Onychocryptosis is responsible for 20% of foot problems, according to medical professionals. People aged between 10 and 20, as well as people in their 50s or 60s, are often affected.
If you have experienced swelling or discomfort in your toes, it’s likely that you have an ingrown nail. It can also be uncomfortable.
This article will teach you everything that you need to learn. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the disease, from its causes to prevention and how to treat it at home.
What causes ingrown toenails?
1. Fungal contamination
The nail will become thicker and more likely to penetrate the skin if infected with athletes’ foot or other nail fungus.
2. The wrong way to cut nails
If your nails are not properly trimmed or clipped, this growth may occur. If you trim them too short, or make the edge circular instead of straight across, they may grow and cause discomfort.
3. Small Shoes/Footwear
Ingrown nails can develop when you wear small shoes or socks. If pressed, they can cause pain.
4. Trauma or Injury
Accidentally hitting your toes or having large objects fall onto them are all possible traumas. This disorder can occur when the nail on your toes grows into your skin.
5. Genetics
Genes can play a part in the susceptibility of certain people to this growth. The shape of the toe or nail may make it more likely that the growth will penetrate your skin.
Ingrown Toenails symptoms
- Excessive growth of tissue : The skin around your nail may grow excessively, causing a tiny bulge.
- Pain and discomfort: The area around the nail becomes tender or sore.
- The skin around the nail becomes red and swollen: Usually, you will see that your nail area starts to become inflamed or red.
- Numbness: When the nail penetrates the skin, some people experience numbness.
- Infection : When an infection occurs, pus or discharge can appear around the damaged area. Infections tend to worsen the condition in the area of the nail growth.
- Difficulty in wearing footwear As the condition gets worse, it may become more difficult to wear shoes or socks. This is especially true if the pressure puts on a specific area.
Ingrown toenails: Risks and Treatment
It can lead to a number of complications including:
1. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that can spread rapidly and cause swelling. It may also cause redness in the area affected if the infection has spread beyond the toe. Cellulitis must be treated by a doctor immediately to avoid complications.
2. Infection
This disorder causes tiny skin tears that can allow bacteria to enter and cause illness. Infected nails can be painful, but they may also cause pus, discharge or need antibiotics.
3. Poor Mobility
This can make it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. It will also affect the quality of life.
4. Abscess
Abscess is a term used to describe an accumulation of pus which develops over time into a medical condition. In some cases, an abscess can develop as a result of an infected fingernail. Other times, it may require surgical drainage.
5. Nail Deformity
Ingrown nails can cause an irregular growth pattern that is twisted or malformed.
How to Remove?
In order to successfully treat an ingrown nail at home, it may be necessary to use an ingrown file. If not, bleeding and other complications may occur.
It is best to visit a healthcare professional or podiatrist immediately to safely and effectively remove any nail growth.
Treatment for this condition usually involves the following steps.
- Soaking your foot : By soaking the toes for 15-20 minutes in warm water, you can reduce swelling and soften skin and nail around the toes.
- Lifting a nail: After the nail has been soaked, a doctor can gently lift it. They could also tuck in a piece or dental floss to help it push through the skin.
- Trimming : A medical professional can trim the edge of your nail after you have pulled it to prevent it from growing into your skin.
- Antibiotics : If your toenail has become infected, you may be prescribed antibiotics by your doctor.
- Surgery In extreme cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery in order to remove the entire nail or a part of it, as well as the tissue beneath. The procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s clinic while the patient has local anesthesia.
After treatment, it’s important to keep the foot clean. Follow the doctor’s instructions to prevent this growth from returning.
Some cases, regular cutting and/or a change of footwear is required to stop the development.
The conclusion of the article is:
Unattended, the disease can worsen and lead to an abscess or infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a medical professional or podiatrist. It’s important to find reliable information about how to avoid the problem.
