All About Ingrown Fingernails

All About Ingrown Fingernails

Who says the ingrown nails occur only in toenails as you might have to deal with an ingrown fingernail? Ingrown fingernails are not common, but they can also occur. There is nothing to worry about if you have ingrown fingernails as they can be easily be treated. But it can make it difficult for you to perform some daily tasks which are quite uncomfortable. Here is everything you need to know about ingrown fingernails.

What Are Ingrown Fingernails:-

Nails are made of a protein named keratin. Instead of growing outward, the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail; then, this situation is called ingrown fingernails. Many reasons can lead to ingrown fingernails:

  • If your fingernails were injured in some incident.
  • A fungal infection can also lead to ingrown fingernails.
  • If your fingernails have growth that is too fast and too slow.
  • If you do not trim your fingernails correctly.
  • Nail-biting is another leading cause of ingrown fingernails.

How To Treat Ingrown Fingernails?-

There is nothing serious about ingrown fingernails, and you can easily treat it at home at the initial state. Here are the ways you can treat your ingrown fingernails at home:

Soak Your Fingers:-

You can easily treat an ingrown nail at the initial stage by soaking your finger into the water. After this process, your nail will come out by itself. You have to place your fingers in warm water with salt in it. Keep your fingers in that water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Now rinse your hand and clean it properly with a clean towel gently. In the end, apply an antibacterial ointment to your nails and cover your nail with a loose bandage.

Use A Gauze Or A Dental Floss:-

You can use gauze to treat your ingrown fingernail. You have to take a small and clean piece of gauze and place it under your nail. It separates the nail from the skin. It will also help to reduce the pressure and the pain in the nail. You have to place the gauze daily until the nail is completely grown out. You can also use a cotton cloth instead of gauze.

For some people, it is difficult to place gauze under the nail. First, you have to clean your nail with lukewarm water and then place waxed dental floss under the nail. Place the floss under the ingrown nail corner. Do this method number of times in a day.

Use Vinegar Water:-

If your ingrown fingernail is infected, then you can also treat it at home with vinegar. First of all, clean the nail. Then make the solution having four parts of water and one part of vinegar. Now soak your finger in this solution and keep it there for 15 to 20 minutes. After taking out your finger, you have to dry it completely. Repeat this procedure for at least 2 to 3 days to reduce the infection.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide:-

Hydrogen peroxide is perfect for both treating infection and healing the nail. Now take 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide and mix two tablespoons of it in half bucket of water. Now place your finger in the water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide will make your skin around the nail soft, which will help the nail to grow out. It will also alleviate the pain. Now dry your nail thoroughly and repeat this procedure for 2 to 3 days.

Tea Tree Oil:-

Tea tree oil is always known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is best to treat your infected ingrown fingernail. Just add a few drops of tea tree oil in lukewarm water and soak your finger in that water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also mix the tea tree oil with olive oil and massage it on the affected area of your nail. You can repeat both methods 2 to 3 times a day. After soaking your nails, do not forget to dry them completely.

When To See A Doctor:-

When To See A Doctor
When To See A Doctor

 

As you already know, ingrown fingernails are not something that you have to worry about, but if you notice that the conditioning is worsening, you should see a doctor. Here are the signs which show that you need professional ingrown fingernail treatment:

  • If you have worsening or severe pain in your finger.
  • If you notice redness that is spreading from the site of infection.
  • Redness that has spread to the whole fingertip.
  • If you have a fever after the infection.
  • If you cannot bend the joints of your finger properly.
  • If you have diabetes, you should not treat ingrown fingernails at home as it can lead to the spread of the infection.

What Are The Signs:-

Here are some of the signs that show that you have ingrown hair:

  • If you notice pain and swelling in your nail or fingertip.
  • Redness around the fingernail.
  • When you notice that the sharp end of the nail is pressing in the skin around the nail, it can be on one side or both sides.
  • If you notice pus coming out from the area around the nail.
  • If your nail is bleeding or if your skin is folding over the nail.

How To Prevent Ingrown Fingernails?-

As you know that prevention is better than cure. Here are some preventive measures that you can take to avoid ingrown fingernails:

  • Soak your nails before trimming them. You can also trim your nails after taking a bath as the nails are soft after the bath.
  • The tools you use for trimming nails should be clean and sharp. Do not use a tool that is rusted.
  • Use fingernails clipper for fingernails.
  • Make the edges of the nail round, and do not cut them short.
  • Avoid cutting the cuticles as it increases the chances of infection.
  • Keep your hand and nails moisturized by applying a cream or a moisturizer.
  • If you see something odd about your nails, like the nail color or shape, you should consult your doctor.

In A Nutshell:-

Ingrown fingernails are not a big deal if you treat them at the initial stage. The preventive measures are also not complex, and you can easily add them to your routine.

 

 

 

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