Ingrown fingernails usually occur when the edge of the nail curves into the skin of the finger to become embedded in the skin around that area. As it grows further down, it will begin to hurt the finger and also set off a fungal infection around the site of discomfort. In general, ingrown toenails are much more common. Fortunately, this condition can be treated easily from your own home and if the right preventive steps are taken, you can get rid of the problem once and for all.
By and large, redness, swelling, tenderness and excruciating pain when the finger is moved or touched, are the usual symptoms of this condition. Moreover if the nail happens to get infected, pus and discoloration ensue. Improper care of nails are one of the major causes of this ailment. It could also be triggered by nail biting, clipping nails into curved shapes, trimming them too short or leaving behind sharp edges, and long and deformed nails.
One of the best and most effective ways to get rid of this problem is to trim the nail by cutting it straight. One point to bear in mind before doing this is to soften the nail and the skin around the area for about a quarter of an hour, in a solution of warm water to which some baking soda has been added, so that the pain is lessened when you carry out the actual trimming process.
Once the skin has been softened, carefully lift the nail away from the skin and trim the edge of the ingrown fingernail. This will instantly aid in reducing the pressure round on the skin and help the nail to grow in the right direction. Ensure that you do not cut the nail too short as this can only worsen the condition. Non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicines could help relieve pain and in case of infection a course of antibiotics could help hasten the healing process. Ensure that an ingrown fingernail is not treated lightly as it could lead to more serious conditions such as cellulitis, paronychia or osteomyelitis.
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