Noah Sinclair
Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that can usually be treated at home. They are caused by cutting the nail too short, which can cause trauma to the nail, making it more likely to grow into the skin. Rounding the nail's edges when trimming can also cause the nail to grow back crooked. Ingrown nails can cause swelling, redness, pain, and infection. In most cases, soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. However, if the condition worsens or becomes infected, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A nail plate that has curved downward and grown into the skin bordering the side of the nail |
| Symptoms | Painful pressure, inflammation, redness, swelling, and fluid build-up |
| Risk factors | Diabetes, frequent handwashing, working with hands, cutting nails too short, rounding the nail's edges when trimming |
| Treatment | Soaking in warm water, over-the-counter medications, topical antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, surgery |
| Prevention | Cutting nails straight across, avoiding rounding the sides or trimming them too far back, maintaining proper nail hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail cutting technique
Cutting your nails on an angle can cause the nail to grow back in the same direction, so it is not recommended to cut your own nails if you have an ingrown nail. Instead, you should visit a doctor to have them cut or removed. Doctors may use several techniques to remove an ingrown nail, including special tools or chemicals.
People who work with their hands or wash them frequently may be more prone to developing ingrown fingernails. This is because the skin may be more irritated and inflamed than usual, and swollen skin can interfere with the direction of nail growth.
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Underlying health conditions
While ingrown fingernails are usually harmless, they can sometimes be indicative of underlying health conditions. One such condition is diabetes, which can increase the risk of complications from ingrown nails, such as infection. Poor blood circulation, which can be caused by various health issues, is another underlying condition that may lead to more severe consequences, such as osteomyelitis (infection in the bone) or gangrene (infection in soft tissue). In very rare cases, uncontrolled sugar levels or poor immunity resulting from underlying health issues can lead to severe sepsis due to widespread infection, which can be fatal.
Additionally, certain physical labor-intensive jobs that put pressure on the nail bed, such as moving heavy objects or writing with the middle and ring fingers, can increase the likelihood of ingrown fingernails. Furthermore, nail abnormalities, such as different colors, textures, or shapes, may indicate other health issues that require medical attention.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or experience any unusual symptoms to ensure proper treatment and prevent potential complications.
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Germs and bacteria
To prevent infections, it is crucial to practice good handwashing techniques, especially for people with long fingernails, as they can accumulate more dirt and bacteria. Additionally, it is recommended to scrub underneath the nails and use a clean towel to dry the hands and nails afterward. In the case of a cut or break in the skin, applying an antibiotic ointment and covering the area with a clean bandage can help keep germs out and prevent infection.
If an infection develops, medical treatment or surgery may be necessary. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics, especially if the infection is severe or at risk of spreading. In some cases, a portion of the nail may need to be removed, and the underlying cuticle may be treated with lasers or chemicals. For fungal infections, antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications may be prescribed.
It is important to note that ingrown fingernails can be challenging to treat at home, and they may require medical attention if they become infected or cause severe pain. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if there are underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications, such as diabetes.
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Skin irritation
Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that can usually be treated at home. They occur when a nail grows into the sides or corners of your skin. This can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed.
- Skin inflammation: Inflammation of the skin can be caused by various factors, such as frequent handwashing or working with your hands. This can cause the skin to become swollen and irritated, which can lead to the nail growing into the skin.
- Injury to the skin: Damaging the cuticles or pushing them back can allow bacteria to enter the skin and cause an infection. This is a common cause of paronychia, which is an infection of the skin around the nail.
- Hangnails: These are pieces of excess skin that form when skin cells separate and grow away from the surrounding skin. Hangnails can cause pain and inflammation, and if left untreated, can lead to an infection.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing paronychia. This is because they have a higher chance of getting skin infections, and the infection can spread to the bone (osteomyelitis) and soft tissue (gangrene).
- Fungal infections: These can be caused by fungi entering through a break in the skin. They can cause chronic paronychia, which can result in changes to the colour and shape of the nail.
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Hangnails
To treat a hangnail at home, you can follow these steps:
- Soak the affected finger in clean, warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin.
- Gently clip the hangnail with sterile nail clippers, nail scissors, or cuticle cutters to prevent it from catching on anything and to reduce the risk of infection.
- If you cut too deep and it bleeds, rinse with warm water and cover the area with antibacterial ointment and a bandage to protect it from infection until it heals.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly to keep the skin around the nails moisturized and prevent further hangnails from forming.
The best way to prevent hangnails is to keep the skin around your nails healthy and hydrated.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown fingernail is when a nail grows into the sides or corners of your skin, causing pain, inflammation and potential fluid build-up.
Ingrown fingernails are often caused by cutting the nail too short, especially when removing the entire distal edge (the white part of the nail tip). Cutting nails straight across, rather than rounding the edges, can prevent ingrown nails.
Soaking the affected area in warm water and applying over-the-counter topical medications can help. If the condition worsens, a doctor may numb the edge and lift the ingrowing nail edge, placing a splint under it.
If an infection develops, medical treatment or surgery may be necessary. Antibiotics and antifungal creams may be prescribed.
