How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Fingernail | Arizona Foot

An ingrown fingernail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Although most people associate ingrown nails with the toes, they can occur on fingernails as well. If you’ve ever dealt with this frustrating issue, you know how painful it can be and how important it is to treat it promptly. This blog will explain how to get rid of an ingrown fingernail, including home remedies, medical treatments, and when surgery may be necessary.

What Causes an Ingrown Fingernail?

An ingrown fingernail can be caused by several factors, including:

• Improper nail trimming: Cutting the nail too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
• Injury: A trauma to the nail or finger can change the way the nail grows, leading to an ingrown nail.
• Nail biting: Biting the nails or the surrounding skin can result in ingrown nails.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown nails due to the shape of their nails.
• Tight gloves or repetitive pressure: Wearing tight gloves or repetitive use of your hands can irritate the nail, encouraging it to grow into the skin.

Regardless of the cause, an ingrown fingernail can be extremely uncomfortable, and the sooner you address it, the better.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Fingernail

Before diving into how to get rid of an ingrown fingernail, it’s important to recognize the symptoms:

• Redness and swelling around the nail.
• Pain or tenderness when pressing on the affected area.
• Pus or drainage, indicating an infection.
• Difficulty using your hands, particularly if the nail is inflamed.

If any of these symptoms appear, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent the issue from worsening.

Home Remedies for an Ingrown Fingernail

For minor cases, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent the ingrown nail from becoming more severe. However, if you have diabetes or a condition that affects circulation, it’s best to consult a doctor before attempting any home treatments.

1. Soak Your Finger

One of the simplest ways to treat an ingrown fingernail is to soak your finger in warm water. Add a small amount of antibacterial soap or Epsom salts to the water to help reduce inflammation and clean the area. Soak your finger for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This softens the nail and surrounding skin, making it easier to relieve the pressure.

2. Use Dental Floss or Cotton

After soaking your finger, gently lift the ingrown nail away from the skin using clean tweezers or a sterilized nail tool. Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail to keep it elevated. Change the cotton or floss daily and continue soaking your finger to allow the nail to grow out naturally.

3. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment

If there’s any sign of infection, such as pus or redness, applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can help. After cleaning the affected area, apply the ointment and cover it with a bandage. This will help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of the infection spreading.

4. Wear Loose Gloves

If your hands are exposed to frequent use, especially with tight gloves, opt for loose-fitting gloves or minimize hand strain as much as possible. This prevents further irritation and gives your finger time to heal.

When to See a Doctor

While home remedies can be effective for minor ingrown fingernails, there are times when medical treatment is necessary. If you notice the following signs, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider like Dr. Kris A. DiNucci at Arizona Foot:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home care.
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
• Recurrent ingrown nails, which could indicate an underlying problem with the way your nails grow.

Medical Treatments for Ingrown Fingernails

When home remedies don’t provide relief, there are medical treatments available to address an ingrown fingernail. Dr. Kris A. DiNucci at Arizona Foot specializes in treating nail conditions, and you’ll find several options to alleviate your discomfort.

1. Partial Nail Removal

For more severe cases of ingrown nails, a partial nail removal procedure may be required. This involves numbing the finger and carefully trimming or removing the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. This procedure is quick and relatively painless due to the local anesthetic, and it provides immediate relief.

2. Complete Nail Removal

In some cases, a complete removal of the nail may be necessary, particularly if the ingrown nail is recurrent or there’s severe infection. The entire nail is removed, and the area is treated to prevent regrowth. This method is typically a last resort and is only used when other treatments have failed.

3. Antibiotics

If an infection has developed, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

Surgery for Ingrown Toenail and Fingernail

Though less common for fingernails than toenails, surgical treatment may be necessary for chronic or severely infected nails. The procedure is similar to the surgical surgery for ingrown toenail but adapted for the fingernail. During the surgery, part of the nail matrix (the tissue from which the nail grows) is removed or destroyed to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.

This surgical option is typically considered when the ingrown nail is recurrent or when conservative treatments haven’t worked. It’s a minor outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery time, and it can provide long-term relief from the pain and discomfort of an ingrown nail.

Preventing Future Ingrown Fingernails

Once you’ve dealt with an ingrown fingernail, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some preventive tips:

• Trim your nails properly by cutting them straight across and avoiding rounding the edges.
• Avoid nail-biting or picking at your nails and cuticles.
• Wear gloves when doing activities that put pressure on your hands, such as gardening or using tools.
• Keep your hands clean and moisturized to promote healthy nail growth.

Conclusion

Ingrown fingernails can be painful and frustrating, but with proper care, they can be treated effectively. Knowing how to get rid of an ingrown fingernail with home remedies or medical intervention can save you from prolonged discomfort. If you’re struggling with an ingrown nail, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Kris A. DiNucci at Arizona Foot for professional care and expert treatment. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing this issue in the future and keep your nails healthy and pain-free.