Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is an Ingrown Nail?

Ingrown nails happen when your nail grows into your skin instead of over it. This happens more with toenails than with fingernails, especially your big toe.

Ingrown Nail Symptoms

When one of your nails starts growing into the skin, you typically have symptoms in stages. First, you’ll have: 

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Hardness

If your ingrown toe gets infected, you’ll move on to other symptoms including:

Ingrown Nail Causes

You’re more likely to get ingrown nails when you:

•  Cut your toenails too short

• Round your nail edges. To avoid ingrown nails, always trim straight across.

• Wear ill-fitting shoes or tight hosiery that press your nail into your toe

• Injure your toe by stubbing or jamming it

• Put repeated stress on your toes from poor posture or physical activity that stresses your feet, such as running, ballet, or soccer

• Inherit genes that make you more likely to have them

If the condition causing the ingrown toenail continues, the skin that grows over your nail can lead to permanent changes in the tissue that can cause infection, more pain, and more swelling.

Ingrown Nail Treatment and Home Remedies

If your ingrown nail isn’t infected, you should be able to treat it at home. To manage symptoms, you can:

• Soak your feet. Reduce swelling and tenderness by putting your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes three to four times a day.

• Keep feet dry. Let your feet breathe to avoid sweat or dampness.

• Use a wedge to lift your nail. Put dental floss or a small piece of cotton under the edge of your nail to help lift it as it grows out. Change it out daily.

• Apply antibiotic cream. Cover your toe with a bandage afterward to help protect it.

• Pick helpful shoes. Choose open-toed shoes or shoes with plenty of room in the toe. Don’t wear heels.

• Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or  ibuprofen can help reduce tenderness and swelling.

If your symptoms don’t get better — or get worse — after you try home care, your doctor may need to treat the problem. They may try:

• Prescription antibiotics. You may need oral or topical medication to help get rid of your infection.

• Lifting the nail. If your problem is mild and doesn’t involve pus, your doctor can use a splint to lift your nail and set it in a new position to help it grow above the skin.

• Removing some of your infected nail. Your doctor will numb your toe before surgically cutting away the part of the nail that’s growing into your skin.

• Removing all of your infected nail. If you keep having ingrown nails on the same toe or finger, your doctor may take off your whole nail. it can take up to 4 months to grow all the way back in. And it’s more likely to be misshapen once it grows back. 

Ingrown Nail Complications

If you have diabetes, vascular problems, or numbness in your toes, you need to take special care to treat and prevent ingrown toenails. And don’t put off getting treatment. Ingrown nails that go untreated for a long time can make the problem more severe.

Complications that can develop include:

Ingrown Toenails – American Family Physician

Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education website.

Information from Your Family Doctor

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail digs into the skin of the toe. This happens mostly to the big toenail, but it can happen to any toenail.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

You may have redness, swelling, and pain on your toe around the edge of the nail (see drawing).

Illustration by Kathryn Born

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Many things can cause ingrown toenails. One main cause is wearing shoes that do not fit well. Shoes that are too tight or too small can press the skin of your toe into your toenail. Incorrectly cutting your toenails is another main cause. Toenails that are peeled off at the edge or trimmed down at the corners are more likely to become ingrown. An injury to your toe also can cause an ingrown toenail. People who have deformed or misshaped toenails have a higher risk of ingrown toenails.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

Your doctor can examine your toe and toenail. If you have an ingrown toenail, your doctor may order treatment. Tell your doctor if you get ingrown toenails often. People who have diabetes are at risk of complications from an ingrown toenail. Also tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant because some treatments cannot be used during pregnancy.

Can an ingrown toenail be prevented or avoided?

To avoid ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across. The top of your nail should make a straight line. Do not pick at your nails or tear them at the corners. Wear shoes that fit correctly and allow plenty of room for your toes. Avoid high heels and tight-fitting shoes.

What is the treatment for ingrown toenails?

Mild ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Soak your foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry your foot, then place a twist of cotton under the corner of your nail. You can wet the cotton with water or a disinfectant. This should be changed at least once a day. Try to wear open-toe shoes, such as sandals, that do not rub the toenail. This will help healing and remove chances of irritation. Contact your doctor if your ingrown toenail does not improve or gets worse, including increased pain, swelling, and drainage.

An ingrown toenail may require minor office surgery. The procedure involves removing the part of the nail that is ingrown. Before surgery, the doctor will numb your toe by injecting it with medicine. The doctor will lift your toenail along the edge that is growing into your skin. Then, the doctor will cut and pull out that piece of nail. The doctor may apply a small electrical charge or liquid solution to the exposed part of your nail bed. This is called ablation. It should keep the toenail from growing into your skin again. Not all people need ablation.

Instructions to follow after office surgery for ingrown toenail:

• Soak your foot in warm water each day.

• Keep a bandage over the site until it heals.

• Take acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand name: Motrin) as needed for pain.

• Keep the wound clean and dry; you may shower the day after surgery.

• Wear loose fitting shoes or open-toe shoes for the first two weeks.

• Avoid running or strenuous activity for the first two weeks.

• Call your doctor if the toe is not healing.

Living with an ingrown toenail?

Treatment—at home or from your doctor—helps treat symptoms and heal the toe. After the toe heals, practice good foot care to prevent future problems and to keep an ingrown toenail from coming back. If you have surgery, it may take two to four months for your toenail to grow back.

Questions for your doctor

What is the cause of my ingrown toenail?

What type of treatment will heal my toenail? Will I need surgery?

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Can you show me how to trim my nails?

What is my risk of ingrown toenail coming back?

Ingrown toenail – HSE.ie

If you have diabetes

Seek medical advice if you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail. Foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes. Having diabetes could affect how your toenail heals.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Several things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop.

Badly cut toenails

Cutting toenails too short, or cutting the edges, can make the skin fold over the nail and the nail grow into the skin.

Wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights

This places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it’s pressed on to your toenail

Sweaty feet

If the skin around your toenails is soft, it’s easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it

Injury

For example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop

Natural shape of the nail

The sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin.

Treating ingrown toenails

Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected.

You should:

• keep your feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water
• change your socks regularly
• cut your toenails straight across to stop them digging into the surrounding skin
• gently push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud – use a small amount of olive oil to soften the skin
• wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

You may need surgery if your toenail does not improve. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may involve either:

• partial nail avulsion – removing part of your toenail
• total nail avulsion – removing your whole toenail

Partial nail avulsion

Partial nail avulsion is a common and effective operation for treating ingrown toenails.

A local anaesthetic will numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area. This prevents the nail from growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.

You may need antibiotics if your nail is infected. Any pus will be drained away.

Total nail avulsion

You may need total nail avulsion if your nail is thick and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe.

You will have an indentation where your nail used to be. But it’s safe for you not to have a toenail.

After surgery

After toenail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a sterile bandage. This helps to stem any bleeding and prevent infection. Rest your foot and keep it raised for 1 to 2 days after the operation.

You may need to take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. You may also need to wear soft or open-toed shoes for the first few days.

Preventing ingrown toenails

Taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems such as ingrown toenails. It’s important to cut your toenails properly – straight across, not at an angle or down the edges.

Wash your feet every day, dry them thoroughly and use foot moisturiser. You can also use a foot file or pumice stone to remove hard or dead skin.

Wearing shoes that fit will help to ensure your feet remain healthy. You should also change your socks (or tights) every day.

Visit your GP or a podiatrist as soon as possible if you develop problems with your feet.

