Something as simple as an ingrown fingernail can really mess up your day, especially if you need to use your hands a lot for work, like typing. It hurts every time you press a key, making it hard to get through the day without feeling bothered. This kind of problem can make you less happy and less good at your job.
There was even a study in a journal called Dermatologic Surgery that talked about how much ingrown toenails can affect someone’s life. If we think about it, ingrown fingernails can be just as annoying and painful. Even though the study was about toes, it shows that problems like these can make everyday tasks a lot harder.
What’s the Deal With Ingrown Fingernails?
Ingrown fingernails happen when your nail starts growing into the skin around it instead of over it. This can make your finger hurt, make you look red and swollen, and sometimes make you get infected. There are a few reasons why you might end up with an ingrown fingernail:
- Cutting Nails Wrong: If you cut your nails too short or not in a straight line.
- Ouch, My Nail!: Bumping or injuring your nails can cause trouble.
- Too Much Washing: Washing your hands a lot can make the skin soft and easy for the nail to poke into.
- Curvy Nails: Some folks’ nails naturally grow into the skin.
- Runs in the Family: If your family members get them, chances are you might too.
- Nail Biting: Biting your nails can mess them up and lead to ingrown nails.
Signs You’ve Got an Ingrown Fingernail
Here’s what to look out for if you think you have an ingrown fingernail:
- Red Skin: The skin around your nail might look more red than usual.
- It Hurts: The area is likely to be tender and painful.
- Looks Swollen: You might notice the skin looks puffy.
- Signs of Infection: If things get worse, you could see:
- More pain
- Pus
- Fever, if it’s really bad
The Impact of Ingrown Fingernails
Besides making your finger hurt, ingrown fingernails can be a real pain if you need to use your hands a lot, like for typing or doing crafts. The pain can distract you, making it hard to get your work done.
Knowing why ingrown fingernails happen and what they look like can help you avoid them or take care of them early. But if it’s hurting a lot, keeps happening, or looks infected, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor to get it sorted out.
Quick Fixes for Ingrown Fingernails: Overnight Tips
Dealing with ingrown fingernails quickly is crucial to reducing pain and preventing any further problems. Here are some simple overnight solutions you might find helpful:
- Salt Water Soak: Mix some salt in warm water and soak your finger for about 15-20 minutes. It helps with the pain and swelling and makes the skin softer.
- Cotton Trick: After soaking, carefully put a tiny piece of clean cotton or dental floss under the part of your nail that’s digging into your skin. This can help guide your nail as it grows outward. Change the cotton every day to keep it clean.
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil is great for keeping infections away because it fights germs and brings down swelling. Just remember to mix it with some other oil (like coconut oil) so it doesn’t irritate your skin, then dab a little on the sore spot.
- Antibiotic Cream: Put some antibiotic cream from the store on the area and cover it with a bandage overnight. This helps keep infections away and speeds up healing.
- Wear Loose Gloves: If you have to wear gloves, make sure they’re not tight. Tight gloves can press on your ingrown nail and make it hurt more.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Soak: This vinegar can fight off fungus and bacteria. Mix it with water and soak your finger in it for a bit. It can help stop infections and ease the pain.
- Epsom Salt Soak: Soaking in Epsom salt and warm water can also reduce pain and swelling. It softens the skin too, which helps with treating the ingrown nail.
- Soft Toothbrush: After soaking, you can gently brush around the ingrown nail with a soft toothbrush. This helps push the skin away from the nail and cleans out any dirt that might cause an infection.
- Essential Oil Blend: Mixing oils like lavender and eucalyptus with a carrier oil can help with the pain and swelling. Rub this mix on the sore area for relief.
These tips are for quick relief. But if your ingrown nail doesn’t get better, keeps coming back, or looks really infected (like if there’s a lot of pus, it’s very red, or you have a fever), you should see a doctor. They might suggest other treatments, including possibly removing the ingrown part of the nail if it’s a repeat problem.
Why Nail Technicians Can’t Treat Ingrown Fingernails
If you’ve got an ingrown fingernail, you might wonder if popping into your local nail salon could fix it. However, nail technicians, the folks who make our nails look pretty, aren’t the right people to handle ingrown nails. Here’s why:
They’re Not Doctors
- Training Focus: Nail techs are pros at things like painting nails, filing them into shape, and putting on fake nails. But they’re not trained in medical stuff, including fixing ingrown nails. Dealing with ingrown nails can be tricky and requires a careful approach to avoid making things worse.
- Rules and Regulations: The rules that nail techs follow don’t allow them to treat medical issues like ingrown nails. Their job is all about making nails look good, not medical care.
- When to See a Specialist: If a nail tech notices someone has an ingrown fingernail, they’ll tell them to see a doctor or a foot specialist (for ingrown toenails). These experts know how to safely sort out the problem without risking infection or other complications.
It’s About Safety
Trying to get an ingrown nail fixed at a nail salon could end up doing more harm than good. It’s better and safer to go to a healthcare provider or a specialist, like a dermatologist or podiatrist. They can give you the right treatment, so your ingrown nail gets better without any extra trouble.
Keep Your Ingrown Nails in Check
Dealing with ingrown nails can really slow you down, making it tough to get things done because of the pain and annoyance they bring. But knowing how to take care of them properly and when to get help can change the game.
It’s important to remember that even though nail technicians make our nails look great, they’re not the ones to fix ingrown nails. For that, you need a doctor or a specialist who knows exactly how to treat them safely and effectively. Getting the right treatment not only fixes the pain but also stops ingrown nails from coming back.
Looking after your ingrown nails the right way isn’t just about feeling better fast; it’s about keeping yourself healthy and ready to tackle your day without any hold-ups. So, always take care of your nails and reach out to a professional if you need to. This way, you can stay on top of your game, pain-free and productive.