Ingrown toenail: causes, what to do, prevention

Onychocryptosis is the medical name of the unpleasant process, when the nail plate ingrown into the skin. At first, it may seem that the pain in the nail area is a temporary inconvenience due to tight shoes or a bruise. That's why there is no rush to the doctor with this problem. When inflammation occurs, tissues swell, and the nail changes shape, it becomes obvious that medical attention is needed. Often the nail ingrown to such an extent that it is impossible to do without surgery. How to detect onychocryptosis in time? What to do if it occurs?

Causes of the appearance of an ingrown nail

There are several reasons why onychocryptosis occurs:

• Tight shoes squeeze the fingers, they increase the load on them, which leads to changes in the nail roll and in the plate.
• Incorrect trimming of the plate, when the corners are severely cut, traumatizing it and the surrounding tissues.
• Bruising, fungal diseases, and cancer also lead to ingrowth of the nail.
• Genetic predisposition, peculiarities of the shape of the fingers, nail plate and surrounding tissues.
• Varus deformity of the feet, in which the toes when walking and at rest occupy the wrong position.
• Poor blood supply to the foot due to varicose veins, diabetes, a deficit or excessive load on the feet.

What to do when an ingrown nail

It is necessary to consult a doctor podologist. He specializes in the treatment of diseases of the feet. Podologist will examine and establish an accurate diagnosis, because symptoms similar to onychocryptosis can arise from a splinter or insect bite. If necessary, he will make a referral to a related specialist: a dermatologist or a surgeon. A dermatologist will help to correct the abnormalities in the tissues and in the nail bed. The help of a surgeon is resorted to, if without surgical intervention it is impossible to eliminate the ingrown nail.

Non-surgical methods of treatment of an ingrown nail:

• Medical manicure is effective as a preventive measure. The specialist is well aware of the anatomy of the toes, he gives the right shape to the nail, without traumatizing it. He can determine in time that the nail begins to ingrow.
• Installing a special plate between the nail plate and the nail bed. This makes nail ingrowth impossible.
• Special staples or plates are placed on the nail plate. They lift the nail and it puts less pressure on the tissues. This prevents the nail from ingrowing.

With surgery, the ingrown part of the nail plate is removed. With laser surgery, traumatism is significantly lower, tissue recovery is faster.

To avoid unpleasant symptoms and surgery, onychocryptosis prevention is necessary. Choose shoes that are the right size. It does not squeeze the fingers. Regularly get a professional manicure, preferably medical, - it is not traumatic nail care. Moderate exercise promotes even blood circulation. If you have any discomfort in the nail area, see a podiatrist to diagnose and, if necessary, begin treatment in time.