Optima Foot and Ankle: Podiatrists

At first glance, an ingrown toenail seems like a minor problem. The redness, swelling, and pain are temporary and likely to go away on their own, right? Wrong. Your seemingly mild injury can quickly become a throbbing, infected wound. If you’ve noticed an ingrown toenail, you should consider scheduling a visit to the podiatrist sooner, rather than later. 

At Optima Foot and Ankle in Bend, Oregon, podiatrists Dr. Laura Schweger and Dr. Evan Ross can identify a problematic ingrown toenail and provide short- and long-term treatment options. 

Causes and effects of ingrown toenails 

You might have already seen or experienced an ingrown toenail, or at least heard about them. They occur when the edges of your toenail grow into the skin of your toe, which causes pain and inflammation. The big toes are most commonly affected, but your other toenails can become ingrown as well. 

There are a few common causes of ingrown toenails, including: 

• Genetic predisposition 
• Tight shoes and socks 
• Frequently getting your feet wet 
• Toenail trauma or injury (dropping something on your toes)
• Cutting your toenails improperly 
• Thick or irregular toenails 

Older people with thick toenails and teens with sweaty feet are prone to ingrown toenails, but you can get them at any age. While the issue might seem small at first, ingrown toenails can lead to serious complications. 

Without proper treatment in the early stages, ingrown toenails can cause: 

• Infection of the surrounding skin (or even bone)
• Open sores and ulcers on your feet 
• Pus buildup 
• Poor circulation in the feet and toes 

If you have diabetes, an ingrown toenail can quickly become a seriously infected wound. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible. 

Ingrown toenail treatments 

The first step to treating an ingrown toenail is to identify the symptoms and act quickly. If you notice redness and pain, begin soaking your feet a few times a day in warm water with Epsom salts. Push the skin away from your toenails and apply antibiotic ointment. Avoid wearing tight shoes, and change your socks often. 

If the inflammation and swelling don’t improve in the first few days, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. We can take a look and help you handle the issue before it gets worse. If you’re diabetic, you’re better off visiting your podiatrist right away. Diabetics should be extremely cautious when it comes to foot injuries because the loss of sensation in your feet can make you unaware you even have a problem. 

Preventing ingrown toenails

If you want to avoid ingrown toenails in the future, here are a few tips that can keep your nails from growing improperly. 

• Make sure to wear proper footwear when moving heavy objects, working with large animals, or playing outside
• Cut your toenails regularly, and cut them straight across 
• Wear shoes with roomy toe boxes, and avoid wearing tight, pointy heels
• Check your feet daily for signs of inflammation or pain, especially if you’re diabetic

Have you noticed an ingrown toenail recently? Schedule a visit by calling 541-383-3668, or request an appointment online.

Toenail – Ingrown

Is this your child’s symptom?

• The corner of the toenail grows into the skin around it
• Almost always involves the big toe (great toe)

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

• Toe pain from sharp corner of toenail cutting into surrounding skin.
• Redness and swelling around the corner of the toenail is usually present.
• The area may drain pus or yellow fluid.
• The red area is very tender to touch or pressure from a shoe.
• Some teens with an ingrown toenail can barely walk.

Cause of an Ingrown Toenail

• The toenail is usually pushed into the skin by wearing tight shoes.
• The tiny cut made by the nail allows bacteria to enter the skin. The cut then becomes infected.
• The sharp corner of buried nail keeps growing. The deeper it goes, the more painful it becomes.

When to Call for Toenail – Ingrown

Call 911 Now

• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Spreading red area or streak with fever
• Spreading red area or streak that’s very large
• Severe pain not improved 2 hours after pain medicine and antibiotic ointment
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Spreading red area or streak, but no fever
• Entire toe is red and swollen
• Pus pocket (yellow or green) seen in skin around toenail or under toenail. Reason: needs to be drained.
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Can’t locate and free up corner of toenail
• After using Care Advice more than 2 days, pus discharge not gone
• After using Care Advice more than 3 days, still hard to walk
• After using Care Advice more than 7 days, not improved
• After using Care Advice more than 14 days, not gone
• Ingrown toenails are a frequent problem
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Ingrown Toenail

1. What You Should Know About Ingrown Toenails:
   • Ingrown toenails are always painful.
   • Pain is caused by the sharp toenail edge cutting into the skin around it.
   • The pain can be stopped. Find the toenail corner and lift it out of the raw tissue.
   • This will allow the area to heal.
   • Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Surgery or nail removal is rarely needed.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Warm Soaks:
   • Soak the toe in warm water and soap for 20 minutes twice a day.
   • While soaking, massage the swollen part of the cuticle (skin next to the nail). Massage away from the nail.
   • While soaking, also try to bend the corners of the toenail upward. Use your fingernail to lift it.
   • Dry the toe and foot completely.
3. Elevate Corner of Toenail with Dental Floss:
   • Goal: to help the toenail corner grow over the cuticle, rather than into it.
   • The area won’t heal until you expose the corner.
   • Often you can lift it with your fingernail.
   • If not, take a short strip of dental floss or fishing line. Try to slip it under the corner of the nail. Then, lift the nail upward. Cut off any sharp edge.
   • Take a small wedge of cotton from a cotton ball. Try to place the wedge under the nail corner to keep it elevated. (Sometimes this step is impossible).
   • Elevate the corner away from the cuticle with every soak.
4. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • After each soak, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). Put it on the swollen part of the toe.
   • You can buy this ointment without a prescription.
5. Taking Pressure Off Toenail with a Foam Pad or Cotton Ball:
   • Until it heals, try to wear sandals or go barefoot.
   • When your child must wear closed shoes protect the ingrown toenail as follows:
   • Inner Edge of Toe. If the inner edge of the big toe is involved, try this technique. Tape a cotton ball or foam pad between the lower part of the first and second toes. This will keep the upper toes from touching.
   • Outer Edge of Toe. If the outer edge is involved, use a cotton ball. Tape it to the outside of the lower toe.
   • This will keep the toenail from touching the side of the shoe.
   • Weather-stripping from a hardware store makes the best foam pad. Reason: has adhesive on one side.
   • Never wear tight, narrow, or pointed shoes.
6. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Use as needed.
7. Prevention – Nail Trimming:
   • Cut your child’s toenails straight across so you can see the corners. Use a nail clipper.
   • Do not round off corners. Keep the corners visible.
   • Do not cut them too short.
   • After baths or showers, the nails are soft. Bend the corners of the toenails upward.
8. Prevention – Wear Shoes That Fit:
   • Make sure that your child’s shoes are not too narrow. Give away any pointed or tight shoes.
   • Tight narrow shoes are the most common cause of ingrown toenails.
   • Shoes should have a wide toe box. The toes should not feel cramped.
9. What to Expect:
   • With treatment, the pus should be gone in 48 hours.
   • Pain should be gone in 1 week.
   • Area should be healed up in 2 weeks.
10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Spreading redness or fever occur
    • Pus pocket occurs
    • Not improved after 7 days
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Last Reviewed: 10/10/2021

Last Revised: 09/30/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Possible Causes of Ingrown Toenails

People who develop ingrown toenails are often aware of the pain and discomfort they can cause. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause the corner of the toenail to grow into the skin, and the affected area typically appears to be red and swollen. Additionally, poorly shaped toenails may come from genetic factors, and existing fungal infections may lead to abnormal toenails. Patients may find mild relief when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, and this may help to promote healing. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenail – Foot Health Facts

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What Is an Ingrown Toenail?  

When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This digging in of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the toe.

If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if the toe is not painful, red, swollen or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.

