions on the medication packaging. You should also be aware of any potential side effects of the medication. If you are experiencing persistent pain, you should consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.
In addition to taking painkillers, there are several at-home treatments you can try to relieve pain and prevent infection. Soaking your hand in warm water 3-4 times daily can help to keep the area safe from infection. You should also keep the ingrown nail dry during the day. After soaking, gently pat the area dry and apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic or antifungal cream.
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See a doctor if pain is severe
Ingrown fingernails are usually not serious and can be treated at home. However, if the pain is severe, it is important to see a doctor.
Home treatments for mild ingrown fingernails include soaking the affected area in warm water 3-4 times a day and drying it thoroughly. This can help treat mild cases and prevent infection. Other home treatments include lifting the nail and inserting a piece of cotton or gauze between the skin and the nail, or using dental floss to lift the nail.
However, if the pain is too intense to treat at home, it is important to see a doctor. A doctor can remove the part of the nail that is causing the issue. They may cut the nail and place a gutter splint under it to help relieve pain. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the nail.
It is especially important to see a doctor if you have an infection. An ingrown nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter the body, causing an infection. Symptoms of an infection include pus leakage, persistent pain, and redness. If left untreated, an infection can spread from the nail to the nearby tissue. Severe infections may require a procedure called nail avulsion, in which the affected nail is removed.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are experiencing discomfort and notice your nail is growing into the skin, you may have an ingrown fingernail. The most common sign of an ingrown nail is pain where the nail meets the skin.
Soak the affected area in warm water 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes. You can also add salt to the water to relieve inflammation and prevent infection. Dry the area thoroughly and keep it dry throughout the day. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.
If you notice signs of infection, such as pus or blood, or if the pain becomes too intense, seek medical treatment. A doctor may recommend non-invasive medical procedures or, in rare cases, surgery.
Keep your nails trimmed and regularly soaked. When trimming your nails, cut them straight across the top and avoid rounding them. Avoid cutting your nails too short.
