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Categories
Health
Musculoskeletal System Health
Arm and Hand Health
Finger Health
Nail Health
How to Treat an Ingrown Fingernail Download Article Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked
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Home Treatments
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Soaking
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Medical Treatment
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Symptoms and Causes
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This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 417,681 times.
Ingrown fingernails are not as common as ingrown toenails, but they can happen. When they do, they can be painful and become infected. If your fingernail is ingrown, one edge of the nail grows and curves into the soft skin around the sides of the finger. Learn how to treat an ingrown fingernail so you can reduce your discomfort and heal it.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Home Treatments
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1 Lift your nail. If the ingrown nail is minor, you can lift the nail yourself. Soak the nail to soften it, and then place something underneath the nail to help separate the nail from the skin so it can stop growing into the skin. Try putting clean bits of cotton gauze or cotton balls or dental floss underneath the edge of the ingrown fingernail.[1]XResearch source
If you are using cotton, take a small piece of cotton and roll it between your fingers so that it forms a cotton tube about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) long. It shouldn’t be too thick, but thick enough to lift the nail away from the skin.
Tape one end of the cotton tube on the side of your finger. Lift the corner of the ingrown nail up and out with the opposite hand. Work the free end of the cotton tube under the corner of the nail and out the other side so that the cotton is between the skin and the nail and lifts the nail away from the skin.
This can be painful and it can be awkward. The taped end is there to help you maneuver the cotton tube under the corner of the nail. You may need someone’s help in placing the cotton.
2 Use antibiotic ointment. You can use a dab of a topical antibiotic ointment on your finger to prevent infections. Spread the ointment over the area with a clean Q-tip, then cover with a clean bandage.[2]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
You should change the bandage and apply more antibiotic ointment daily.
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3 Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Infected ingrown fingernails can cause a lot of pain. To help with this, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for daily dosages.[3]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Try acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) to help with pain.
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Soaking
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1 Soak the nail in warm water. Soak your finger in warm water for about 15 minutes. Soaking helps relieve pain in the finger and helps with swelling. You can do this 2-3 times a day.[4]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Dry the fingernail thoroughly after soaking it. You should keep your ingrown fingernail dry unless you are soaking it.
After soaking your finger, you should then place any ointment or oil on the fingernail. You should also replace any cotton or bandages after soaking the finger.
2 Use Epsom salt. Another option to help an ingrown fingernail is to soak your hand in Epsom salt. Fill a basin with warm water and add a couple of teaspoons of Epsom salt. Let your hand soak for 20 minutes.[5]XResearch source
According to podiatrist Mark Co, you can “use table salt as well, but use a little more if you don’t have any Epsom salt.”[6]X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatristExpert Interview
Epsom salts help relieve pain and inflammation.[7]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If you want to apply a bandage to the ingrown fingernail, dry the finger completely after soaking. Then, apply a bandage.
3 Clean your finger with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is used to prevent infection.[8]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can clean your ingrown fingernail in a solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide.[9]XResearch source
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Medical Treatment
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1 Go to the doctor. If your ingrown fingernail has become infected, or it has not gotten better after around five days, you may need to see your doctor. Your physician may treat the ingrown fingernail with a topical antibiotic that you spread on the skin.[10]X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.orgFamily-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
If the infection is deep in the finger, your physician may prescribe an oral antibiotic.
If the ingrown fingernail is caused by a fungus (this is often the case if you have chronic ingrown fingernails), your doctor can determine this and offer treatment options to you.
Let your physician know about all of the symptoms related to your ingrown nail.
2 Have your nail surgically lifted. For an ingrown fingernail that is infected but has not started producing pus, your physician may want to lift it. Lifting the nail helps separate the nail from the skin so it can grow over the skin instead of into it.[11]XResearch source
When the nail is lifted, your physician will place something between the nail and skin to keep it separate. Usually, your physician will put cotton, dental floss, or a splint under your nail.
If your nail is badly infected or ingrown, or you feel uncomfortable lifting the nail yourself, you can get your doctor to lift it.
3 Remove the ingrown nail surgically. If you have recurrent ingrown fingernails, your physician may recommend some form of surgical removal. Most commonly, a doctor will perform a partial nail avulsion. This is where the part of the nail that is ingrown is cut out.[12]X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZOnline clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
If you have a partial nail avulsion, you will have to watch as the nail grows back. You will have to ensure that the nail does not grow back into the skin.
In severe cases, the entire nail bed may be removed using chemicals. This is commonly used to treat ingrown toenails.
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Symptoms and Causes
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1 Recognize the symptoms of an ingrown fingernail. An ingrown fingernail is a fingernail where one edge of the nail grows and curves into the soft skin around the sides of the finger. The resulting pressure causes redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes an infection.[13]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If ingrown fingernails get infected, there may be pus and the swelling may extend along the finger.