Causes

Causes of ingrown toenails include:

• Heredity. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited.
• Trauma. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.
• Improper trimming. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. 
• Improperly sized footwear. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are tight or short.
• Nail conditions. Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems, such as fungal infections or losing a nail due to trauma.
  
   

Treatment

Sometimes initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely performed at home. However, home treatment is strongly discouraged if an infection is suspected or for those who have medical conditions that put feet at high risk, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the foot or poor circulation.

Home Care

If you do not have an infection or any of the above medical conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (adding Epsom salt may be recommended by your doctor) and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation.

Avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it is time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.

Physician Care

After examining the toe, the foot and ankle surgeon will select the treatment best suited for you. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.

Sometimes a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, will ease the pain and remove the offending nail. After applying a local anesthetic, the doctor removes part of the nail’s side border. Some nails may become ingrown again, requiring removal of the nail root.

Following the nail procedure, a light bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

• Proper trimming. Cut toenails in a fairly straight line, and do not cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail.
• Well-fitting shoes and socks. Do not wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe area. Avoid shoes that are loose because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when running or walking briskly.
  
   

What You Should Know About Home Treatment

• Do not cut a notch in the nail. Contrary to what some people believe, this does not reduce the tendency for the nail to curve downward.
• Do not repeatedly trim nail borders. Repeated trimming does not change the way the nail grows and can make the condition worse.
• Do not place cotton under the nail. Not only does this not relieve the pain, it provides a place for harmful bacteria to grow, resulting in infection.
• Over-the-counter medications are ineffective. Topical medications may mask the pain, but they do not correct the underlying problem.

90,000 Symptoms, Causes, Traditional Therapy, Home Methods and Prevention

This article explains what to do with an ingrown toenail. This problem occurs quite often, it does not depend on the age and characteristics of the organism. When it appears, you should first of all think about what could lead to its occurrence, in order to avoid similar situations in the future. It also describes in detail what methods of prevention exist, what symptoms are, and methods of official and non-traditional treatment are also considered.

What are you talking about?

In medical terminology, this problem is called onychocryptosis. Most often, it spreads on the legs, since it is they who receive the greatest weight load during the day and throughout their life. But in some cases, ingrown nails can even appear on the hands. The danger of this problem is that it leads to suppuration. This, in turn, can lead to serious complications, when it will be impossible to do without the intervention of a surgeon. Note that the disease is not only dangerous, but also quite unpleasant in terms of sensations.It is accompanied by an inflammatory process that causes pain, especially when a person walks in closed shoes.

Reasons

So, before wondering what to do if a nail has grown into a toe, let’s figure out the possible causes of this situation:

• Congenital problem. Very often it bothers people who naturally have a round nail shape. Because of this, there are too many soft tissues under the nail, which cause ingrowth.In addition, you need to know that this disease can be inherited. It is also worth considering that flat feet can lead to onychocryptosis.
• Curvature of the fingers under the influence of the hallux valgus.
• Incorrect pedicure procedure. Very often, a similar problem arises after a person makes himself the wrong manicure or turns to a non-professional master. The fact is that you cannot cut your nails too short. It is necessary to leave the corners of the nail plate intact and trim or file the nail while keeping the tool parallel.After that, the corners of the nails can be rounded off with a file with a couple of movements. It is also best to trim your nails after steaming your feet. In this case, the skin becomes softer and more pliable, and it is much easier to make a pedicure. But do not be too zealous and cut off the excess parts of the nail plate.
• Injuries to nails or fingers. Even minor injuries can lead to an ingrown toenail.
• Incorrectly fitted shoes. Very often, the toenail grows into the skin of those people who wear shoes that are not in size or do not take into account the peculiarities of their feet and wear high heels, wear too tight shoes or thin soles.It should be remembered that shoes should be made of high-quality materials, because excessive sweating can also provoke the appearance of onychocryptosis.
• Fungus. Very often, as a result of this disease, thickening of the nail begins to occur, which leads to the fact that such an excessive layering changes the direction of growth. In this case, you should not delay the treatment and immediately fight the fungus.
• Disregard for hygiene. Sometimes a similar problem can occur due to hyperhidrosis of the feet.
• Features of the structure. It happens that the disease occurs in people who have disproportionate and too long thumbs. Still at risk are people with wide fingers and a wavy shape of the nail plate. It differs in that it resembles an eagle’s claw and has characteristic curves on the sides.
• Incorrect finger crossing. Very often, even from childhood, people get used to crossing their toes incorrectly because of tight or unsuitable shoes. In adulthood, this habit can cause illness.
• Great physical activity. Too much physical activity on the feet or being overweight can cause problems with an ingrown toenail.
• Non-compliance with seasonality. If you wear closed shoes in warm weather, you can cause excessive sweating of the feet, which will lead to softening of the nail plate. From this, the skin will swell and the direction of growth of the nail plate may change.

Children at risk

What to do with an ingrown toenail in a child? It would seem that such a problem should not concern children and adolescents, but this is not the case.She suffers as adults, such children. This is why parents should always monitor the cleanliness and frequency of cutting their nails. The negative point is that in young children, a similar problem can occur on any finger. There are also many reasons for the appearance. Starting from birth defects and ending with improper care.

Symptoms

Most often grows a toenail on the big toe, but do not forget that this can happen to any toe. To give a complete description of the symptoms, it is necessary to clarify that they can vary depending on the stage of the disease.Also note that in 95% of cases, ingrowth is always one-sided.

At the first stage, a slight inflammatory process occurs, which a person feels as a slight redness in the affected area and swelling. While walking, he may feel a slight throbbing pain. At the second stage, the situation is aggravated. The corners of the nail can penetrate the skin, which can cause injury, leading to the appearance of blood. Immediately after this, suppuration begins and the infectious process progresses actively.In the third stage, inflammation continues, which is characterized by severe bleeding. If at this final stage nothing is done about the problem, then it can become chronic and will recur regularly. In addition, it must be remembered that long-term treatment can lead to the curvature of the nail plate forever. That is why it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Note that in its chronic form, this disease causes relapses. Doctors, comparing onychocryptosis with other inflammatory ailments, place it in second place in terms of the rate of infection.Severe suppuration can cause other tissues to suffer, causing other diseases. In some cases, the problem is so triggered that it can only be solved by amputating the fingers.

Conservative treatment

So, what to do if a thumbnail grows in? First, see a doctor. Most likely, he will offer you a conservative method of treatment, which consists in removing pus, eliminating inflammation and relieving pain with various medications.After that, doctors adjust the growth of the nail plate, trying to align it. The main difference between conservative treatment is that there is no need for surgical intervention, but the effectiveness of this method is rather doubtful, since in most cases the problem is repeated. Nevertheless, the method is used, resorting to various nail baths and antiseptics.

The most commonly used ointment is “Levomekol”, which has excellent antimicrobial properties. The patient is advised to apply gauze soaked in a special agent to the affected area at night.If possible, the doctor tries to slightly raise the nail plate and put a cotton swab with ointment on it. In some cases, these manipulations are effective due to the fact that it is possible to stop the inflammatory process. It is imperative that the nails are cut in a straight line to avoid a recurrence of the problem.

Orthopedic treatment

Let’s say an ingrown toenail is inflamed. What to do? You can try the orthopedic method of treatment, which consists in the fact that the doctor gradually corrects the growth of the nail plate using special braces and springs.As a result of such actions, the nail gradually straightens out and begins to grow in the desired direction, and is gradually removed from the skin. This method is often compared to teeth straightening with braces. The course of treatment takes about 3 months, during which the patient must change the plate 3 times.

