An ingrown toenail is considered very common in the US with at least 3 million cases per year, however you can also develop an ingrown on your fingers as well, which might lead to Paronychia, which is an infection of the tissue around a fingernail. Your fingernails might develop an ingrown by
- Trauma
- Fungus infection
- Abnormal growth rate
- Poor nail cutting methods or nail biting
A few ways to treat an ingrown fingernail can be tried at home:
- Using a warm compress
- Soaking finger in warm water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or epsom salt, for 10-20 minutes (check out our blog post on epsom salt baths here
- Antibiotic or antifungal cream
- Using a bandage to cover the area
You can prevent developing an ingrown fingernail by practicing healthy nail care habits such as
- Not cutting nails too short
- Ripping or biting at fingernails
- Filing edges
- Keeping hands and nails clean and dry
Usually ingrown nails go away within a month however if you are experiencing pain, check out our blog on easing the pain of an ingrown toenail here. Simply just apply these steps and methods to your fingernails instead of your toes.