Article: 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. 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. Ingrown fingernails are rarer than ingrown toenails; however, there are a few things that lead to them. Causes of ingrown fingernails include: 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 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 or the emergency room immediately. If your fingernail has pus, if the pain around an ingrown fingernail is getting worse, if the redness and tenderness spreads, if you cannot bend the finger at any of the joints, or if you have a fever, seek medical attention. 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. 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.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Recognize the symptoms of an ingrown fingernail. Learn the causes of ingrown fingernails. Monitor for worsening symptoms. Prevent ingrown fingernails.