The advantage of this method is that it is quite convenient and does not require much effort on the part of the patient. In addition, it should be noted that, it does not limit human activity in any way and does not spoil the appearance of the nail at all.Women can even varnish orthopedic aids. An ingrown toenail, the photo of which we see in the article, lends itself precisely to orthopedic treatment.

Surgical intervention

This method of treatment is used only in the most advanced cases, when other methods of treatment were used and did not bring any results. In this case, it is necessary to partially or completely remove the nail from the sick person under local anesthesia. In this case, surgical intervention can have several varieties, which depend solely on the skills of the doctor and the need to apply one or another technique in a particular case.An ingrown toenail that is surgically treated undergoes a long recovery period. A person has to use a lot of anti-inflammatory drugs and take pain relievers, since pain can significantly limit everyday and professional activities.

Consider the possible methods of surgical intervention that are recognized as effective today. To begin with, consider the traditional method, which consists in removing the nail with a scalpel.This is the most difficult and traumatic surgical procedure since the recovery period can take more than 2 weeks. In addition, the patient feels great discomfort and severe pain, and also experiences problems with wearing shoes.

Doctors also practice laser removal, which is much less traumatic. With the help of the tool, the tissue is cut and the ingrown part of the nail plate is evaporated. After that, the doctor treats the damaged areas. The great advantage of this method is that it passes rather quickly, eliminates bleeding, and allows you to preserve the maximum part of the nail, due to the fact that the tissue is minimally damaged.A big bonus is that all fungal infections are completely destroyed during laser treatment. Naturally, the recovery period is much shorter, and the cases of relapse or possible complications are minimal. But it should be noted that the cost of such treatment is at a high level.

Another method that is used in modern medicine is removal using radio waves – it is a painless method that takes a few minutes. For work, a special apparatus is used, which is easy to regulate the force of intervention and the depth of the impact.The undoubted advantage of this method is that the nearest tissues are not affected at all.

However, the removal of an ingrown toenail by any of the above methods does not fully guarantee that this problem will not recur in the future.

Folk methods

Note that in this case doctors themselves advise to resort to folk methods. The main thing is to listen to their recommendations and include logical thinking. In fact, home procedures and baths can really ease the course of the disease and even solve the problem in the initial stages.So let’s say you have an ingrown toenail. Treatment in this case can be carried out without fear, if you have previously consulted with your doctor. For treatment, you can use a huge number of different products and ointments. Let’s consider the most effective ones.

The most effective remedy is aloe. It is necessary to cut off a part of the plant, and cut the leaf lengthwise. After that, you need to heat the mass over a fire or pour a small amount of boiling water. Then the plant is applied to the sore spot and fixed with a bandage for several hours or overnight.If the disease has just begun, then there is a high probability that the ingrown nail will separate from the healthy part of the plate in the morning. You can also try to lift the edge of the nail and put a piece of the plant there.

The second most effective is butter. For a compress, you need to fill a small rubber case with warm butter and put it on your finger. This should be done within two to three weeks at night. After the pain begins to subside, it is necessary to lift the edges of the plate and put a cloth soaked in butter under it.

What if you continue to be bothered by an ingrown toenail? Treatment can be continued with Vishnevsky ointment. It is quite effective for this purpose. To get the result, you should make a night compress with ointment, and in the morning remove the softened ingrown areas of the nail.

But situations are different, sometimes you face a problem when you don’t expect it at all. So, your toenail began to grow. What if you are not at home and do not have the essentials close at hand? For this, you can use the most common honey.A simple compress with honey and grated onions can relieve you of pain and dull inflammation. In addition, it helps even in such advanced cases, when problem areas are very festering. It is most effective if you make a compress at night and fix it with cling film.

It is also recommended to regularly make salt or soda baths. They will be an excellent prophylaxis, and will also help alleviate the course of the inflammatory process and stop suppuration.

For treatment, you can prepare an ointment with your own hands.To do this, you should take garlic, onions, honey, oil and aloe. All this must be chopped, mixed and cooked for 2 minutes. The mechanism of work is the same – it is necessary to do night compresses.

If a nail has grown into a toe for the first time, then herbal baths should be used. They perfectly clean and disinfect the sore spot, and also prevent the inflammatory process. Chamomile, St. John’s wort, and calendula are excellent choices. After the nail has softened, you can put a cotton swab with Vishnevsky’s ointment under it.

The home treatment method using sea buckthorn oil and plantain is very popular. Initially, the legs are steamed in a bath of soda and potassium permanganate, after which a piece of cloth soaked in sea buckthorn oil is placed under the plate. A few drops of oil are also dripped onto the finger, after which it is wrapped with plantain for the whole night. Note that sea buckthorn oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, and also perfectly relieves swelling.

In order to steam the nail, which cannot be softened with the help of trays, you should spread it with badger fat.

An ingrown nail on the big toe, the photo of which we see in the article, is very often treated with one simple manipulation, which has gained great popularity and has proven itself well. Its essence is that the nail plate is gradually cut down. Due to this, it becomes very thin and stops pressing on the ingrown areas, which allows you to gradually get rid of the pain. If you do not want to completely remove the entire plate, then you can make a vertical path along the length of the nail. The disadvantage is that this manipulation must be carried out every time after the nail has grown a little.But on the other hand, it is easier than regular baths and better than removing the nail plate with a scalpel.

Prevention

We have already figured out how to treat an ingrown toenail, but how to avoid this problem? To do this, you should remember a few important rules that many neglect:

• Immediately treat any fungal infections without delay.
• If you have diabetes, pay special attention to the condition of your nails.
• Massage your feet regularly to remove rough skin and improve blood flow.
• If possible, walk barefoot as often as possible.
• Carefully consider the choice of footwear, choosing models made from natural materials. Also pay attention that it is comfortable for you and in size.
• If you feel that inflammation will soon begin, then make all the necessary preparations in advance, namely a herbal bath and a compress with an antiseptic.Also, inspect all shoes and discard any that could be causing the illness.
• Learn to trim your nails. A correct pedicure consists in trimming the nail plate in a straight line. You cannot make any rounds or cut too short, even if you think that this will not bring any inconvenience.
• Too hard, dense nails first steam, otherwise cutting them can disrupt the direction of growth. This rule especially applies to men whose nail plate is very thick and rough.Not wanting to pay enough attention to her, you can greatly regret it in the future.

Do’s and Don’ts

As you already understood, ingrown toenails can cause a lot of problems. Home treatment is very painstaking and requires constant attention. But nevertheless it is possible, however, in order not to waste so much effort in vain, it is necessary to know what categorically cannot be done with this problem. We know how to behave when a toenail starts growing.What to do if you adhere to all the recommendations, but nevertheless the disease seems to be only getting worse? Review the list below to make sure you don’t make these kinds of mistakes.

• Never soak your feet in too hot water, the temperature of which exceeds 40 degrees. Such manipulation can only intensify the inflammatory process and increase edema.
• Photographs of an ingrown toenail very often show that it has been cut short and unevenly.That is why never cut the nail plate down to the skin itself.
• Never use nail polish if you want to get rid of the problem. It is permissible only in the case of an orthopedic treatment.
• Never use compresses that may increase the spread of infection.

We figured out what problems can be when a toenail grows in. You already know what to do in such a situation, but the main thing is to start acting, and not postponing the problem until it breaks out to a chronic scale.

