How to Treat Ingrown Fingernails
Ingrown fingernails and toenails occur when the corner or side of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. While ingrown toenails are a more common condition, ingrown fingernails can occur after trauma, poor nail hygiene or even nail-biting. The condition can cause pain and swelling. You can treat ingrown fingernails at home and take steps to keep the problem from recurring.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Warm water
- Mild soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage
- Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
Instructions
-
-
1
Soak the fingernail in warm water. Do this at least four times a day. The soaking may reduce the swelling and relieve any pain. Soak for 15 minutes.
-
2
Wash the finger with soap and water. Do this four times a day to keep the finger clean and reduce the chance of infection.
-
-
3
Lift the affected fingernail. After soaking the finger, lift up the piece of nail that has grown into the finger and place cotton or dental floss gently under the nail. This keeps the nail elevated, thus reducing the chances of the nail growing back into the fingernail. Keep this on all the time and change the cotton after soaking or cleaning the nail.
-
4
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the affected fingernail. Wrap the fingernail in a bandage once you have applied the antibiotic.
-
5
Use the proper over-the-counter medicines. Select products with acetaminophen to relieve pain or pick anti-inflammatory products, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to relieve both swelling and pain.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always trim your fingernails straight across.
Never bite or pick your nails. This can damage your nail bed and possibly lead to an infection.
Remove hangnails with a clipper. Never pull at hangnails with your finger.
Never allow a nail technician to push back your cuticles. This increases your chances of getting an infection, states the American Academy of Dermatology.
Consult a doctor if pain continues after home treatment or pus or redness develops and appears to be spreading.
Call your doctor if you develop a fever with the ingrown fingernail.
References
- FreeMD: Ingrown Fingernail: Overview; Dr. Stephen J. Schueler, et al.; February 9, 2010
- FreeMD: Ingrown Fingernail: Home Care; Dr. Stephen J. Schueler, et al.; December 16, 2010
- American Academy of Dermatology: Nails
- MayoClinic.com: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong; November 25, 2009
- FreeMD: Ingrown Fingernail: Warning Signs; Dr. Stephen J. Schueler, et al.; November 5, 2008
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
