How do ingrown toenails develop. What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Which home remedies can alleviate ingrown toenail discomfort. When should you seek professional medical treatment for an ingrown toenail. How can proper foot care prevent future ingrown toenails.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes and Symptoms

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and potential complications. While this condition can affect any toe, it most commonly impacts the big toe. Understanding the underlying causes and recognizing the symptoms are crucial steps in addressing this common foot ailment effectively.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes that are too tight or narrow
• Improper nail trimming techniques
• Trauma or injury to the toe
• Genetic predisposition to curved or unusually shaped nails
• Repetitive pressure from activities like running or dancing

Are certain individuals more prone to developing ingrown toenails? Yes, people with naturally curved nails, those who frequently wear tight shoes, and individuals with poor foot hygiene practices are at a higher risk. Additionally, diabetics and those with circulation problems should be particularly vigilant about their foot health, as complications from ingrown toenails can be more severe for them.

Identifying Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of an ingrown toenail early can help prevent the condition from worsening. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness along the edge of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Warmth in the toe
• Possible pus or fluid discharge if infected

How quickly do ingrown toenail symptoms develop? Symptoms can appear gradually over days or weeks, often starting with mild discomfort and potentially progressing to more severe pain and inflammation if left untreated.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenail Relief

For mild cases of ingrown toenails, several home remedies can provide relief and promote healing. These methods are often effective in the early stages of an ingrown toenail and can help avoid the need for medical intervention.

Warm Water Soaks

Soaking the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day, can help reduce pain and swelling. This method softens the skin and nail, making it easier to manage the ingrown portion.

Epsom Salt Baths

Adding Epsom salt to warm water soaks can enhance the healing process. Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help draw out infection and reduce swelling.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties may help prevent infection. Mix equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar for a foot soak.

Tea Tree Oil Application

Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can be applied topically to the affected area after diluting with a carrier oil.

Cotton Wedge Technique

Gently placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the ingrown edge of the nail can help guide it to grow above the skin line.

How long should home remedies be tried before seeking professional help? If symptoms don’t improve after a week of consistent home treatment, or if signs of infection appear, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Professional Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

When home remedies prove ineffective or the condition worsens, professional medical treatment may be necessary. Healthcare providers can offer various interventions to address ingrown toenails and prevent recurrence.

Partial Nail Avulsion

This procedure involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail under local anesthesia. It provides immediate relief and allows the nail to regrow properly.

Nail Matrix Ablation

For recurrent ingrown toenails, a doctor may recommend destroying part of the nail matrix to prevent regrowth of the problematic nail edge.

Antibiotics

In cases of infection, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Is surgery always necessary for ingrown toenails? No, surgery is typically reserved for severe or recurring cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments. Many ingrown toenails can be resolved with less invasive methods.

Preventive Measures and Proper Foot Care

Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. Adopting good foot care habits and making smart footwear choices can significantly reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.

Proper Nail Trimming Techniques

Cut toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges. Use clean, sharp nail clippers and avoid cutting nails too short.

Choosing Appropriate Footwear

Wear shoes that provide ample room for toes and avoid high heels or tight-fitting shoes that compress the toes.

Maintaining Good Foot Hygiene

Keep feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat excessively.

Protective Measures for At-Risk Individuals

Those with diabetes or circulatory issues should inspect their feet daily and seek professional care for any foot-related concerns promptly.

How often should toenails be trimmed to prevent ingrown nails? Generally, trimming toenails every 6-8 weeks is sufficient, but this can vary based on individual nail growth rates.

Complications and When to Seek Medical Attention

While many ingrown toenails can be managed at home, certain situations require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.

Signs of Infection

• Increased pain, redness, and swelling
• Pus or fluid discharge
• Fever or chills

Risks for Diabetic Patients

Diabetics are at higher risk for foot-related complications and should seek professional care for any foot issues, including ingrown toenails.

