Ingrown Fingernails
We are not always consciously aware of it, but our fingernails play a very important part in our daily lives. Whether it is for peeling an orange, scratching an itch, strumming a guitar or numerous other occasions, fingernails are constantly being used.
Sometimes misuse or too much use can cause some problems in the nails like brittle nails, soft nails or nail fungus. One very painful nail condition is ingrown fingernails, where an edge of a nail digs deep into the adjacent skin and flesh, causing a sore.
Structure of a Nail: Let’s first examin the structure of a nail. Our nails are made of the same protein as our hair – keratin. Each nails is made of the nail plate, below which is the nail bed. The nail bed has blood capillaries and nourishes the nail, giving it that pinkish color. At the nail’s base is the nail matrix, which produces the cells of the fingernail. The lunula is that part of the matrix which is half-moon shaped. The nail is ringed by a fold of skin called the cuticle. It is made of dead cells and acts as a barrier for bacteria and foreign substances which can cause infection. Lastly, we have a ridge of skin, called the nail fold around the nail.
Cause of Ingrown Fingernail: Sometimes, the growth pattern of a fingernail undergoes some changes, and a sharp edge may grow out of the side and grow into the soft skin at its edge. Sometimes improper and careless nail trimming may cause this change.
Home Remedies: It is best to treat ingrown fingernails in the initial stages or it may become too painful, and sores may occur, sometimes necessitating surgical procedures.
You will need to trim off the offending extra growth which is digging into the flesh. It may be difficult to get at it because of its location, and because it may be already too deeply embedded in the surrounding skin. Soak the fingernail in warm salty water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Do this three or four times in the day. This will soften the nails and make it easier for you to trim it. Using special nail trimmers, trim the extra sharp corners away. Remember to dab on some antiseptic lotion or cream before and after trimming the nails. This is to prevent infection.
After this, you need to prevent the edge from growing back into the skin again. You can do this by inserting a small ball of cotton wool or dental floss which has been waxed, under the offending growth. Doing this on a daily basis may help to raise the edges and prevent them from burrowing in again.
Trim your nails regularly and take care not to grow them too long, or the edges may grow back again.
Cut the nails straight across the front. Once a week soak your nails in lavender, sesame, olive or even coconut oil for at least 15 minutes. Massage gently afterwards. This will keep the nails soft and supple and easier to trim.
If the problem is too acute you may have to go in for a surgical procedure called ablation, where an electrical fluid will be injected into the skin. This will inhibit the nail from growing in that area.
