Over time, this can cause pain, swelling, and even infection.
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What Is an Ingrown Fingernail?
Under normal circumstances, healthy nails grow straight.
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Over time, it can become swollen, painful, and even infected.
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What Are At-Home Ingrown Fingernail Treatment Options?
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You may also take Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to relieve pain.
The process involves numbing the infected area with local anesthesia and removing the ingrown portion.
Next, a chemical agent such as phenol or sodium hydroxide is rubbed into the nail bed.
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Antibiotic ointment is then applied, and gauze is wrapped around the nail.
Prescription Antibiotics
When infection is present, you may need prescription antibiotics.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics after a surgical procedure.
Can an ingrown fingernail heal itself?
Ingrown fingernails usually heal on their own.
Paronychia and Felons
Paronychiais an infection of the skin that surrounds a fingernail or toenail.
It is characterized by pain and inflammation and can develop within hours.
Yellow pus may also develop under the cuticle.
Paronychia is often caused byStaphylococcus aureus(bacteria) entering a break in the skin around the nails.
A felon is a serious infection deep inside the fingertip.
It can lead to a painful, pus-filled abscess.
It is often due to a bacterial infection, primarily from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
If paronychia is left untreated, it can grow and spread, resulting in a felon.
Keeping your nails trimmed and regularly soaking your nails are all ways to prevent ingrown fingernails.
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties that may help combat nail fungus.
Applying warm compresses to the area and using antibiotic ointment can help the ingrown nail heal faster.
However, if you suspect an infection, you should call your healthcare provider.
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