Summing up, it should be noted that this problem occurs in a large number of people. The only difference is that some immediately begin to act and quickly get rid of an unpleasant ailment, while others do not pay enough attention to it, for which they pay with discomfort and pain during their usual activities. Now that you know what to do with an ingrown toenail, do not put this problem on the back burner, try to do your best to get rid of it forever.If you combine the listed methods, then your desire and perseverance will be enough to defeat onychocryptosis.

treatment and prevention – Cleo Line blog

No one is immune from problems with the nail plate: deformation and even ingrowth with the same frequency is observed in men and women, regardless of age. An ingrown toenail can cause a lot of inconvenience and become a constant source of pain. Fortunately, the problem is easy to deal with if you turn to professionals in time.

We will tell you about what an ingrown nail is, why the plate grows in, how to treat it in a clinic or at home.

What is an ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenail is the name of a medical problem in which the nail plate grows into the lateral edge of the nail fold. The disease is also called onychocryptosis. It is very common: according to various statistics, every second person over the age of 18 has experienced onychocryptosis.More often, the disease manifests itself on the big toe, and on the inside.

The first sign of the disease is pain in the ingrown nail. When walking in tight shoes, she becomes stronger. The nail roller may be red and swollen. If the problem is not resolved in a timely manner, there may even be oozing bleeding and suppuration. This is why it is important to seek help as soon as you notice the first signs.

Causes of the problem

To understand why the nail grows in, it is important to understand how it works.Human nail plates “begin” in the matrix, which is located at the base of the nail. Its visible part is a white crescent-shaped area. The nails grow as the germ cells divide and gradually the old nail plate moves forward.

Growth rate of nails – 0.1 mm in 24 hours. Accordingly, the nail completely changes in 100-105 days. The nail plate has a convex shape, due to which it partially dampens the mechanical effect on the leg, and partially transfers it to the soft tissues of the lateral roller, with which it comes into contact.

The lateral rollers “cushion” the nail. If they are damaged, the protective functions of the nail are impaired.

Why do toenails grow in

There are several reasons:

• Incorrect care of the nail plate. If the corners of the nail are cut along the oval, too deep, it grows incorrectly – it can grow into the tissue of the periungual roller.
• Wearing tight shoes with a narrow toe – constant pressure on the nail provokes ingrowth and inflammation.
• Fungal and bacterial infections.
• Congenital deformities of the feet – for example, wide 1 toe and hand syndrome (Rubinstein-Teibi) and Ostler’s syndrome.
• Prolonged compression of the foot with a fixation bandage, for example, a plaster cast.
• Foot injuries.
• Anatomical features of the structure of the fingers and foot – for example, large periungual ridges.
• Acquired bone deformities – flat feet, etc.
• Certain diseases: collagen diseases, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus.
• Pregnancy and sudden weight gain.

How to treat an ingrown toenail

There are 3 stages of development of onychocryptosis:

1. Mild: Inflammation of the periungual ridges is present after wearing uncomfortable shoes, but plate changes are still not noticeable.
2. Moderate: the nail plate is dull and brittle, the periungual ridges are swollen and severely inflamed.
3. Severe: the nail plate is deformed, the volume of the phalanx increases, the ridges are covered with hypergranulations, possibly even suppuration.

Only a mild disease can be treated at home! In all other cases, it is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Clinic

Podiatrist is able to handle even the most difficult cases. Correct the shape of the nail and relieve you of inflammation. As a result, the client forgets about problems with ingrown nails and pain.

Methods of treatment in the clinic

All methods are divided into three large groups:

1. Conservative treatment is aimed at reducing the level of pain, fighting inflammation and preventing injury to the nail plate.With the help of antibacterial therapy and treatment of the nail plate, damaged skin, the doctor creates conditions for the normal growth of the nail. As a rule, the specialist performs a medical pedicure, displaces the inflamed soft tissues and brings special thin rollers with antiseptic components under the sharp edge of the nail plate. The treatment process lasts from 4 days, the effect becomes noticeable within a week. Conservative treatment allows you to cope with an ingrown nail only in the initial stages of the disease.
2. Orthopedic is a variety of methods, the essence of which is the gradual extension of the nail plate and an increase in the radius of its curvature. The doctor uses special gold plates, staples or metal springs forcing the nail to straighten. Simultaneously with the setting of the plate, the specialist lifts and separates the ingrown edges of the plate from the nail roller, carries out a set of anti-inflammatory procedures. Treatment can be long – 3-4 months. The installed plates or springs are changed or moved once a month, after which the nail is covered with a special varnish.As it grows, the nail changes shape, the edges stop growing into the rollers. Then the orthopedic aids are removed.
3. Surgical – This includes partial or complete removal of the nail or the removal of skin at the base of the nail. Usually, surgery is resorted to if the disease is severe (suppuration has occurred, etc.) or is a relapse. Surgical methods involve the longest recovery, they are not used in Cleo Line.

The choice of the method of treatment is made by the doctor.During the initial appointment, he examines you, determines the stage of the disease, talks about possible correction methods that are most effective in your situation.

Which doctor performs the procedure

All procedures in the Cleo Line clinic are carried out by certified doctors with many years of experience, who are constantly improving their qualifications. Cleo Line podiatrists have the most up-to-date treatments for ingrown toenails.

Contraindications

There are practically no contraindications to conservative and orthopedic methods of treatment.Plates, flat spring staples and gold plates (gold plates) are hypoallergenic and can even be used on thickened and highly deformed nails. The only contraindication is suppuration of granulation tissue in the lateral ridge. If it is, you must first stop the inflammation, and then correct the deformed nail.

How is the procedure

In the case of using gold spangles, the procedure is as follows:

• the nail plate is degreased and processed with a diamond cutter;
• the side roller is plugged;
• goldspanga is put on the nail closer to the middle of the nail plate – in the place where the painful ingrowth began;
• a fixing coating is applied to the plate and nail – gel or acrylate.

While the nail is growing, the position of the plate is corrected, it is changed or moved once a month. When the goal is achieved, the nail no longer grows in, the plate is removed.

Recovery

No recovery is required after orthopedic and conservative treatment: you can return to your normal life. The main thing is to follow the doctor’s recommendations for foot care and prevent the disease from recurring.

At home

There are also home remedies, but there are not so many of them.And it is still worth using self-medication only after consulting a specialist.

When can be treated at home

An ingrown toenail can be treated at home only if the disease is at an early stage, the side bolsters turn slightly red when wearing tight shoes, but this quickly goes away.

If the discomfort becomes constant or you notice that the nail plate is deformed, the inflammation does not go away, be sure to visit a podiatrist – and do not hesitate! The sooner you go to the clinic, the faster the healing process will be.

Treatment methods

Several treatment options can be used at home:

• Limit walking and wearing tight shoes;
• carefully monitor the hygiene of the feet;
• Treat the damaged area with antiseptic compounds.

If you find that the skin near the nail turns red, there is a slight swelling, then treat the nail and the skin around it with an antiseptic – for example, Chlorhexidine is suitable.Then apply a special bandage. It must be loose to allow the skin to breathe. So you will prevent the development of infection in the affected area, the inflammation will not spread, the nail will grow back and return to its “original position”.

This method is good if the nail started to grow due to an irregular shape or because you cut it too short.

Important: you should not use Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol, in this case, these funds will not “stretch” the infection, but only contribute to the development of inflammation.

In addition, do not try to trim the affected part of the nail yourself! There is a greater risk of injury to the plate and skin more.