Chronic or Recurrent Ingrown Toenails

If ingrown toenails are a persistent problem, a podiatrist can provide long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.

Can an untreated ingrown toenail lead to serious health issues? Yes, if left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to a severe infection that may spread to the bone, potentially requiring extensive treatment or even amputation in extreme cases.

Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes and those who engage in regular physical activity may be more susceptible to ingrown toenails due to repetitive pressure on their feet. Special care and preventive measures are crucial for this group.

Choosing Athletic Footwear

Select shoes that provide adequate support and room in the toe box. Consider getting professionally fitted for athletic shoes.

Protective Taping Techniques

Learn proper taping methods to protect toes during high-impact activities or sports.

Post-Activity Foot Care

Practice good hygiene after workouts, including thoroughly drying feet and changing into clean, dry socks.

How can athletes continue training while managing an ingrown toenail? With proper care and protective measures, many athletes can continue training. However, it’s essential to monitor the condition closely and modify activities if pain or inflammation increases.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Nail Health

While often overlooked, diet and lifestyle choices can play a significant role in overall nail health, potentially influencing the development and healing of ingrown toenails.

Essential Nutrients for Nail Health

• Biotin (Vitamin B7)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Zinc
• Protein

Hydration and Nail Strength

Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining nail flexibility and preventing brittleness, which can contribute to ingrown toenails.

Impact of Smoking on Nail Health

Smoking can impair circulation, potentially affecting nail growth and the body’s ability to heal from ingrown toenails.

Can dietary changes improve nail strength and reduce the risk of ingrown toenails? While not a cure-all, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can contribute to overall nail health, potentially making them less prone to becoming ingrown.

Ingrown toenails, while common, can significantly impact daily life if left untreated. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and implementing proper foot care practices, most cases can be effectively managed or prevented. For persistent or severe cases, professional medical advice should be sought to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. Remember, your feet carry you through life – giving them the care and attention they deserve can go a long way in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Ingrown Toenails | AAFP

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).

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?

10 Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling. Home remedies and medical treatments can help relieve symptoms and prevent future infections.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, especially for people who wear shoes that are too tight or don’t allow their feet to breathe.

Around 20 percent of people experience an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail can include pain and swelling of the toe. Sometimes, the nail may become infected.

There are many treatments for ingrown toenails, ranging from home remedies to surgery. In most cases, you can treat an ingrown toenail at home with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. However, if the nail is infected or causing severe pain, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of your toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This may cause pain, redness, and swelling. The condition is very common in both men and women. Your big toe is most likely to be affected.

Common causes of ingrown toenails are:

• toenail trauma, such as stubbing your toe
• wearing shoes that are too tight
• cutting toenails too short
• cutting toenails at an angle
• poor foot hygiene
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• certain medications, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

To prevent infection, it’s important to treat ingrown toenails as soon as they occur. Mild cases may require minor treatment with home remedies. Serious cases may need surgical intervention.

The following treatments can help relieve pain and promote the healing of an ingrown toenail.

Soaking the affected foot may help reduce swelling and ease the pain. You can soak your foot in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time. Castile soap is a good option. Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.

Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for almost everything these days, including ingrown toenails. It’s believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving abilities, although scientific evidence is limited.

To try this remedy, prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily. Dry your foot thoroughly after soaking.

Some experts recommend tucking small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of an ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing cotton under your nail may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application may help reduce this risk.

Using over-the-counter antiseptic ointment or cream can promote healing and help reduce the risk of infection. Apply the ointment to the affected toenail following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually up to three times daily.

These ointments can include:

• neomycin (Neosporin)
• bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)
• mupirocin (Bactroban)

Be sure to bandage the toenail after application.

