An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail penetrates the skin, which can result in an infection. Usually the side of the nail penetrates deep and it is difficult to see the edge of the nail. The severity of appearance of the nail will vary. Some will just have a nail that appears deeply embedded down the side of the nail. In some the corner or a small spike of nail may penetrate the skin just like a knife. This can result in an infection and the toe will then be red inflamed and painful.
Pain is the main symptom of an ingrown toe nail usually just starting as some minor discomfort. This may be just the pressure from the side of the nail or it may be because the nail has actually penetrated the skin down the side of the nail. The toe is not necessarily infected but this can develop after the nail penetrates the skin to become ingrown. The infection can spread making the toe red and inflamed a collection of pus may also develop.
The causes of an ingrown nail
Poor cutting of the nail is most commonly blamed as being the cause of an ingrown toe nail but this is not necessarily the case.
The primary risk factor is the shape of the nail that is more curved from side to side rather than being flat is more likely to become an ingrown nail. The shape of the nail is usually inherited but it can be influenced by trauma or shoe pressure.
Poor cutting of these types of nails can leave a sharp corner that will initially cause symptoms by putting pressure on the skin and then later penetrate the skin.
Trimming too far down the sides is a common cause of an ingrown toe nail.
Footwear that is tighter is more likely to increase pressure between the skin in the nail fold and nail increasing the risk on an ingrown nail.
Previous trauma to the nail may alter the shape of the nail making it more prone to becoming an ingrown nail.
Pressure from the toe next to the nail that has ingrown can sometime be a factor.
A fleshy toe is more likely to have a nail grow into it. Those whose feet swell are a lot are more prone to having this happen.
Treatment of the ingrown nail
Prevention of ingrown toe nails involves cutting the nail straight across to allow the corners to protrude so that they do not penetrate the skin.
Cut the toe nails straight across without tapering the corners.
Avoid wearing shoes and socks that are too tight.
Keep feet clean to prevent the ingrown nail from becoming infected.
Those with poor circulation or diabetes should consult a podiatrist for care and treatment.
Antibiotics are often used to treat the infected ingrown toenail.
A skilled Podiatrist can easily remove the corner or spike that has penetrated the skin often with relatively little discomfort. After this some antiseptic dressing for a few days is all that is needed to clear up the infection.
If the ingrown nail is severe then minor surgical intervention is a good option. Minor surgery is a relatively simple procedure and is very successful for long term relief that is permanent.
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