Prevention: How to prevent ingrown toenails

There are ways, and they are quite simple. If you are healthy, there are no pathological processes in the body that can lead to ingrowth of the nail (that is, for example, you do not have fungal diseases, etc.), it is enough to follow 2 rules:

1. Choose comfortable shoes – such that they do not put pressure on either the thumb or the little finger.
2. To trim nails correctly – without rounding the corners and leaving at least 1 mm of the nail plate, it is not necessary to cut “at the root”.

Comfortable footwear should not impede the free growth of the nail. That is, it should not be too tight, pressing on the forefoot and nails. It is better to give preference to models without a heel, with elastic and not quite flat soles. If you cannot give up fashion shoes completely, wear them only in exceptional cases.And not too long.

In case of hallux valgus (when the first toe deviates inward relative to the others), it is important to use silicone inserts. If you have flat feet, do not forget about special insoles or orthopedic shoes.

The correct nail trimming technique is very simple: it is important to trim the nail in a straight line using straight nail scissors. File the corners with a nail file so that they do not injure the skin.

Timely medical pedicure is another way to monitor the health of feet and nails.A visit to a podiatrist and a hygienic pedicure allows you to eliminate all problems at the initial stage, to enjoy an easy gait and beautiful nails without signs of pathology.

Ingrown nail – causes, diagnosis and treatment, prognosis

Ingrown toenail is a combined pathology of the nail plate and periungual fold that affects the big toe and requires surgical correction. The nail plate is gradually pressed into the soft tissues, as a result of which the nail bed is narrowed from the sides.The periungual roller becomes inflamed, ulcerated, covered with granulations. There is significant swelling and soreness of the first toe. The diagnosis is made on the basis of data from a general examination, X-ray examination. Conservative treatment is aimed at reducing the severity of inflammation, orthopedic and surgical – to create conditions for proper growth of the nail plate.

General information

In the medical literature, an ingrown toenail is synonymously called onychocryptosis.The incidence of pathology in the population is 1.8%. An ingrown nail on the big toe, according to various sources, accounts for 3 to 10% of all reasons for seeking medical help in the surgical departments of polyclinics. Onychocryptosis is diagnosed in patients of all ages, including children, but most of the cases occur in people of working age. In women, an ingrown toenail is more common than in men.

Ingrown nail

Causes

Ingrown nail on the thumb is a polyetiological disease.Its development is conditioned by a combination of internal and external factors. It is impossible to achieve recovery without their identification and elimination. The most significant factors include:

• Anatomical features. The development of pathology is facilitated by the U-shaped shape of the nail plate on the thumb, the C-shaped shape with beveled edges, deviation of the periungual ridges above the plane of the plate. In these cases, the direction of growth of the lateral edge of the nail coincides with the direction of displacement of the soft tissues of the phalanx during movement.
• Anomalies in the structure of the feet. Flat feet, uneven development of the muscles of the foot lead to a change in the configuration of the joints of the fingers of the lower extremities. The most important is the hallux valgus, the “bone on the legs.” Inadequate redistribution of the load disrupts the growth of the nail.
• Non-professional pedicure. The development and recurrence of pathology is provoked by improper processing of the free edge of the nail on the thumb, excessively low cutting, rounding of free corners.When performing a pedicure, it is advisable to leave at least 1 mm of the regrown free edge, and make the cut line rather straight than rounded.
• Damage to the nail matrix. The reason for this may be inaccurate treatment of the cuticle during pedicure, removal of the toenail with subungual felon, and other diseases. The result of damage is a change in the direction and nature of the growth of the plate, which leads to its ingrowth into the tissue.
• Increase the load on the feet. An ingrown toenail develops when wearing high-heeled shoes, a sharp increase in body weight, a change in lifestyle or profession, when a person spends a lot of time in a standing position, walks or runs a lot, receives other loads.
• Wrong choice of shoes. Tight shoes, inappropriate in size, dress shoes with pointed toes press on the nail phalanx of the big toe. In this case, the direction of growth of the plate changes as a result of damage to the matrix and physical impact on the free edge.

Significance in the development of pathology has a genetic predisposition, which is manifested by excessive development of the fat pad and periungual ridges of the distal phalanx of the 1st toe, metabolic disorders, some endocrine and somatic diseases. With onychomycosis, the plate on the leg acquires increased softness and elasticity, which contributes to its curvature. Hyperhidrosis of the feet leads to a softening of the tissues of the periungual ridge, a decrease in their natural bacterial resistance.Local hypothermia disrupts metabolic processes, slows down regeneration.

Pathogenesis

Under the influence of provoking factors, pathological changes occur in the growth zone. The plate begins to grow laterally and deforms. Damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue is accompanied by the development of an acute and then chronic inflammatory process. During the period of increasing symptoms, the formation of a felon or phlegmon is possible. The proliferation of connective tissue with the long-term existence of pathology leads to the formation of hyperplastic scars, foci of keratosis, keratomas.

Classification

The pathological process on the thumb can be unilateral and bilateral. In their work, specialists use the classification of onychocryptosis, which takes into account the peculiarities of the clinical picture of the disease. According to this classification, an ingrown toenail goes through three stages of development:

• Mild. Changes in the plate during the inspection are not detected. There is moderate swelling and inflammatory infiltration of the periungual ridges on the thumb.No suppuration.
• Moderate. The tissues of the terminal phalanx are hyperemic, edematous, infiltrated. The nail is covered with creeping granulations, its plate is compacted and dull.
• Heavy. Thinned and brittle plate. The periungual ridges are edematous, covered with hypergranulations. With the defeat of both nail ridges, the volume of the phalanx on the leg increases by 1.5 times.

Symptoms of an ingrown nail

The disease has a number of characteristic external manifestations: it is the deformation of the nail plate due to the influx of soft tissues on it from the side of the periungual roller and the manifestation of a purulent-inflammatory process of varying severity.Externally, the affected phalanx on the leg looks as if the nail is immersed in tissue. The roller on one or both sides begins to grow from the periphery to the center, becomes inflamed, injured, ulcerated and covered with granulations. The granulation tissue forms growths that further narrow the bed.

With inflammation, the roller and surrounding tissues swell, become red and hot to the touch, and pains join. It is difficult for a person to put on shoes, walk, since any pressure increases pain.Purulent fusion of tissues leads to the appearance of panaritium. Pus in most cases breaks out on its own, but surgical opening of the focus may also be required. With a severe form of an ingrown nail, suppuration may be constant or intermittent.

People who have anatomical prerequisites for ingrown nails periodically notice transient symptoms of the disease. On the thumb appear foci of hyperemia, edema, slight soreness. The onset of symptoms is often preceded by intense physical activity on the lower extremities, wearing tight shoes.

Complications

Patients with ingrown toenails have an increased risk of developing osteomyelitis of the bones on the legs. The likelihood of the spread of pyogenic microorganisms in the tissues increases the presence of diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, and severe concomitant pathology in a patient. A decrease in local defense reactions leads to a more frequent detection of mycoses and warts in persons with onychocryptosis. It is reported that a long-term ingrown toenail can cause the formation of hemangiomas with recurrent bleeding, fibroids, and malignant neoplasms.

Diagnostics

It is not difficult to identify an ingrown toenail. A complex of clinical trials is assigned to a patient in order to exclude complications of the underlying disease. If surgical treatment is planned, then the test results allow to establish possible contraindications. In order to diagnose an ingrown toenail, the surgeon must perform:

• Visual examination. The characteristic appearance of the thumb, the presence of predisposing anatomical features, signs of inflammation, bleeding or pus discharge allows one to make a diagnosis and determine the severity of the process.Complex treatment is selected taking into account the width of the bed and other external signs.
• X-ray examination. An X-ray of the thumb is performed in two projections to identify signs of the spread of purulent inflammation, the transition of the pathological process to deep-lying structures: phalange bones, joints. Radiography is indicated only in severe cases, therefore it is prescribed to a small number of patients.