Shoes and socks that are too tight can crowd your toes. Improper footwear is a leading cause of ingrown toenails. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from developing or worsening, wear shoes and socks or hosiery that fit but still leave ample space in the toe bed. During the healing process, avoid shoes or wear sandals as much as possible to limit pressure on your toenails.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve ingrown toenail pain. Side effects are unusual unless you take more than the daily recommended amount of 2 325 milligram (mg) tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 10 tablets in 24 hours and don’t take it with alcohol.

If swelling is present, ibuprofen (Advil) may be a better option because it relieves both pain and swelling. Some common side effects of ibuprofen include abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Take all over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by the manufacturer or a doctor.

A toe protector provides a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are available as rings that fit around the affected area or as a covering for the entire toe. Some brands of toe protectors, such as Dr. Scholl’s, come with a medicated gel to help soften toenails for easy trimming. Use the treatment as directed until the ingrown toenail is gone.

Toe braces are thin composite devices that hold the toe in place and shield the skin from as a new nail grows back. They help treat and prevent ingrown toenails. You can find toe braces online and in some pharmacies.

Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for a severe ingrown toenail infection that doesn’t respond to other remedies and treatments. Oral antibiotics help reduce pain and swelling while also fighting infection.

Some signs of infection may include:

• increased redness
• throbbing pain
• increased swelling
• pus
• warmth in the affected toe and its surrounding area
• foul odor

Some antibiotics used to treat infected ingrown toenails are ampicillin (Omnipen), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag), and vancomycin (Vancocin).

If an ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home remedies, partial or full removal of the nail may be necessary. Using a local anesthetic, a doctor may remove part of the nail’s border, the underlying nail bed, or part of the middle growth plate.

In severe, recurring cases, the doctor may recommend removing the entire ingrown nail. This is the last resort and a potentially painful solution that may increase your risk of infection. It also increases the risk of a misshapen toenail as it grows back.

Minor foot problems like ingrown toenails may cause serious complications in some people. See the doctor if you have an ingrown toenail and you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, or you have a compromised immune system.

You should also see a doctor if:

• pain and swelling are severe
• home remedies don’t improve the condition
• you have an allergic skin reaction to a home remedy
• you have questions about how to care for an ingrown toenail

Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious. They should improve within a week or so without causing permanent damage with the proper home care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause severe pain and infection that could spread to deeper layers of skin.

It’s common for ingrown toenails to recur, especially if you don’t take steps to prevent them.

Prevention tips

• Move around carefully to avoid toenail trauma.
• Trim your toenails straight across, no shorter than the tip of your toe.
• If your job increases your risk of toenail injury, wear protective footgear.

Was this helpful?

Ingrown toenails can be painful, but they’re usually easy to treat at home. Wearing proper-fitting shoes, trimming your nails straight across, and soaking your feet can help prevent ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails usually heal without causing permanent damage. But, sometimes, they can lead to serious complications. See your doctor if you have an underlying condition that puts you at risk for complications, such as diabetes.

What to do with an ingrown toenail?

What a trifle – an ingrown nail! Only someone who has never encountered this problem says so. And the people who live with her know how difficult it is to find beautiful and comfortable shoes, and with what hellish pain, at times, each step is given.

If you look, then the cases when the nail plate grows into the soft tissues of the toes are not so rare. According to statistics, every tenth person comes to specialists all over the world with this pathology! Most of them are teenagers and children.

– It should be clear to every parent that if a child complains of pain when walking, if there are redness and other signs of inflammation on his toes, then he should consult a doctor, – says the traumatologist-orthopedist of the medical clinic “Children’s Doctor” Melnik Ilya Leonidovich. – The fact is that an ingrown nail not only causes discomfort, but also threatens to attach an infection. A purulent process can develop, which can penetrate not only into soft tissues, but also into the bone. And the child’s body is not always able to cope with this situation, and the infection spreads throughout the body in a short time. It is very important to conduct competent therapy in time to avoid such serious consequences.

Why me?