The ingrown nail can grow into the soft skin on either the inner or outer corner of the nail.[14]XResearch source
2 Learn the causes of ingrown fingernails. Ingrown fingernails are rarer than ingrown toenails; however, there are a few things that lead to them. Causes of ingrown fingernails include:[15]XResearch source
Injury
Nail biting
Cutting the fingernails too short or unevenly
Fungal infections
Having curved or thickened fingernails, which may be due to genetics, but can be a problem in older people
3 Monitor for worsening symptoms. Most ingrown fingernails will heal with home or standard medical treatment. However, some infections may become severe. If your symptoms become severe, you should go to your doctor immediately.[16]XResearch source
If your fingernail has pus, if the pain around an ingrown fingernail is getting worse, or if you have a fever, seek medical attention.
4 Prevent ingrown fingernails. You can try to prevent ingrown fingernails from occurring. Refrain from cutting your nails too short because this can lead to ingrown fingernails. You also should refrain from ripping or tearing your fingernails. File off any rough, uneven edges.[17]XResearch source
Make sure to keep your hands and nails dry. Keep your nails clean.
Keep a watch on your fingernails to look for signs of ingrown nails so you can catch one early.
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Question Can my ingrown left thumbnail correct itself? Will it grow out and be normal again? Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Expert Answer It will grown out normally again, but you may want to cut out the ingrown part of the thumbnail or lift the nail. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 24
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Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 417,681 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 417,681 Categories: Nail HealthArticle SummaryX
To treat your ingrown fingernail, soak your finger in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a day, which will help reduce pain and swelling. You can also add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt or half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to the water, since this will help reduce the risk of infection. When you’re not soaking your nail, keep it dry to prevent the spread of bacteria. If your ingrown fingernail is infected or hasn’t gotten better after 5 days, visit your doctor for treatment, which may involve antibiotics and surgically lifting the nail. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to lift a minor ingrown fingernail at home, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Hilda Cooper
Jul 16, 2022
"Thank you for the info on ingrown fingernails. I have often wondered why my nails grown like this (curved inwards on the sides). Medically, no one has ever been able to give me an answer. Not even my podiatrist, as I also have ingrown toenails."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Co-authors: 7Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 417,681100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Hilda Cooper
Jul 16, 2022
"Thank you for the info on ingrown fingernails. I have often wondered why my nails grown like this (curved inwards on the sides). Medically, no one has ever been able to give me an answer. Not even my podiatrist, as I also have ingrown toenails."..." more
Thalia Grace
Aug 4, 2020
"The ring finger in my left hand had an ingrown fingernail. it was very painful. As a lefty, I couldn't even write. But soaking in warm water really helped."..." more
Lupe Andrade
Jul 3, 2018
"You helped my husband be a bit less scared."
Anonymous
Feb 13, 2017
"Thank you, very helpful!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 417,681 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: December 16, 2024 Views: 417,681 Categories: Nail Health Article SummaryX
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1 Lift your nail. If the ingrown nail is minor, you can lift the nail yourself. Soak the nail to soften it, and then place something underneath the nail to help separate the nail from the skin so it can stop growing into the skin. Try putting clean bits of cotton gauze or cotton balls or dental floss underneath the edge of the ingrown fingernail.[1] 
2 Use antibiotic ointment. You can use a dab of a topical antibiotic ointment on your finger to prevent infections. Spread the ointment over the area with a clean Q-tip, then cover with a clean bandage.[2] 
3 Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Infected ingrown fingernails can cause a lot of pain. To help with this, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for daily dosages.[3] 
1 Soak the nail in warm water. Soak your finger in warm water for about 15 minutes. Soaking helps relieve pain in the finger and helps with swelling. You can do this 2-3 times a day.[4] 
2 Use Epsom salt. Another option to help an ingrown fingernail is to soak your hand in Epsom salt. Fill a basin with warm water and add a couple of teaspoons of Epsom salt. Let your hand soak for 20 minutes.[5] 
3 Clean your finger with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is used to prevent infection.[8] You can clean your ingrown fingernail in a solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide.[9] Advertisement 
1 Go to the doctor. If your ingrown fingernail has become infected, or it has not gotten better after around five days, you may need to see your doctor. Your physician may treat the ingrown fingernail with a topical antibiotic that you spread on the skin.[10] 
2 Have your nail surgically lifted. For an ingrown fingernail that is infected but has not started producing pus, your physician may want to lift it. Lifting the nail helps separate the nail from the skin so it can grow over the skin instead of into it.[11] 
3 Remove the ingrown nail surgically. If you have recurrent ingrown fingernails, your physician may recommend some form of surgical removal. Most commonly, a doctor will perform a partial nail avulsion. This is where the part of the nail that is ingrown is cut out.[12] 
1 Recognize the symptoms of an ingrown fingernail. An ingrown fingernail is a fingernail where one edge of the nail grows and curves into the soft skin around the sides of the finger. The resulting pressure causes redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes an infection.[13] 
2 Learn the causes of ingrown fingernails. Ingrown fingernails are rarer than ingrown toenails; however, there are a few things that lead to them. Causes of ingrown fingernails include:[15] 
3 Monitor for worsening symptoms. Most ingrown fingernails will heal with home or standard medical treatment. However, some infections may become severe. If your symptoms become severe, you should go to your doctor immediately.[16] 
4 Prevent ingrown fingernails. You can try to prevent ingrown fingernails from occurring. Refrain from cutting your nails too short because this can lead to ingrown fingernails. You also should refrain from ripping or tearing your fingernails. File off any rough, uneven edges.[17] 
Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. 