Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown, toenail generally occurs when part of the nail penetrates the skin and it. Often results in an infection. The ingrown nail can also apply pressure in the nail fold.

It is very painful. Ingrown toenail is also known as Onychocryptosis. Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection. Irritation, redness, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth as well as swelling can result from an ingrown toenail.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails develop due to several reasons. In some cases the condition of ingrown toenail is present congenital that is present since birth. People whose toes curl, either congenitally or from diseases like arthritis, are prone to ingrown toenails.

Often it has been seen that trauma, like stubbing a toe or having a toe stepped can cause a piece of the nail to be jammed into the skin. Repeated trauma such as the pounding to which runners typically subject their feet, also can cause ingrown nails.

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting then incorrectly therefore causing then to regrow into the skin. Tight hosiery or shoes with narrow toe boxes just worsens the condition. If the skin is red, painful or swollen on the sides of the nail, on infection may be present.

This occurs because the ingrown nail is often in a warm, moist and bacteria rich environment. When the nail penetrates the skin is provides a convenient entry for germs that can cause infection. Untreated, the nail can go under the skin, causing a more severe infection. In either case, the infection needs to be cured with sterile instruments and antibiotics.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Pain is the main symptom of an ingrown toenail. It usually starts as minor pain. This may be just the pressure from the side of the nail penetrated the skin. The toe is generally not found to be always infected.

But the infection may occur and spread, finally leading to inflammation. A collection of pus may also be noted. Usually, the side of nail penetrates deep and it is difficult to see the edge of the nail.

The appearance of nail may appearance of nail may vary. Some persons will just have a nail that appears deeply embedded on the sides of the nail. In some the corner or a small spike of nail may penetrate the skin like a knife. This can result in an infection and the development of proud flesh that is granulomatous. The toe will then be red, inflamed and painful.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails should be treated as soon as they are recognized. Person should soak the feet in warm salt water. They should dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Person should also apply a milk antiseptic solution to the area. They should bandage the toe.

Cutting toenails properly goes a long way towards the prevention of ingrown toenails. If excessive inflammation, swelling, pain or discharge is present, the toenail probably is infected and its requires proper treatment.

Doctor generally trim or remove the infected nail with a minor surgical procedure. He/she removes the offending portion of the nail or overgrown skin with a scalpel and treat the infection.

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