What is the reason that an ingrown nail worries some and never occurs in others? An important role in this matter is played by hereditary predisposition, which is determined by the size and shape of the fingers, the width of the nail plate, and so on. At birth, we do not choose these parameters, and then how “lucky” anyone is. But even if nature has endowed you with excellent data, this does not mean that an ingrown nail does not threaten you. Alas, we ourselves make ridiculous mistakes, because of which we suffer later.

– Unfortunately, many parents do not even perceive an ingrown nail as a threat, – continues Ilya Leonidovich. – Therefore, they are rather careless about the care of the nail plate, the selection of comfortable children’s shoes and the prevention of flat feet. But all these factors can provoke a problem that can actually happen to anyone! Therefore, it is better to make it a habit to follow simple rules than to suffer later with an ingrown toenail.

It is impossible to treat with surgery…

Aloe leaves, potassium permanganate solution, onion peel, black bread crumb …. What our people do not apply to a sore spot in the hope of getting at least the slightest relief! But all these “grandmother’s” means only contribute to the reproduction of the infection, and instead of treatment, parents get the opposite effect.

– It is possible and even necessary to provide first aid to a child on your own, only this should be done correctly, – explains the orthopedic surgeon Melnik Ilya Leonidovich. – Thermal baths with 10% saline solution relieve inflammation very well. But this does not cancel a visit to a pediatric surgeon! However, before turning to the doctor, many still try to “treat” in beauty salons, where special brackets like braces are placed on the nail plates. But this method is not suitable for children! Until the age of 14, they are actively growing, and metal brackets can only aggravate the situation, as they deform the nail. So it turns out: when a patient “reaches” us, we can only help him surgically. And in the early stages, it would be possible to do without surgery.

Ingrown toenail prevention:

• Maintain good hygiene. Wash your feet regularly and wear clean socks.
• Cut your nails neatly and correctly! You need to cut the plate in a straight line, while not rounding the edges, but not leaving sharp corners on it. It is desirable that the free edge of the nail be approximately at the level of the end of the phalanx of the finger.
• Prevent and treat flat feet. With flat feet, the load is distributed incorrectly, and the nail plates begin to grow in.
• Choose the size of your child’s shoes! Too tight or, conversely, too loose shoes injure the fingers and provoke an inflammatory process.

Treatment of ingrown toenail without surgery

solve problems of ingrown toenail

without surgery

Ingrown toenail on the big toe is a fairly common problem. To date, experts offer several solutions. In order to get rid of such a pathology once and for all, it is necessary to determine the causes of onychocryptosis (ingrown nails).

In most cases, patients complain of an ingrown toenail on the big toe. The reason for this pathology can be:

• incorrectly performed pedicure. Today, many people (both women and men) perform incorrect movements when processing nails. Even with small nail scissors, you can damage the skin by cutting off the withered corner, which can eventually lead to nail ingrowth into the skin.

• Increased stress on the nails. Modern shoe manufacturers do not always offer consumers the highest quality products. We buy sneakers, shoes, sandals of a certain size, as a result, after a certain time, we notice that the thumb rests on the very edge of the shoe, while the skin and nail are injured, and subsequently we are faced with serious diseases.
• Fungal diseases.

Patients often do not attach much importance to their symptoms and do not seek medical attention. As a result, even after surgical treatment, the disease becomes chronic and is accompanied by relapses.

Nail treatment methods

Today, there are several ways to solve the problem of an ingrown toenail. One of the ways is resection of the ingrown nail plate. This method is represented by marginal excision of the plate and treatment of the damaged area with a laser for speedy recovery.

It should be noted that this procedure is not always the most efficient. The main focus of action is to reduce inflammation and prevent further consequences.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and today is not so popular.

New Technique

non-surgical treatment for ingrown toenail

Heartman Clinic offers state-of-the-art non-surgical treatment for ingrown toenail. We offer treatment methods without removing the nail. We use the latest equipment, high-quality medical products and use only proven methods of work.