Treatment of an ingrown toenail

The main reason for the recurrence of onychocryptosis is a long-term pyoinflammatory process in the surrounding tissues.If the inflammation is not stopped at the preparatory stage, no surgical technique can guarantee the patient a satisfactory result. In this regard, an ingrown toenail requires an integrated approach to treatment.

Therapeutic treatment

The goals of conservative therapy are to eliminate symptoms in case of mild severity of the disease, to prepare for orthopedic and surgical treatment in case of moderate and severe. The patient can carry out most of the manipulations and procedures independently at home, thereby controlling the course of the disease.Disease therapy includes:

• Local anti-inflammatory treatment. Foot baths with potassium permanganate, sea salt, lotions with rivanol and furacilin, compresses with ethyl alcohol give a good therapeutic effect in case of a pronounced purulent-inflammatory process. With mycoses, antifungal drugs and keratolytics are prescribed.
• Ensuring free nail growth. The overhanging roller is pushed back with gauze strips soaked in wound healing ointments.To do this, gauze or bandage is introduced under the ingrown edge of the plate, fixed on the phalanx of the finger. Instead of fabric, special plywood or plastic tires can be used.

Orthopedic treatment

Is more preferable than surgical treatment in patients with an uncomplicated course of the disease without pronounced purulent-inflammatory processes in the tissues. It is possible to achieve recovery and prevent the development of relapses without surgery, incisions and scars. Of the orthopedic structures in outpatient practice, the following are more commonly used:

• B / S-plates. Made of durable plastic, fixed with glue. They have a central part and lateral arches, which abut the lateral surfaces of the periungual ridges. The design, subject to long-term wearing and timely replacement, allows you to remove the corners of the nail from the tissues.
• Milling and ZTO staples. The first has the form of a wire structure with hooks at the ends. Hooks raise the edge and prevent ingrowth. When it is not technically possible to install the Fraser bracket, the ZTO bracket is used – a bracket made of medical steel, which brings the edges of the nail outward, helping to align the nail plate.
• Goldstadt half-brace. Manufactured individually according to the impression from the patient’s phalanx. They consist of a hook and a staple, which is fixed on the surface of the nail plate. They are used mainly for the correction of one-sided deformities, provide alignment of the free nail edge.

An additional effect can be obtained by sawing the nail plate. At the same time, the growing nail begins to unfold gradually and free itself from the soft tissues covering it.To correct the existing deformities of the feet, orthoses, which are made individually by the podiatrist, allow.

Surgical treatment

A patient is referred for an operation to remove an ingrown nail in cases where conservative treatment and orthopedic techniques do not give a result or the result achieved is unstable. Surgical treatment is indicated for patients with the transition of purulent inflammation to the phalanx bones, soft tissues of the foot. An ingrown toenail can be operated on in several ways:

• Resection of the nail plate. During the operation, a part of the nail plate is removed, which is gradually immersed under the periungual roller. If the nail is resected without a fragment of the growth zone, then a relapse will develop after a short time. Simultaneously with the marginal zone, the matrix is ​​resected.
• Removing the nail plate. Traumatic surgery with a long recovery period. The excision of the plate is carried out in such a way as not to touch the tissues along the periphery of the subungual bed, in particular, the growth zone.After surgery, the thumbnail grows back gradually, which can cause a recurrence of ingrowth.
• Plastic surgery of the subungual bed. After excision of the plate, the subungual bed is processed. The edge fragments of the growth zone are destroyed mechanically, with a laser, or with aggressive chemical solutions. In the postoperative period, the nail is significantly narrowed, which prevents it from growing into the ridges on the sides.
• Radio wave, laser removal of an ingrown nail. Methods of physical influence are actively used in modern surgery. They allow you to remove the affected tissue, relieve inflammation, and reduce the intensity of pain. Coagulation of blood in the vessels when tissues are heated by radio waves and a laser makes the operation almost bloodless.

Forecast and prevention

An ingrown nail is not a life-threatening condition, but it can significantly limit a person’s daily activity, leading to temporary disability for up to 3 weeks.Surgical and orthopedic treatment is effective in 30-80% of cases. The result of surgical intervention is often disfigurement of the area of ​​the nail bed on the thumb, which is due to the development of scars at the site of surgical incisions.

It is possible to reduce the likelihood of ingrowth even if there is an anatomical predisposition. To do this, it is necessary from childhood to monitor the correct development of the feet, select comfortable shoes that are suitable in size, season, and the nature of physical activity.It is necessary to cut off the free edge of the nail at the same level as the soft tissues of the apex of the nail phalanx. The corners are allowed to be slightly rounded.

90,000 Ingrown nail (onychocryptosis) in children. Causes, symptoms, treatment.

Sometimes a disease such as onychocryptosis occurs in children. This term refers to an ingrown nail in a child, which occurs due to the pathology of the growth of the nail plate.

Causes and symptoms

There are several reasons why a child’s nail grows in:

• Genetic factor (very rare), in which the nail grows in width, cutting into the skin of the nail fold.Other variants of congenital pathology are a thickened nail fold, curvature of the nail plate. With all these pathologies, removal is necessary;
• Improper care, when the child’s nails are cut round and the free lateral corners cut into the skin;
• Incorrectly fitted shoes – not the right size or with a pointed toe. In this case, the edges of the nails tuck, deform and grow in;
• diseases – fungal infections of nails, vitamin deficiency, rickets;

90,013 injuries

90,013 foot disorders – clubfoot or flat feet.

Most often, an ingrown toenail occurs on the big toe. he is most exposed to mechanical irritation and friction, injuries. But fingernails can also grow in.

Regardless of the location or cause, the mechanism of the ingrown toenail is the same: children’s nails gradually begin to cut into the skin. Symptoms appear: first, pain, which becomes more intense. Then there is swelling and redness. Subsequently, the inflammatory process develops: ulcers with purulent discharge are formed.In response to thumb inflammation, an overgrowth of granulation tissue called “wild meat” occurs.

Treatment

An ingrown nail in a child was previously treated only surgically: removal was performed. This method of treatment was found to be ineffective, because after it very often there can be a relapse, or re-ingrowth, when the nails on the thumb begin to grow back. Removal entails a long recovery period, which is also a disadvantage. Therefore, now it is used only for congenital pathologies or traumatic injuries.

Modern surgical treatment is carried out in a gentle way and is reduced to the careful removal of the edge of an ingrown nail. A defect in the nail fold is closed with a skin flap taken from the pad of the same finger. Complete healing occurs on the 15-20th day. The operation for children under 10 years old is performed under general anesthesia, over 10 years old – under local anesthesia.

Treatment of an ingrown toenail can also be carried out with a laser. In this case, the removal, or evaporation, of the nail plate and the roller also occurs, only with a carbon dioxide laser.In this case, the laser beam “welds” the vessels, thus avoiding blood loss. Also, if you treat an ingrown nail with a laser, the recovery period is shortened. Other advantages of this type of treatment are: low injuries, few relapses, painlessness.

Another gentle method is radio wave treatment, in which the effect is also low-traumatic and painless. The recovery period lasts 3-4 days.

