Ingrown toenail
February 4, 2009
Although common, there is no denying the fact that ingrown nails are painful and definitely not wanted. This article discusses some basics of ingrown toenails and precautions you can take to get some relief.
How does it grow?
There are mainly three growth stages of an ingrown nail. The first stage includes the skin on either side of the nail becoming red and painful to touch. The second stage sees the skin getting infected and bulging over the side of the nail. The third stage is when the skin after being infected for a long time, starts to heal itself. This is done by forming a granulation tissue. This tissue heaps up and bleeds easily.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Several factors are responsible for this.
An abnormality of the soft tissue on the side of the nail can be a reason. If you wear shoes that have a very narrow toe box then it can cause the nail to be pushed out of its groove. This can happen even by trauma or if you cut the nail back in a curvilinear fashion.
If you cut your nails incorrectly consistently, then it can cause this to happen.
If it runs in the family, you might end with it. Also, bone pathology can be a reason of an ingrown toenail.
Obesity and antiviral therapy for HIV also result in an ingrown toenail.
How can I know if my toenail is ingrown?
For an ingrown toenail, the sharp end of the nail will press into the flesh on one or both sides of the nail bed. This will cause the skin to become tender and look red and even swollen.
As the nail progresses into the skin, it will feel more and more tender and look redder. If not treated, the skin will grow over the nail. If you get infected, you will also have yellow drainage from the nail.
How can I treat it?
As soon as you notice that your toenail is ingrown, you should treat it. You can get relief by following a simple routine, if your toenail is not yet infected.
Start by soaking your feet in warm salt water. Then dry them and apply a mild antiseptic to the area. Complete by bandaging the toe.
However, it is important to know that you should not try to treat it if you have any long-term health problems like diabetes.
Surgery becomes inevitable in cases where the toenail keeps coming back. A podiatrist may perform matricectomy, which involves cutting off part of the nail matrix so that the ingrown nail does not come back.
If, however, the problem persists, your entire toenail might be removed to keep it from coming back.
What can I do to prevent it?
You should cut your toenails properly, using a safety nail clipper. Cut the nails so that the nail corner is visible. Do not cut it too short because that may cause the nail to grow into the skin. If the nail edge has started to grow in, do not cut it at an angle, doing this will only aggravate the situation.
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