Do you want to forget about the problem of ingrown nails forever? We use a variety of treatments for ingrown toenails. We practice the installation of staples, the use of all kinds of effective means that restore the epidermis and prevent inflammation of the skin around the nails. By contacting us, you can solve the problem of an ingrown toenail without surgery.

Procedures are carried out by highly qualified specialists with many years of experience. We use only proven and effective medicines.

If you want to get rid of such a problem as ingrown toenails, we recommend that you contact our company. For the treatment of pathology, surgical intervention is not required, while you will receive high-quality and effective treatment of the disease on the most favorable terms.

PLATE CORRECTION

The patient is seated in a comfortable chair. A specialist podologist performs a pedicure, after which he fixes the plate. It is attached closer to the base, clinging to the edges of the nail. This creates a tension effect, due to which the nail seems to rise up and can no longer be wrapped inward. The plates are hardly noticeable, as they are translucent or white.

If necessary, the plate can be masked with varnish.

For successful treatment, the position of the plate must be adjusted as the nail grows (after 1-1.5 months).

CORRECTION WITH STAPLES

To correct an ingrown toenail, a staple is made individually for each patient. This allows you to take into account the anatomical features of the nail bed. At the first visit to the doctor, the podiatrist makes a cast of the nail. During the second visit, the completed brace is installed. For this, the patient is positioned in a chair. The master performs the pedicure procedure, and then fixes the bracket, catching it on the edges of the nail. This allows you to create a tension effect and lift the nail, preventing it from bending inwards and putting excessive pressure on the tissues. For successful treatment, the position of the staple must be adjusted as the nail grows (after 1-1.5 months).

• Hallux valgus
• Onyclip plates
• Foot fungus treatment
• Ingrown toenail correction with plates
• Ingrown toenail correction with staples

Valgus deformity

So, what is HALLUS VALGUS? is an orthopedic disease. The foot deviates OUT, the first toe deviates OUT. This is due to the fact that with transverse or combined flat feet, the heads of mold bones begin to diverge in different directions. There is no shock-absorbing function of the foot and the entire body weight is transferred to the area of ​​these heads.

Most often, the support occurs on the heads of the 2nd and 3rd mold bones, resulting in a hammer-like deformity, 2nd and 3rd toes. At the same time, the 1st finger practically does not participate in the support function, so it begins to deviate outward. OSTEOPOROSIS develops in the area of ​​the head of the metatarsal bone (this is a disease of the musculoskeletal system that develops as a result of metabolic failures in the bone tissue and is manifested by a decrease in bone density). As a result, there is an excessive growth of bone-fibrous tissue, which deforms the joint.

The finger cannot return to its position due to this bone growth, as a result, the finger begins to deviate outward even more, the muscle that is responsible for extension atrophies, also not performing its functions, and as a result, the finger deviates even more. And a vicious circle is formed. The foot is designed and functions as an elastic movable arch. The arched structure of the foot is a characteristic feature for a person, due to upright posture!

ONYCLIP PLATES

These are metal plates made of metal steel and coated with a layer of epoxy (hypoallergenic)

There are also metal plates coated with a layer of 24 Carathéodory gold – they are thinner than standard ones and are usually used for installation on children’s nails.

The plate is glued with special glue. These plates can be reused, provided that the epoxy layer is not damaged. The tension can be adjusted by the podiatrist based on the initial data of the nail. The tension in the reset is usually adjusted each time.

ONIKLIP HALF CLAMP PLATES

Metallic steel plates with a special coating on the sides for fastening. Glued with special glue. According to the mechanism and method of action, they are similar to the B / S plate, but the corrective action “ONIKLIP” is stronger and is regulated by the tension of the bracket. Disposable. The only plate is a semi-bracket that works on small fingers. Works very softly. Reinstallation after 1 to 3 months.

FOOT FUNGUS TREATMENT

Foot fungus or mycosis is one of the most common infectious diseases of the skin. Its causative agents are pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. A fungus can most often be infected on a city beach, swimming pool, bathhouse, sports gym. Mycosis can enter the human body through breathing, micro wounds on the skin or mucous membranes.