For an uncomplicated ingrown toenail, the doctor may try to treat the child with correction braces or plates.They are installed on the ingrown nail for a long time. The effect is due to the fact that these devices raise the nails, thereby preventing further ingrowth. As a result, inflammation, swelling, pain is relieved, and the nails take on their original shape. The use of these structures for children is possible from the age of 5.

In the presence of inflammation and pus, it is necessary to treat the child with antibacterial agents.

90,000 Ingrown toenail. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of an ingrown toenail.!

1.What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail means the nail is starting to grow into the skin instead of growing over it. Usually this problem is associated with the big toe, but other nails can grow in too. An ingrown toenail is dangerous because it can become infected.This means that symptoms of an ingrown nail such as pain, redness, swelling and pus may appear.

Any person can have an ingrown toenail, but adults face this problem more often than children. People with naturally thick and curved nails or for some reason have a higher chance of ingrown nails. Ingrown toenails are common in older people.

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2.Causes of the disease

The causes of an ingrown toenail can be very different. For example, if you trim your nails too short or round the tip of the nail, it can grow into the skin. Inappropriate footwear is another possible cause. If the shoes are too tight, narrow or just small in size, they can put pressure on the nail and the nail will begin to grow in.

An ingrown toenail may appear after an injury to a toe. For example, if the nail was also broken.And growing back, the nail can grow into the skin. By repeating actions that injure the nail (for example, kicking a soccer ball), you can also provoke its ingrowth.

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3.Diagnosis of the disease

An ingrown toenail can be diagnosed by visual examination. The doctor will check to see if the nail has really grown into the skin. And, of course, he will see the characteristic symptoms of an ingrown nail – redness around the problem area, swelling, pus discharge.

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4.Ingrown nail treatment

To relieve pain, you can try the following steps for to treat an ingrown toenail at home:

• Soak the sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes. The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a day.
• Place a small piece of damp cotton wool under the corner of the ingrown toenail. This will help lift it off the skin.
• Repeat the baths and change the cotton wool every day until the nail grows back enough to be trimmed properly.
• Do not use sharp objects (such as nail scissors) to lift or remove the skin underneath the nail. This can provoke infection.
• Do not try to remove pus by piercing the area with a needle or other sharp object. This can only make the infection worse.
• Even when the ingrown toenail and toe have healed, wear comfortable shoes that do not put pressure on your toes.

Such measures for the treatment of an ingrown toenail can be tried for three days .If they do not help, you may need to see a doctor. And be sure to see your doctor if you notice signs of infection. This may be evidenced by pain that has become even worse than before you started taking measures to treat an ingrown toenail at home. The toe may become red, warm to the touch, and swollen. Pus may ooze from it.

For the treatment of an ingrown toenail with an associated infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics .If the problem is already serious enough, surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the ingrown toenail. Sometimes, a portion of the root of the nail may be removed to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. This procedure is called ablation , but it is rarely required. If the doctor removed a nail or part of it, but did not touch the root, the nail will grow back within a few months.

After ingrown toenail surgery , it is important to properly care for the problem area. The doctor may prescribe warm baths, antibiotic ointments.As a rule, during healing, you need to wear a bandage on your toe, walk in comfortable and loose shoes. If your finger hurts, you can take pain relievers.

To prevent ingrown toenails, wear loose shoes and avoid injuries to fingers and nails. And trim your toenails correctly – they shouldn’t be too short and the edge of the nail shouldn’t be rounded. It is best to trim your nail in a straight line.

90,000 Why does a toenail grow in?

Ingrown toenail is a very common pathology in which the nail plate grows into the lateral part of the nail fold.Most of all, the big toes are susceptible to this.

The first signs are redness, pain when pressing on the toe or when putting on tight shoes. If you do not catch yourself in time and do not take action, then there will be a noticeable swelling of the skin at the site of ingrowth, a purulent swelling will form. As a result, the patient complains of a bluish-red toe and the inability to wear the usual shoes. Treating an ingrown toenail and preventing re-ingrowths in this case will require significant effort and may not be complete without consulting a surgeon.

Why does the nail grow in?

There may be several possible reasons:

• Orthopedic pathology;
• flat feet;
• fungal infection of the nail;
• congenital predisposition;
• trauma;
• improper nail care.

As practice shows, the most common causes of an ingrown toenail are improper pedicure and wearing tight, low-quality shoes.What if the problem has become urgent? What is the most effective treatment for an ingrown toenail?

How to treat an ingrown toenail?

In many ways, the existing methods depend on the degree of the disease. At an early stage, when there is no pus and inflammation, conservative treatment usually helps. First of all, it provides for a decrease in pressure on the finger – the selection of the most free and comfortable shoes. To relieve pain, daily warm soda baths are recommended, followed by pushing the nail roll away from the nail with a spatula.The sharp edges of the plate should be filed to reduce their impact on the skin. Pressing corners of the nail can be lifted with a small cotton swab. Over time, the direction of growth of the nail will change, and the finger will no longer cause discomfort. However, such treatment requires a certain perseverance and desire to correct the situation on your own.

In advanced cases, when it comes to suppuration and a serious inflammatory process, the only correct decision would be to consult a specialist.Depending on the degree of damage to the nail plate and roller, the surgeon performs an operation to remove either part of the ingrown nail and excess skin, or the entire nail. However, there is no guarantee that the new growing plate will not be prone to deformation. Several months after the operation will have to be spent on the formation of the correct shape of the nail.

Another modern and recently popular method for curing an ingrown toenail is laser correction. Many clinics practice the removal of atheroma with a laser, as well as other neoplasms on the skin.Of all the possible ways, this is the least painful and traumatic. The laser acts only on the ingrown edge, simultaneously neutralizing the foci of inflammation. Thus, not only the correction of the shape of the nail plate is carried out, but also suppuration and fungal lesions are promptly eliminated. The use of laser correction reduces the likelihood of re-ingrowth of the nail to a minimum.

However, achieving a successful result is not a lifetime guarantee. To prevent ingrown nails in the future, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene, wear high-quality shoes and perform a pedicure correctly.

Surgical treatment of an ingrown nail in Kazan

Problems with toenails have become quite common in our time. One of these is the ingrown part of the edge of the nail into the nail bed. The occurrence of this pathology does not depend at all on how carefully you perform hygienic procedures for your legs.

A nail can grow on any toe, both feet and hands, but according to statistics, the big toe is most often affected by this problem.And almost every 10th person faces this. It is this finger that takes on the main load and constant pressure during movement, which provokes such unpleasant consequences, leading even to surgical removal of the nail.

How to treat an ingrown toenail?

The main thing in this matter is not to delay. The worst thing is to hope for self-healing, while withstanding the aching, throbbing pain, inflammation and redness of some areas at the junction of the nail with the skin.In this case, only nail surgery awaits you.

Ingrown toenail treatment involves several methods, depending on the severity.

Ingrown nail removal

An effective method of getting rid of this problem is surgical removal of an ingrown nail, using a laser. The correction of the nail is completed with the plastic of the nail roller. It is thanks to the correctly performed plastic of the nail roller that we prevent further ingrowth of the nail into the finger.But in any case, this option should be considered only if the alternative treatment did not cope with the task, and there is no other way out.

The nail is surgically removed under local anesthesia. Accordingly, the aesthetic appearance of the finger is disturbed and this often leads to psychological changes, since a person still feels a lack of it.

The operation itself will take no more than half an hour. After it, the affected area is subjected to antiseptic treatment.

To maintain the correct formation of the nail plate, it is recommended to systematically perform hardware manicure.