Causes of fungus on the feet

Once on the epidermis, fungi begin to multiply rapidly. The skin of the feet begins to peel off, wounds appear between the fingers, irritation. If you do not immediately start treatment, then the disease is transferred to the nails. They become dull, the edges crumble, yellow stripes appear. The disease passes to the hands and affects large folds of the skin.

Causes of mycosis:

• weak immune system contributes to the engraftment of the fungus and its development;
• antibiotic treatment lowers immunity;
• varicose veins;
• diabetes mellitus;
• in contact with diseased fungus;
• someone else’s shoes, toiletries;
• in beauty salons through a manicure tool.

For timely detection of the disease, it is necessary to make an appointment with a dermatologist-mycologist. Only a specialist should do an examination and prescribe treatment.

Methods for the treatment of mycosis

Incorrect and neglected treatment will lead to the fact that the fungus will be in advanced form. This means that the treatment will take from 6 months or more. That is why it is worth seeking the help of a specialist when detecting the first manifestations of the disease.

To determine the pathogen, the dermatologist will take a scraping from the affected skin. According to the analyzes made, the most suitable course of treatment will be selected. Among the effective drugs against foot fungus are cream, gel, ointment, spray. They have a wide range of action. It is necessary to apply the preparations several times in 24 hours. Their advantages are that they do not stain the skin and clothes and do not have a characteristic pungent odor.

In severe forms of the disease, external treatment may not be sufficient. In such advanced cases, they resort to systemic treatment, but only your doctor can determine the scheme and duration.

The result of the treatment of mycosis

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, lack of self-medication, passing the full course of therapy, will give a positive trend in treatment. Properly selected treatment in 95% of cases completely cures mycosis. Only a dermatologist has the right to treat the fungus, and then the patient will receive clean, even skin on the legs. Only with the complex treatment of the whole organism, you can forever forget about the fungus on the legs.

Correction of an ingrown nail with plates

The nail can grow into soft tissues due to narrow shoes, improper cutting of the corners, anatomical predisposition. In this case, the person feels pain, there is swelling and redness in this area.

Correction of an ingrown nail with a plate is carried out in simple cases, which, however, are no longer amenable to conservative treatment. In this case, the nail usually has a low c-bend and significantly cuts into the skin. Treatment of ingrown nails with plates allows you to immediately feel the reduction in pain. We use different materials in our work.

Installing the Onyclip plate will allow you to re-glue it in the future as the ingrown nail grows, the B/S plates are disposable.

How is the procedure? The patient is seated in a comfortable chair. A specialist podologist performs a pedicure, after which he fixes the plate. It is attached closer to the base, clinging to the edges of the nail. This creates a tension effect, due to which the nail seems to rise up and can no longer be wrapped inward. Correction of the position of the plates is required every 1-1.5 months. They are hardly noticeable, as they are translucent or white. If necessary, the plate can be masked with varnish.

Result. To achieve a positive effect, treatment can last from 1 month or more – the period depends on the complexity of the case and the individual characteristics of the person. During this period, you should not wear narrow shoes, shoes with heels, as this may cause deformation of the plate.

Ingrown toenail correction with staples

Ingrown toenails are treated with staples for serious deformities. At Heartman Clinic, Fraser staples are used for this. They are a metal wire with hooks, curved in the middle.

How is the procedure? For the correction of an ingrown nail, a staple is made individually for each patient. This allows you to take into account the anatomical features of the nail bed. At the first visit to the doctor, the podiatrist makes a cast of the nail. During the second visit, the completed brace is installed. For this, the patient is positioned in a chair. The master performs the pedicure procedure, and then fixes the bracket, catching it on the edges of the nail. This allows you to create a tension effect and lift the nail, preventing it from bending inwards and putting excessive pressure on the tissues.